Michael Jackson photoshoot doc offered to int’l buyers at Cannes

PanARMENIAN.Net - A documentary taking a behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jackson’s final magazine cover-shoots and the struggles the scandal-shrouded pop icon endured to make them happen is being offered to international buyers at the market in Cannes, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Directed by Craig J Williams, the documentary, Michael: The Last Photo Shoots, is billed as an intimate, unique story told through the eyes of Jackson's closest friends, photographers and stylists that had helped him prepare for his 2007 U.S. comeback after several years of living in seclusion overseas.

In September of that year, photographer Bruce Weber and Vogue fashion editor and Jackson's personal stylist Rushka Bergman captured Jackson for the 25th anniversary of the release of Thriller.

Later that month, the “king of pop” did another shoot with celebrity photographer Matthew Rolston and an interview that landed on the cover of Ebony magazine’s Dec. 2007 issue, which would be his first U.S. interview and magazine story in over a decade.

L.A.-based sales and financing banner Lightning Entertainment has acquired overseas sales duties on the project.

"We see Michael Jackson as influential and powerful today, nearly five years after his death, as ever before,” said executive vp & general manager Ken DuBow. “For fans of Michael, and there a millions around the world, this documentary gives a rare behind-the-scenes look into his life and access to those closest to him. It’s a powerful piece of work, and we’re happy to be representing the film in Cannes.”

Lightning’s international sales slate also includes coming-of-age story Ask Me Anything, starring Britt Robertson, Justin Long, Christian Slater, Martin Sheen and Robert Patrick.