So Michael Jackson has sold the rights to his “Thriller” song and video as a Broadway musical, right? [ed. we just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to report it the first time]
Yes, but not so fast. Buttoned-up ’80s director John Landis (“The Blues Brothers” “”Gremlins”) who directed the classic, 14-minute video (then the longest and most expensive of its time), is pissed and suing Jackson because he claims the gloved one owes a shit ton of cash in royalties.
In the suit Landis charges Jackson with “fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct.”
“Thriller” was again, the most expensive video of its time, costing $500,000, and the Guinness World Records listed it in 2006 as the “most successful music video,” selling over 9 million units which is probably the exact reason why Landis wants Jacko to fork over some cash. Landis not only co-wrote the screenplay and helmed the “Thriller” video, he also directed an hourlong “making of” documentary.
Landis wants 50% and its thought that Jacko owes him around $1 million if the filmmaker wins the suit. Hmm, is Marty Scorsese going to sue over the video for “Bad” next?
What did John Landis have to do with Gremlins?
oops, got my wires crossed. Writing too fast. I always get Dante and Landis mixed up for some reason. Not that anyone can forget who Landis is, but… ah, you’d have to be in my brain. Anyhow, i fixed, thx. Landis is the guy who killed a bunch of people for a stupid stunt, how could i forget?
Espero que todo se arregle. Cada uno ha de proteger sus intereses. Os paso información de un cortometraje homenaje a los creadores de Thriller (con trailers incluidos).
http://nosvemoselproximomiercoles.blogia.com
Un saludo.