NEW DEVELOPMENTS?

Well it has been a long time and this probably be my last message until mid-October.The cinema is going on a hiatus, school is back in session and trying to balance that along with my company and new job as Locations and Script Development Manager is alot.Well my mentor asked me about funding, but not for Mike ya'll but another film and that was about a week ago.But I'm hopeful, I know these things take time.So,for new MJ developments I will be rewriting the scripts to make it shorter because their run times are a bitch right now meaning no one wants them until their under 3 hours.So until something incredible happens, keep on livin' for the city

Luv ya,
D.Nesmith

Hey ya'll,

Really,I'm not sure if anyone is reading this but that's okay.Anyways, its been over a month since I've been on the blog and a lot has happened.Original this blog was going to be on the production of MJ but because theirs a lack of black movies in general it'll cover the development of The Ebony Cinematheque.

The Ebony Cinematheque is my production company which I launched in late August.The reason being I needed one just to get the name of my work out there.While frustrated of the lack of luv for Mike as a potential film property I took the Sophia Coppola method,write something inbetween to past the time.That "something" turned into my 1979 rollerdisco flick called "TILT".The film was inspired by this pic of MJ with Jermaine and YES! thats Barry White.Here's the synopsis:

Tremaine, a Los Angeles teenager works in a record store during the day and roller discos at night with his two sisters Lavelle and Sharon and best friend Freddy before leaving for college. He wants to be a prolific writer like the black literary greats of the previous generation and guards his heart like he protects his thoughts in his notebook. Tremaine, Freddy and his sisters hang out at the Tilt roller rink with their various friends. One day while working in the record store Tremaine meets Nova, a sexy New York transplant that go-go dances at night and the two begin a romance of funk music and roller-skating.

But everything changes when his best friend who works at the rink is killed, shot in the head standing outside the rink called The Tilt. While trying to deal with the death of his friend, he comes to terms with his relationship with Nova and the loss of Freddy. A few weeks later the rink is opened and Tremaine and his friends have a memorial skate to their fallen friend. That night, Tremaine and Nova consummate their relationship making their bond stronger. In the last week before Tremaine leaves, Jackson’s Off the Wall album is released and in one final skate with his sisters and Nova, he says his goodbyes underneath the sparkly disco ball.

Then things blew up.I finished the film and then start to look into making my this movie myself.See, I had been reading Spike all summer and other black filmmakers and when you get right down to it, its like my professor said: Do it yourself!

So I put together the company, and started the development and preproduction of my film.I've turned my script into a shooting draft, just finished my film offering and prospectus and now I'm looking for financing which seems bleak but then something else incredible happened.

I contacted my mentor and asked him a few production questions and he asked simply, how much do you need? I could have passed out.Nothing is official yet but let's hope my mentor knows someone who's interested.

Keep You posted.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 22

I haven't been on here for awhile so I just some updates.First and foremost,a friend of mine came into town and we were talking about black directors and the lack of them.I told him I believe studios just believe our minds can reach that far in creativity.But that's for another day, moving on I've finally complete the cast for my films and got it locked down and I think everyone is going to be happy.

The J5ive is almost complete except for Randy and Michael the star himself but for the new additions.We have Sophie Okeondo and Jascha Washington as Katherine and Marlon Jackson.I didn't realize that Washington who came to fame as Martin Lawrence's son in the Big Momma series resemble him so closely and the fact that Sophie has those cheekbones like Katherine and Janet.



Another new development is that a third film will round out my trilogy.My mother is my best critic and she's been pressing me for a 90s era look into Michael's life.In her eyes the stuff with Lisa needs to be on the screen, so people can know exactly what happen.She loves Lisa Marie and Mike so I've decided to continue my Jackson trilogy with "DANGEROUS" set in the 90s and the truth about what really happen(Y'KNOW WHAT I MEAN).This cast will introduce Ali Larter as Lisa Marie, Ali is the white chick from Obsessed and she has those eyebrows like Lisa.Since this is also when MJ's virtiligo had become the most severe I will not have a white person portray him instead I'm aiming for a very fair skin Puerto Rican actor.Since the script is completed I will now post the entire King of Pop at the script link so everyone can read it.I'll be back next week to update you.

The Sylvers V. The Jacksons

Both had 9 kids.Both could sing,so what exactly happened here.I'm be honest, the Jacksons are a cuter family than the Sylvers.
RARE FACT:Foster(the little one in front)use to be the voice of Michael on the Jackson Five cartoon.True Fact!

ALSO:The Jacksons and The Sylvers use to play together,the Sylver brothers all had a crush on Latoya while the Sylver sisters love the Jackson boys.They talked about how they were always hitting on them in a radio broadcast in 1973.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 21

RARE FACT: Michael proposed to Brooke Shields,ready now? 10 times.10 different times Michael Jackson asked Brooke Shields to be his wife,and she refused each time meaning she kept those rings(wonder what they look like?).

Because that fact didn't come out until he had passed,I wanted the film which was set in the 80s to deal with this scene between MJ and Brooke.So below is what I had called the "Carousel Scene", MJ had an unreleased Thriller track called "Carousel" which I thought was representative of their relationship.I wanted him to propose to her there, it seemed fitting....so, for your enjoyment, here is the cut sequence of MJ's proposal called "Carousel Scene", ENJOY!

EXT.AMUSEMENT PARK-NIGHT(1983)

A carousel sits glowing at night.Michael and Brooke stand
between the posts.Circus music can be heard off in the
distance.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I know you've been in school and
everything and I haven't been
around.

BROOKE SHIELDS
What's wrong with you...you've been
acting weird all day...did
something happen?

MICHAEL JACKSON
No.

A BEAT.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I've been thinking about things in
my life...changes....I need to
make...we can't keep doing what
were doing...unless we're
married...

