Kenny Ortega has been set to DIRECT a Michael Jackson motion picture! A film! A movie!

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert, said,

“This film is a gift to Michaels fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert.  I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT– inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force—you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers.  I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”

Dubbed the Billion Dollar Maestro by Daily Variety, KENNY ORTEGA has conquered Feature Films, Television, Stage, Concerts and massive Live Events such as The Olympics with equal excellence. As Michael Jackson’s director and creative partner on THIS IS IT as well as the previous Jackson concert tours DANGEROUS and HISTORY, Mr. Ortega has been a friend, trusted colleague and collaborator of Michael Jackson’s for over 20 years.

Kenny will segue from directing the film version of THIS IS IT to directing the Paramount feature film Footloose this fall.  The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualized Disney’s billion-dollar High School Musical franchise of films both for Television and as a Feature Film.  Kenny directed the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Mile Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring The Jonas Bros.  This tour broke numerous records and extended its sell out tour by more than 20 shows.  He also directed to tremendous praise the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah

Tagged as: AEG LIVE, Celebrity Kenny Ortega, Celebrity Randy Phillips, Michael Jackson Film & Movies, MJ exclusive, Place: 02 London, Sony Entertainment, this is it