After Sony’s successful ‘This Is It’, studios and fans hope for more dead pop stars
Studios look to capture the magic of ‘This Is It’
PuffStuff Pictures head Miguel Branson is hoping to reap the financial windfall that Sony Pictures earned with the release of Michael Jackson’s concert film This Is It. For Branson though, he has his eyes on something bigger than the late King of Pop. “I’m really hoping that more pop stars die,” said Branson. “That sounds rude, let me rephrase that. I hope pop stars die who have filmed themselves before launching a concert tour.”
Before his death in June of this year, Michael Jackson was preparing for a 50-concert series of shows in London. Recordings of his rehearsals were never meant for public viewing. After Jackson died from cardiac arrest, concert promoter AEG Live and Sony Pictures, with the eventual permission of the Jackson estate, turned the footage into a feature-length film. This Is It, named after the original concert series, was given a worldwide release and a limited two-week theatrical run from October 28-November 12, 2009. The film has been a mammoth success for AEG and Sony and has earned so far just over $100 million dollars. This Is It is now the most successful concert movie ever.
“I have my eye on a few musicians but I’m really hoping for Britney or Madonna to suddenly die. That would be great for the studio and great for the fans,” says Branson . “Just think, if Madonna was recording some concert footage and she died and the footage was turned into a movie, the fans would love it. It’s all about the fans.”
Other studios have had the same thoughts as PuffStuff Pictures and have already been in contact with other popular musicians. “I look at the Top 40 and I try to pick the one that would generate the most interest if they were to die,” said Fung Flicks chief Kathleen Young. “I’ve spoken with the estate for Lady GaGa but talks broke down rather quickly. It’s probably for the best,” Young said. “She looked like a winner though I’m worried she’s not truly a danger to herself. Ideally we would like somebody who is addicted to pharmaceuticals or handguns.”
Fans have also speculated about upcoming posthumous concert movies. “I’d love to see a Green Day movie. I’d be bummed if they died, but how cool would it be to see them in a concert movie? Maybe it could be in 3D?”