A BEAT.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I was wondering...

Michael pulls a ringbox out his jacket pocket.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I know I asked you a few times
but....I was wondering if you would
be my girl...forever?

A BEAT.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Brooke...would you married me?

A BEAT.She looks at the 9 karat diamond ring.

BROOKE SHIELDS
(silent,then--)
Yes.You'll have for the rest of
your life.Yes I will marry you.

MJ takes out the ring and slips it on her finger.Brooke
stares at the diamond on her hand.

BROOKE SHIELDS
Come here.

Brooke takes Michael's hand and sits down on a bench.She
turns to MJ.He silences her with his eyes.Michael smiles.

BROOKE SHIELDS
I don't wanna get married just
yet...can we wait awhile?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Sure.

BROOKE SHIELDS
I love you so much.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I love you too.

They kiss passionately.

RARE: Slim Tito List

I don't have this in my script but I always thought this was a funny scene about Tito's weight and how Michael and Jermaine were going to get him to lose weight.Here is the actual list written out by the brothers for Tito.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 20

EXCERPT ABOUT MS.JANELLE PENNY COMISSONG.ONE OF MJ'S LEGENDARY EXS,IF POSTED BEFORE HERE'S AN ENCORE:
EXT.TRINIDAD-DUSK

The colorful orange hues and pink skies sail over the
Caribbean landscape of palm trees,crystal clear water and
sandy white beaches in the evening night.

INT.TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HILTON HOTEL-NIGHT

A small party is being held for the arrival of the brothers
to the island.LOCAL MUSICIANS and PRESS have arrived to talk
with and meet the brothers.Some are in a celebrity haze
while others lay back and remain smooth.

Alone on a rattan chair is Randy,holding his virgin frozen
drink.Boredom is written across his face, he wants to leave.
Getting up,Randy floats from each of his brothers until he
finds Michael.

RANDY JACKSON
(abrupt)
What time is it?

Michael is talking to a reporter--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(to the reporter)
I'm sorry, 'xcuse me for a moment.
(to Randy)
Pardon?..What is it?

RANDY JACKSON
(whispering in his brother's
ear)
Mike, when are we leaving?

Michael shrugs.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Go siddo Randy...or ask Marlon,I'm
not really sure.

Caribbean music fills the room as locals take pictures of
the brothers on their Kodak Polaroids when everything
stops—-

In a midst of flash photography,a beautiful young woman
enters the room.Its JANELLE PENNY COMISSONG, the Ms.
Universe of Trinidad.

She smiles sweetly into the bright white grins of MEN whose
GIRLFRIENDS clutch them tightly. Gracefully gliding though
the party as a melee occurs, she notices Michael among his
brothers.

She approaches them.

JANELLE PENNY COMISSONG
(Trinidadian accent)
Hello.

MICHAEL/RANDY
(giggling)
Hi.

Randy and Michael just stare at her--

JANELLE PENNY COMISSONG
Its very nice to meet you, so how
do you like Trinidad so far?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its beautiful.

Flashes go off, Michael and Janelle pose for a photograph
for the local press on the island.Everyone goes crazy,
directing Michael and Janelle.Standing there,next to each
other, Janelle notices that Michael is shaking.

Suddenly Michael feels something--Janelle is holding his
hand,between him and Randy.

She leans over to Randy--

JANELLE PENNY COMISSONG
(whispering to Randy)
Does he always shake this much?

RANDY JACKSON
(whispering back)
Mike is extremely nervous around
girls.

She smiles.

PHOTOGRAPHER
(yelling in the crowd)
Get closer!!

INT.TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HILTON HOTEL-MORNING

Michael swims to the delight of teenage girls,catcalling and
hooting for him.SCHOOL GIRLS in uniforms stare down at the
swimming pool containing Michael.

POOL--

Michael strokes through the crystal blue water while teenage
girls scream his name constantly, the hotel security try to
keep them back but its no use.

As Michael does a few more laps around the pool--the moment
they been waiting for occurs, his height is undeniable as
Michael emerges from the pool dripping wet to the screams of
his audience, yelling and pleading for him to come up.

TRINIDAD SCHOOL GIRL
(yelling down at Michael)
Hey Michael! Come on up by the
fence, we want'cha ta sign some
ortergraphs.

FADE TO BLACK:

MAKING OF THE KING PART 19

I'm still finishing up the script to the King of Pop movie and thinking about casting constantly.I know I would want some of my actors to reprise like Alicia Keys as Suzanne De Passe,Ice Cube as Berry,Pam Grier and Howard Hewett as Joe and Katherine.But two of the most important roles is the two women I think confused and perplexed Michael the most in his life.His on again off again true love Ms.Brooke Shields and his video dream girl Ms.Tatiana Thumbtzen.

When it came to Ms."T", I already knew who I wanted a long time ago.If anyone remembers the realms of Reality TV and that god awful mess of a modeling agency called ANTM or for us not working on our signature walk American's Next Top Model.One of the hopefuls who got lost in the shuffle was a Arizona girl by the name of Leslie Mancia.But this girl is a dead ringer(I'M NOT KIDDING) for MJ's video lover.She was cut and never seen again but she is Tatiana Thumbtzen-SEE PHOTO

In finding Brooke,no girl who is an actress is going to give you that height and look so it comes down to an actress who can give you look and you work on height.A few months ago before the end of the legendary lesbian series L Word went off the air there was a character who seemed oddly based on Lindsay Lohan named Nikki Stevens.Looking at her,she isn't a bad Brooke Shields.She's short,but that's why God invented high heels.So take a look at the two casting ideas for MJ's soul mates: MS. T and MS.BROOKE.

READ THE DRAFTS!

