August 10, 2009 23:16

Judge greenlights Michael Jackson film deal

Film will features pop star's final rehearsals in 3-D

Photo Gallery: Michael Jackson
Photo: Pa Photos

A Los Angeles judge approved a film deal between Michael Jackson's estate, concert promoters AEG Live and Columbia Pictures on Friday (August 7) for a movie containing footage of the pop star's final rehearsals.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff greenlighted the project, which will piece together hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson rehearsing in Los Angeles in preparation for his series of 50 London comeback concerts, which were cancelled after his untimely death in June.

Representatives from Jackson's estate will be allowed to review the film and must approve it before it is screened for the public, reports the Associated Press.

Parts of the movie will be shown in 3-D, and it is reportedly forbidden for the concert film to include any footage portraying the singer in a negative light.

Sony Pictures announced that they intend to release the film on October 28. The studio paid $60 million for rights to the film, and Jackson's estate is set to earn 90 per-cent of the profits according to the terms of the agreement.

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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