“MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT”

ADVANCE BOOKING TO OPEN IN INDIA ON 27 SEPTEMBER

In line with the global trend, Sony Pictures Entertainment in India announced today that in India too, the booking of the much-awaited movie Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will begin as early as 27 September, an entire month before the film opens in multiplexes on 28 October.
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will be available worldwide for a limited two-week engagement beginning Wednesday 28 October. The film will release across India with over 150 prints. Tickets for all shows are available for purchase beginning this coming Sunday, 27 September. 
Moviegoers can purchase tickets by visiting select Fame and Cinemax properties as well or through online booking on their respective websites.
 “We anticipate a major demand for this film because of the huge fan following of Michael Jackson in India and also because the film has a limited two week only engagement in theatres. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the King of Pop perform larger than life,” said Kercy Daruwala, Managing Director - SPE Films India. “We have a host of activities planned around the film which we will be revealing in the days leading to the release,” he added.
 The film’s world gala will be in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Tuesday, 27 October.  Other locations, including Mumbai, Moscow, Tokyo, Sydney, Paris, and many others will host their own non-simultaneous premiere activities.
Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT will offer 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 summer in London’s O2 Arena.  Chronicling 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 one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his 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 captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show, is also directing the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures Releasing.  For more information about the film please visit www.thisisit-movie.com.
 About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries.  Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.