Here's the link with the rough title card opening: http://www.box.net/rghdrftofmakingtheking

The original script description

FADE IN:

Glittery rhinestones lay outlined in a thick white border
that are graciously topped with a small crown sitting above
the letter "i" in king-- they spell out the title:

OVER BLACK, GRAPHIC TITLE CARD:"D.Nesmith's The King of Pop"

CUT TO BLACK:

The second part is the original meeting between Stephanie Mills(MJ's first and only black girlfriend not counting Ms.Ross)and Michael.I wanted it to be verbatim like Mills stated but there wasn't enough time or revelance to the story.Here it is unedited:

INT.BROADWAY THEATER-NIGHT

The darkness of a Broadway theater is completely reminiscent
of a baroque painting. The glow from the spotlights
illuminates the faces of the transfixed audience. Music from
the orchestra pit adds to the atmosphere of the production
upon the stage. Walking to the footlights while looking out
into the crowd, STEPHANIE MILLS sings HOME—

STEPHANIE MILLS
(singing)
maybe there’s a chance for me to go
back now that I have some direction
...love and affection and just
maybe I can convince time to slow
up and give me enough time in my
life to grow up...

AUDIENCE Amongst the crowd, lost in the voice of Stephanie
Mills—Michael watches her, getting lost in her performance
and the meaning of her words.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(O.S)
Time be my friend....let me start
again...suddenly my world has gone
and changed its face but I still
know where I’m goin...

STAGE

Swaying underneath the crinoline of her dress,Stephanie
sings with passion to the audience underneath the spotlights
of the stage. Hitting the last notes of the song, the red
velvet curtains close to the thunderous applause.

The orchestra goes into He’s the Wizard as the crowd begins
to exit the theater out the doors.

DRESSING ROOM

DANCER
(talking loudly)
Oh wee that was a fabulous show
tonight, you hear me chile!!

The chatter of the backstage dressing room fills the air,
dancers change while the performers are being “dismantled”
by the makeup department. Sitting in a high vanity chair,
sipping on a Coke, Stephanie looks at herself in the mirror.

She looks out the door at PHOTOGRAPHERS and PRESS AGENTS
dodging for a glimpse or an interview from the cast.
Stephanie’s braided ponytails tie off with ribbons has been
undone, allowing a woman to emerge from this child like
character. Listening to the talk outside, she HEARS a
distinct voice—-

MICHAEL JACKSON
(O.S)
Oh I loved it....it was truly
wonderful performance…I love the
theater.

Stephanie recognizes it immediately, in a split second she
hops out of her chair and rushes out to the doorway. Peering
down the hall(looking at a group of photographers),Stephanie
sees Michael.She takes her time, step after step,approaching
him.

Michael is still talking to the photographers when he feels
a soft tap on his shoulder—-

MICHAEL JACKSON
(turning around)
Yes?

Michael looks down at the 4”9 star in front of him,
Stephanie just stands there—-beaming.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(at a lost for words)
Hi, I’m Stephanie, Stephanie Mills.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
I know—I thought you were great, do
you like it?

Stephanie's POV-Stephanie stares into Michael’s eyes, she
gets lost in his smile.Starring at his perfectly white
teeth, Stephanie forgets what she’s talking about.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(confused)
Ms. Mills, Stephanie?

Stephanie regains her composure--

STEPHANIE MILLS
(smirking)
Yes I love it very much, say can I
ask you a question….would you have
dinner with me?

Stephanie’s cast members watch from the doorway as she tries
to ask out Michael Jackson,they wait as patiently for the
response as she does. Michael thinks for a moment—-biting
his lip.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(shy)
I dunno...I’m sorry I’m flying back
to California tonight...I guess...

Michael is clearly shy, she can tell--

STEPHANIE MILLS
(smiling)
I’m suppose to be goin' to
California so—

Stephanie pulls out a pen.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(uncapping the pen)
Why don’t you give me your number?

Michael looks at the pen in Stephanie’s hand, he thinks for
a moment. He doesn’t socialize very often especially with
girls.After a moment, he gathers up the confidence and
scribbles his number down on the back of Stephanie’s Play
Bill.

SECURITY GUARD
(grabbing Michael's shoulder)
Mike we gotta go.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(waving)
Goodbye.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(seductive)
Bye.

Stephanie runs back to the giggles and whispers of her cast
mates in the doorway, waiting on the scoop to what just
unfolded.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 18

This is the rough title card of The J5ive.I've been trying to upload it and finally its online,next week will be the King of Pop.Just ignore the over black because when I figure out the rest of the cast(ie The Jackson 5) then it will be filled.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 17

Hey:

This is it for the evening.I posted a little bit of the script in the fan communities for Michael Jackson.There are millions of Michael Jackson fan clubs all over the world ranging in languages of Hindi to German.I making the films for the fans so I was dishearten to see people telling me they don't want another me because of the previous attempts like I would make Michael white or have Flex Alexander reprise his role. Everyone seems to think writers can't do him justice so I'm done with that.I have created a link to the original rough drafts of The J5ive and The King of Pop so everyone can read and see what the look and style of the intended films looks like.Its a global web address so everyone can download and read the script.

Here ya go.You be the judge

"Love.Peace and Soul"-D.Cornelius

I'm out.

D.Nesmith

MAKING OF THE KING PART 16

Hey,

I was talking to Mark today about what makes a script interesting? In elite film schools they talk about the details all the time but can you as a writer go overboard in listing everything.Mark told me to keep in simple unless its for story reasons or needs to set the tone.



A big inspiration of mines has been his video "Got til Its Gone".Mark revealed to me that Janet allowed him to be free with the concept and that the idea came from a discontinued magazine called DRUM and the photos of Malick Sidibe,who I am now in love with.

