“MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT” MAKES MOTION PICTURE
HISTORY AS THE HIGHEST-GROSSING CONCERT FILM OF
ALL-TIME WORLDWIDE
BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT LEGENDARY KING OF POP TAKES US$101 MILLION IN
FIVE DAYS, BREAKING ALL-TIME RECORD FOR THE GENRE.
SEASON EXTENDED IN AUSTRALIA DUE TO PUBLIC DEMAND.
CULVER CITY, Calif., November 1, 2009 – Since Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT was released
October 28 in theatres worldwide, the late performer’s fans everywhere have responded, already
making it the highest-grossing concert film of all-time with a worldwide total of $101 million and
counting, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Worldwide Marketing & Distribution. With an estimated gross of US$32.5 million domestically and
US$68.5 internationally, the film’s worldwide take in just five days of release has surpassed the
record previously established by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds (which had a
lifetime worldwide gross of $71.3 million).
In response to the tremendous interest and desire to see the film around the world, the studio has
also announced that it is extending its limited engagement. Locally, the Australian season will be
extended an additional 2 weeks to cater to demand. Stephen Basil-Jones, Managing Director of
Sony Pictures Releasing Australia says “It is clear the public want more opportunity to see this
spectacular film so we are extending the season to cater to this demand. With over $4 million in
ticket sales in Australia since the film opened on Wednesday
evening, it is clear a two-week
season isn’t going to be enough time to allow all those who want to see it the opportunity to do
so.”
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT offers Michael Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare,
behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out
concerts that would have taken place beginning this past summer in London’s O2 Arena.
Covering the months from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of
the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes
footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences will be given a
privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid
detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is the last documentation of Michael Jackson in action,
capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he
and his collaborators move toward their goals of London, the O2, and history. Kenny Ortega, who
was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, also directed the
film, which was being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive
producers are John Branca and John McClain.
For more information, please contact:
Xanthe Bates, Publicity & Promotions Manager, Sony Pictures Releasing
02 9272 2919 or email Xanthe_Bates@spe.sony.com
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