I guess for my film the style comes from Sidibe and Michael Ochs,the Motown photographer who captured everyone from Diana Ross to the Soul Train gang for publications like Soul Beat and Right On! magazine and such classic 70s shows like Flip Wilson,American Bandstand, and Midnight Special.

BIOPICS ARE THE NEW BLACK FILM TREND

Above is a great website on a indie film company which is looking for work known as The Film Department.Was interested in querying them but not so sure,the project needs to be made soon.If you look at www.imdb.com, there are over a dozen black biopics ranging from Marvin Gaye,Missy Elliot,Tupac,Rick James,Winnie Mandela just too name a few.It seems like everyone is in the biopic business nowadays.

RARE MICHAEL JACKSON V. TATE O' NEAL

INT.ROLLS ROYCE-DAY

TATUM O'NEAL,14 year old wild child is trying to show
Michael how to drive, switching gear shifts in his brand new
sky blue Rolls Royce.A gift for his birthday, Michael can't
even drive it.

TATUM O'NEAL
(pointing to stick shift)
Okay, now put it in drive

MICHAEL JACKSON
(confused)
Which one?

TATUM O'NEAL
(pointing to the "D")
That one!

Michael shifts the car--

TATUM O'NEAL
(yelling)
THE BRAKE,THE BRAKE!!!

Michael slams the brakes.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(angry)
What?!

TATUM O'NEAL
(direct)
Listen to me, now go.

Tatum sitting in the passenger seat directs Mike in the
driver seat.They practice along the property, driving up and
down the circle driveway.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(soft falsetto)
This isn't hard.

Michael gets the hang of it when SUDDENLY he hits a statue--
Joe rushes outside.

JOE JACKSON
(yelling)
MICHAEL!!!... What the hell are you
doin' out here? You know you can't
drive, turn that damn car off, you
both get out now!!!!

INT/EXT.HAYVENHURST-CONTINUOUS

Michael and Tatum stroll the grounds of the house in the
bright sun light.Showing her animals and places, Tatum
enjoys the walk.They start to talk--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(walking and talking)
You never talk about your mother...

TATUM O'NEAL
(bitter)
There's nothing to say.

Tatum's light green eyes go into a scowl.Walking along and
swinging her arms, Michael notices a cut on her arm.He
touches it.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(looking at Tatum's arm)
What's that?

Tatum pulls her arm away.

TATUM O'NEAL
(upset)
Its nothing...there is some stuff
with my mom...I just hate her.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(confused)
How could you hate her,your mother?

They take a seat on the grass together--

TATUM O'NEAL
(playing with the grass)
She never really took care of me, I
took care of myself and my brother,
she would leave us for days...all
alone...no food...that's not a mom.

Michael looks at her with sympathy.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(soft falsetto)
What about your dad?

TATUM O'NEAL
I see him sometimes...I take care
of myself.

MICHAEL JACKSON
That's really sad...its tragic
really.

TATUM O'NEAL
Why?...do you like your dad...
because every time I came over you
call him Joseph, not Dad...Why?

Michael is silent--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(angry)
He's not a father, he never
was...we call him Joseph because
that's the way he wants it...

TATUM O'NEAL
(intrigued)
So, your close to your mom right?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
Yes,my mother is a saint..but your
so strong, that's why I like you.

Tatum leans against him.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
Your a survivor..and...I wanna be
like that.

Tatum lays her soft dirty blond hair on Michael's shoulder,
wrapping her arms around his.As her soft baby pink skin lays
against his smooth cocoa complexion, they are different yet
the same.

TATUM O'NEAL
(sweetly)
I really like you Michael...I like
being with you...your the nicest
person I know.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
Thanks.

They look out into the distance.

DOORWAY--

Walking back to the house, the two teens wait on the steps.
They stand in the doorway of Hayvenhurst, looking inside
thoughts race through their heads. Michael and Tatum search
each other eyes, Tatum knows what she wants.

TATUM O'NEAL
(seductive)
Can I come in?

Michael shakes his head.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
Joseph wouldn't like it.

TATUM O'NEAL
He doesn't like me.

MICHAEL JACKSON
He doesn't like anyone.

Tatum licks and pouts out her lips,she's teasing in a manner
way beyond her years.Looking at Michael, she grabs his hand.
He pulls away--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(trying not to make eye
contact)
I should go...back inside...my
brothers need me...

TATUM O' NEAL
(getting closer)
What are you afraid of?

Michael doesn't answer.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(inching towards the door)
I should really go inside.

Michael steps inside when Tatum grabs him again--

TATUM O' NEAL
(looking down at Michael's
hand)
Wait...I wanna ask you something?

Michael smiles at Tatum, she gets lost in his brilliant
white smile.Michael looks at her--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
What is it?

TATUM O' NEAL
(flirting)
When can I see you again?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling back)
I dunno...were suppose to be going
to the Caribbean....I call you.

TATUM O' NEAL
(flirting)
Promise...right?

Michael rolls his big doe eyes.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling back)
Okay.....

Tatum stands on her tip toes to get close to him, looking
into his eyes, Tatum kisses Michael.

TATUM O' NEAL
(smirking)
Bye...

With a toss of her golden feathered hair, Tatum races down
the steps to her car.Though she is only a preteen, she can
drive.Something her boyfriend can't do.Getting in the car,
Tatum starts it up and heads out.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 15

Hey Everyone,

I just saw Flashdance last night(and yes that's nothing to be proud of)but in watching that movie I realized how much of a classic it is,from its imagery to its soundtrack.I think in making my film I want to retain the 80s sensibility that is in films like Flashdance and Footloose.Yesterday I starting think about preproduction and the usage of the color palette in film.Your suppose to reference a wide variety of things like color,music,photos,books,art....just about anything to anything to give you the look.Soul Train was one.Music videos were mine particular Lily Allen's The Fear for the 80s soft focus and Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg while the late 70s can be referenced in David LaChapelle's I'm Glad and This Train don't stop here Anymore.

RARE PHOTO: MICHAEL JACKSON FIRST TOUR 1970

MAKING OF THE KING PART 14

INT.JACKSON FIVE HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1974)

....Hours pass in the hotel room in the MGM Grand.Diana has
left.Childlike sketches of Tito, Marlon, Jackie,Randy,
Mother and Latoya named "Moon Face" lay on the floor.

The TV blares loudly, Michael and Janet are transfix to the
TV screen-- their watching an old Mae West movie, "I'm No
Angel".

Mae West saunters into the room and utters that immortal
line--

MAE WEST
(on the TV)
Come up and see me sometime....



Michael roars loudly with laughter at Mae West's
performance. He loves the old classics: a stack of video
tapes sit on the floor next to them. Everything from Anchors
Aweigh, On the Town and Butterfield 8.

JANET JACKSON
(pointing to the TV)
What's she doin'?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(looking at Mae West)
She's workin it' ...man is she
funky...I like that..here like this
Janet--

Michael quickly gets to his feet and re-enacts Mae West's
part from the movie.Shaking his hips, Janet follows his
lead.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(moving like Mae West)
More like this Janet, shake it,
shake it...

Janet wiggles her little hips side to side like the famous
screen legend. Michael is her director, monitoring her every
move for perfection.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing sweetly)
Yeah you got it.

STAGE

Michael goes on the stage to introduce the next act of their
family show.Standing in front of the crowd, Michael has
grown up. His white tuxedo glistens in the footlights of the
stage--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(walking with the microphone)
Now I would like to welcome a very
special guest,she's a small lil'
thing but she's a funky mama... my
sister Janet Jackson.

Janet switches down the steps in her ruffled pink Mae West
costume with hat and everything.Sauntering over to Michael,
he can't stop laughing at his sister's spot on imitation.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(clapping)
Janet Jackson, everyone.

The rest of the brothers join Michael on stage as they break
into "The Life of the Party".Michael resumes his role from
host to lead singer in a matter of seconds.

Randy, now apart of the act, plays the congas with
precision.Hitting the canvas with a smooth rhythmic beat
unlike anything this audience has ever seen.

DISSOLVE TO:

OVER BLACK, TITLE CARD: "1975"

The Jackson Five "I Am Love" plays

INT.HAYVENHURST-NIGHT(1975)

A Sunday night dinner at Hayvenhurst.The TV blares on in the
other room as the Jackson kids sit around the table.A huge
spread of soul food lines the table,the aroma of good home
cooking simmers over the various dishes.

Inseparable as always, Michael and Janet whisper among
themselves while Tito helps Dee Dee feed their son.Its a
typical night at the Jackson home.

Amongst the happy canter,Joe breaks the mood.

JOE JACKSON
(deep in thought)
Vegas...we had a good turn
out..better than what Motown
expected but...we're runnin' out of
options ever since that Abernathy
kat has taken over...I can't get
nothin' to Gordy.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(playing with his food)
Berry's workin' on another film
right now....

JOE JACKSON
Regardless...its time to look to
the future...the albums haven't
been good for awhile.

MARLON JACKSON
(passing a plate)
Concerts too...I mean were doin'
theater in rounds.

TITO JACKSON
(adamant)
We need to leave.

RANDY JACKSON
(upset)
In Milwaukee, it was only 2/3
full...

The boys look at Joseph--

JACKIE JACKSON
(talking in between bites)
So Joseph, what do you wanna do?

Joseph folds his hands--

JOE JACKSON
Its time to move on.

Michael looks up from his plate,Joe's words pierce him.

JOE JACKSON
For years, we've been thinkin' the
money is in the records....but its
publishing....publishing, writing
and producing that brings in the
big dollars. I got a vision for
this family...

MARLON JACKSON
What are you sayin?

JOE JACKSON
Jackie has been study the business
and I've been learning a thing or
two, its time we seek out a new
label...someone who sees the talent
we got here...someone who's gonna
let us write and produce...the
Jacksons as a sole music
company.Then we can get the
royalties and publishing like
Smokey and Stevie do.

Michael taps his fork against his plate,he doesn't like
Joseph's idea at all--

MICHAEL JACKSON
Berry taught us the business...
Motown is family....what are we
gonna do if we leave, if we ask
Berry mayb--

JOE JACKSON
I'm done askin' Gordy for
handouts...we'll do this on our
own.

TITO JACKSON
What about Jermaine...he's already
sided with Berry. He ain't gonna go
with this.

Time DISSOLVES since dinner,the girls and Katherine clear
the table.Heading into the kitchen with plates and glasses,
Joseph and the boys continue their discussion.

JOE JACKSON(O.S)
(pointing into the den)
Turn that off for a minute, this is
serious we need to finish...

Randy(14)gets up and turns off the record player.Its the
brother's latest single for Motown--

TITO JACKSON
We've been at Motown for almost 6
years now...we asked him about
writing our own music....he said
no...we're not happy, its time to
go some place where we are.

JACKIE JACKSON
We're not little kids anymore...and
the bubblegum sound is over...music
is changing... and Motown ain't
changing with it...so I agree..we
should leave.

MARLON JACKSON
I'm tired of singing the same ole
stuff...not to mention..they use
back up singers for our parts.They
don't need us...and we don't need
them...we can make the big bucks..

Michael is silent.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(unsure)
Look...leaving is a big step
....Motown taught us everything we
know...that's all I'm sayin'...I
feel the same way you do but I
don't want to just leave...Loyalty
that's whats important...we can
talk to Berry , like Stevie and
Marvin did....he'll listen..but we
got to try first instead of just
jumpin' the gun.

Joe looks at Michael--

JOE JACKSON
It doesn't matter Michael...your a
minor anyway.

Michael looks at Joseph, he doesn't understand--

MICHAEL JACKSON
What do you mean?

JOE JACKSON
I control your contract...not Berry
Gordy.

Michael looks at Joseph,a feeling of helplessness fills him.
Looking at Joe, Michael gets up from the table and leaves.

INT.MICHAEL AND RANDY'S BEDROOM-NIGHT(1975)

Michael sits on the side of his bed, he is still thinking
about last night.Michael shakes his head at the thought,
trying to make it go away.

MICHAEL

looking at his nightstand,Michael stares at the phone
sitting there.He has to make the call--he needs to speak to
Berry himself.

Michael gets to his feet.

Looking down at the rotary phone, he takes a deep breath
reaching for it.Michael's long fingers slip into the holes,
dialing around and around.He holds the phone to his ear,
waiting anxiously.

The phone rings...when finally there's an answer--

BERRY GORDY(ON THE PHONE)
Hello?

MICHAEL JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
(confident,then--)
Mr Gordy...we need to talk

CUT TO:

MAKING OF THE KING PART 13

July 3

I've been really frustrated on trying to get this film made.It seems like Hollywood has this gilded cage that sometimes seem impenetrable.The key word is seems,I've written to Mark Romanek in an attempt to find a mentor in showing how to achieve this project.For those of you who don't know Romanek is a great director(MICHAEL AND JANET-SCREAM,JANET-GOT TIL ITS GONE,NIN-CLOSER)

July 4-
Mark contacted me.He said he couldn't mentor in the regular terms but would be happy to answer any of my questions via mail about his style,technique or anything on film making when he could find the time.He's a cool guy and a great talent.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 12

I have two scripts: one on The J5 and the other on MJ.Excerpts below are from The J5ive written by D.Nesmith:
EXT.AIRPORT-DAY(1971)

Music continues.Michael stares at the plane in front of
him.Approaching,he freezes in his tracks--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering to himself)
I can't do this...

Swallowing hard,Michael grips the "MAD" magazine underneath
his arm.His brothers go on without him.Turning around,Marlon
sees Michael.

MARLON JACKSON
C'mon Mike!

Michael SIGHS.

A gentle hand falls on Michael's shoulder as Suzanne walks
up behind him.She tries to comfort Michael,Suzanne knows
he's afraid of flying--

SUZANNE DE PASSE
It'll be alright Michael...come
on...we have to go now or we'll be
late.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(nervous)
I'm afraid...

Holding hands.

SUZANNE DE PASSE
Don't be....come on...you can hold
my hand...I promise nothing is
gonna happen to you...you don't
want us to have to carry you on
here again, do you?

MICHAEL JACKSON
No...

Michael holds Suzanne's hand tightly.She leads him to the
airplane,up the stairs.The two disappear inside the cabin,
waiting for the plane to take off.

EXT.STREET-NIGHT(1971)

Music continues.A sleek black limo turns the corner and
pulls up outside a clothier.Joseph and the boys get out
quickly,cutting inside.

INT.CLOTHIER-NIGHT(1971)

A SALESWOMAN leads Joe,Suzanne and the boys through the shop
to the counter.

SALES WOMAN
Anything in particular?

Looking at itinerary.

SUZANNE DE PASSE
They just wanna look around
(RE:The brothers)
Get anything you need guys.

Tito and Jackie go to a wall of hats.Tito pulls aside a
TROCADERO hanging on the wall.Jermaine goes to a rack of
jeans with Marlon.The boys pick out clothes.

JOE JACKSON
Get coats.Y'all can't get sick.

MARLON JACKSON
Joseph? Can we get jeans?

JOE JACKSON
'Eh,listen to me.Git what you need
now because we not stopping again.
You don't have socks,or anything
else.You'll be without 'em.

JERMAINE JACKSON
(holding a shirt)
I don't have enough.

The boys look at their money,complaining.

TITO JACKSON
I can't buy this.

JACKIE JACKSON
Joseph?...Joseph?

JOE JACKSON
Hold on.

Joe pulls out a check and pays for everything.

INT.LIMO-NIGHT(1971)

The brothers gaze out the windows,sitting in the backseat.
Tito looks out to see where they are.Michael reads comic
books.

TITO JACKSON
Can we take some pictures?

INT.HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1971)

The boys,still in their clothes,watch TV.Steak,salad and
french fries on five plates lay on the floor.Jermaine,bare
foot,walks around.Drinking Coke.Jackie gets up;sits on the
bed and picks up the phone.

Punches in numbers.

JACKIE JACKSON
Suzanne?

INT.BATHROOM-HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1971)

Jermaine and Michael,in stage costumes,brush their teeth.
Jermaine does his hair while Michael watches.

INT.LIMO-CONTINUOUS

The brothers sit in the backseat.Drinking.They each have a
cup of tea with honey for their voices.They down it.

INT.DRESSING ROOM-NIGHT

The J5 sit backstage,waiting to go on.They talk to various
MOTOWN PRESS and other CELEBRITIES.Tito sits in the corner
strumming a BB King riff.The boys kill time;joking,eating
and laughing.

INT.BACK STAGE-NIGHT-LATER

They come to the stage-area.Musicians stand around in the
background.Anxious.Michael peers from behind the curtain,
looking out at the crowd.

MICHAEL JACKSON
How many people are out there?

JOHNNY JACKSON
I dunno..too many to count.

Michael's stomach turns.

JACKIE JACKSON
Ready Mike?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(a deep breath)
I'm ready Jack.

The curtain rises--Showtime.

INT.MADISON SQUARE GARDEN-NIGHT(1971)

The J5 onstage performing "MAMA'S PEARL".Singing and
Dancing.Michael moves to the beat with Jackie and Marlon.
Jackie shakes the tambourine.

The ROOM is packed!Girls against the stage;scream,yell,and
clap to the music.Michael struts across the stage singing.
The brothers bring the song to its end.Suddenly the stage
plunges into darkness.

MICHAEL JACKSON(V.O)
Thank You.

The KIDS go WILD!

EXT.MADISON SQUARE GARDEN-NIGHT

CHAOS! The STREETS is heavy with TRAFFIC.Dripping in sweat.
The boys;wrapped in towels,blankets and coats,hop back in
their limo.Pulling off.

EXT.STREET-MANHATTAN-NIGHT-CONTINUOUS

The limo turns a corner.FANS line the streets as the J5's
tour caravan approaches.Fans hit,kick and pound on the
windows.The DRIVER goes 25 MPH through the melee of fans
outside.

INT.AIRPLANE-NIGHT

The boys change their clothes in the aisle,just shirts,
taking their seats respectively.STEWARDESSES serves
sandwiches and Cokes as the plane takes off.Michael is
nervous.He shuts his eyes to get rid of the thought of the
plane crashing.

EXT.HOTEL-LOS ANGELES-DAY(1971)

A luxury hotel in down-town Los Angeles.Doormen stand
outside the entrance.Limousines wait outside the door.Luxury
cars are parked nearby.

INT.HOTEL-HALLWAY-DAY(1971)

Jackie and Jermaine take some girls back to their rooms.
Bringing them past the security guards,the brothers are
starting to indulge in the temptations of the road.

One of the guards shakes his head and smiles...

After everyone is inside,Jermaine checks the hall.He makes
sure that it's clear.No one around,he shuts the door after
placing something on the knob.

DOORKNOB

a "Do Not Disturb" sign dangles from around it.

SECURITY GUARD
Damn. They ain't even be here 24
hours.

Bill Bray LAUGHS.

DISSOLVE TO:

MAKING OF THE KING PART 11

Excerpts from the rough draft of The King of Pop written by D.Nesmith:
INT.NEW YORK ART GALLERY-DAY

Michael and Andy Warhol stroll through a gallery in New York
looking at his recent work.COLLECTORS and BUYERS stand
around as Warhol and Michael stand arm and arm looking at
his recent canvas of "Elizabeth Taylor".

ANDY WARHOL
(silent,then--)
Like it?

Michael studies the painting.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I do.

ANDY WARHOL
I wanna paint you sometime...

MICHAEL JACKSON
No, I'm too embarrassed.

Michael laughs--

ANDY WARHOL
I think that's interesting.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You know I always wanted to ask you
something?

Warhol looks at Michael.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You know who I always see you with?
Alfred Hitchcock?...I thought you
were brothers or something.Did you
interview him? He talks funny,
doesn't he?

Andy lets out a laugh, people look at them--

ANDY WARHOL
Liza was right about you.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(confused)
What do you mean?

ANDY WARHOL
Nothing.No,he's not my brother but
this reminds me when you ask about
my mother.

Michael smiles.

ANDY WARHOL
There's this place called Regine's,
the good people go there,I was
going to go tonight.Did you want to
come?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Sure.But can I bring someone?

ANDY WARHOL
Who?

MICHAEL JACKSON
A girl.

INT.STEPHANIE'S HOTEL-NIGHT(1977)

Stephanie sits at her vanity,doing her makeup,looking at
herself in the mirror.She looks at the clock,its 8:30pm.She
gets up,goes over to the closet and pulls out a DRESS--its a
soft pink.

She puts her metallic platform shoes underneath it.Stephanie
puts it on,adjusting the plunging neckline, grabbing her
purse off the bed.She switches off the light and closes the
door.

EXT.NEW YORK CITY STREET-CONTINUOUS

Michael waits on the sidewalk,a little nervous yet excited
when Stephanie steps outside looking stunning.She approaches
him.Stephanie smiles,placing her hand on his shoulder.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Michael?

He looks her over,gazing at her under the street lights.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You look so beautiful...

STEPHANIE MILLS
Thank You.

They get into the Cadillac,driving off into the night.

EXT.REGINE'S-NIGHT-LATER

TRAFFIC HORNS blare in front of REGINE'S,a hip Park Avenue
NIGHTCLUB in New York City.A trendy nightspot for socialites
and the rich and famous,its run by a flamboyant Brazilian
chanteuse known for her prolific parties and high-profile
clientele.

The Cadillac pulls up to the curb,Michael gets out with
Stephanie and cut inside quickly.

INT.REGINE'S-CONTINUOUS

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you live alone?

ANDY WARHOL
With my dogs.

Michael,Warhol and Stephanie laugh and talk,heading for
their table.Sitting there,they look over the menu.Andy
orders first,Michael whispers in Stephanie's ear.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering)
Order for me.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(whispering)
Okay.

Stephanie orders for them both,handing the waiter the menu
politely.

ANDY WARHOL
Liza told me your real famous.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Michael is a very famous singer and
dancer,him and his family have been
in the music business for long
time, I was discovered by his
brother.

ANDY WARHOL
But you still do Broadway.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Yes.

ANDY WARHOL
(RE:Michael)
So, your a big star.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Not really...not like Liza or
Truman.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Don’t be modest,he’s so sweet
...Its’ quite impressive,I'm always
telling him that.

ANDY WARHOL
Really?

STEPHANIE MILLS
He’s shy, Michael’s shy.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I dunno, I guess so.All my life
I've been famous and all I ever
wanted was to be normal really

Stephanie listens intently.

ANDY WARHOL
What is that like...to be famous so
young?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I dunno...strange,I feel odd around
normal people.

Stephanie grabs his hand underneath the table,holding it.
His long hands are interlaced with hers.

ANDY WARHOL
Normal? How so?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I guess people that are not
famous...I feel like a freak when
their staring at me like that.

Warhol is intrigued.

STEPHANIE MILLS
I never knew you felt that way.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its just something I had to deal
with.

ANDY WARHOL
Gosh, your voice is high.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I know,I hate it.

ANDY WARHOL
No,No,No...I love it..its neat.

Stephanie smiles.Michael is quiet.Suddenly she brushes her
hand against his,underneath the table,Michael's knees
weaken.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you have any kids?

ANDY WARHOL
Me? I don't believe in getting
married.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really? Why not?

STEPHANIE MILLS
You don't ever want to get married?

ANDY WARHOL
I don't believe in love.

Michael and Stephanie look at one another--

STEPHANIE MILLS
I love Michael, very much.

Stephanie kisses Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
Have you slept together yet?

STEPHANIE MILLS
No...we haven't.

ANDY WARHOL
You haven't slept together?

Warhol looks at Stephanie and Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
Are you...are you virgins?

Michael locks eyes with her,his mouth opens into a gasp,
nothing comes out.

ANDY WARHOL
(silent,then--)
Your virgins?

Silence.Neither one says anything,Stephanie just smiles at
Warhol's question.

ANDY WARHOL
You are,aren't you...Gee.

STEPHANIE MILLS
We haven't slept together but we
want to.

Stephanie bumps Michael's knees underneath the table,
wrapping his arm around hers.Andy smiles.The dinner
continues.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Why? everyone believes in love?
Really?you don't? you just date
people?

ANDY WARHOL
Yes, I love to date.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really? I've never really been on a
date outside of the Dating Game...

STEPHANIE MILLS
(laughing;eating)
Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
What's that?

STEPHANIE MILLS
A TV show.

ANDY WARHOL
So you've never been on a date?

MICHAEL JACKSON
no,never...except for that,and it
was work...and the one were on now.

Stephanie and Warhol smiles.

ANDY WARHOL
I just haven't found the right one.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I sure she's out there.

Andy smirks.Finishing their food,Stephanie rests her head on
his shoulder.She turns to Michael and taps him on the
shoulder.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Excuse me.

Fixing her dress,Stephanie gets up and goes to the ladies
room.Michael and Warhol are left alone,both silent,then--

MICHAEL JACKSON
What are truffles?I like meat and
potatoes,I drink lots and lots of
water...I guess that's why I'm
skinny.
(pointing to Andy's plate)
Is that caviar?

ANDY WARHOL
Would you like to try it?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I'm not to anxious to try some,
maybe just a little.

Michael tastes it.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you honestly like this stuff? I
can't understand that.How can you
eat this stuff!?

Warhol laughs as Stephanie returns.

STEPHANIE MILLS
What are you laughing about?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(offering a spoon)
Try this.

Stephanie frowns.

STEPHANIE MILLS
What is it?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Caviar.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Alright.

Stephanie tries it.

STEPHANIE MILLS
I DON'T like that.

EXT.REGINE'S-NIGHT-LATER

Michael and Stephanie hug Andy before cutting outside to
their car.Saying there goodbyes,Stephanie quickly cuts
inside the Cadillac.

CAR

Stephanie looks out the window,watching Michael and Andy
Warhol talk about Star Wars.Michael waves once more,cuts
around the car and hops inside.

From behind his sunglasses,Andy watches it disappear into
the night.

DRIVER
Where to?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Central Park West.

INT.MICHAEL AND LATOYA'S APARTMENT-LATER

Michael turns on the lights,the luxury suite glows.Stephanie
looks around in amazement.Stephanie follows Michael to the
first bedroom door.

Drawings line the wall,small objects sit on a small desk:a
FIGURINE,PHOTOGRAPHS,an old NEWSPAPER,PENS,MARKERS,PENCILS.A
STEREO with a cassette player sits in the corner,with
speakers adjacent.But something catches her eyes:Albums.
Finally she finds one she likes,placing it on the player
--The Commodores "ZOOM".

Suddenly,Michael grabs her by shoulder--Stephanie turns and
faces him.They smile,locking eyes.A passion passes between
them...She unbuttons his shirt,touching Michael's chest
delicately.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(silent,then--)
Michael...

A Beat.

MICHAEL JACKSON
...I don't wanna sleep alone...

They both hesitate,Stephanie pushes the shirt off his
shoulders to the floor--

STEPHANIE MILLS
...you don't have too....

Their lips find each other,timidly thus progressing to
something more.Falling into the bed...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.MICHAEL'S BEDROOM-CONTINUOUS

Music continues.Michael lays in bed with Stephanie beside
him.They kiss one another passionately and slowly,a sensuous
display of rhythm.

Stephanie places her hand on his chest, moving her hand
along his body,she lets her fingertips rest at the top of
his jeans.In a simple motion,she begins to unbutton them
when--he stops her.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(sigh,then--)
...No...

STEPHANIE MILLS
Why not?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I can't...

She kisses him,then--

STEPHANIE MILLS
C'mon.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Not until I'm married...I don't
believe in that.

He takes her hand away and holds it gently.Stephanie moves
closer to him,resting her head on his chest,falling quickly
asleep.

INT.MICHAEL'S BEDROOM-DAWN

Michael is asleep.He sleeps on his side,his arms carefully
supporting his face.Stephanie lies in front of him,watching
him.Suddenly a pair of HEELS echo....STOVE TURNS ON,DOOR
KNOB TURNS.Stephanie wakes up.

Waiting.She sits up,turns over to look at Michael--he's
still sleeping.Stephanie slides out of bed,wearing only one
of Michael's old t-shirts,creeping to the door.She turns the
knob,looks in and sees Latoya(on the couch)watching TV while
sipping hot chocolate.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 10

Excerpts from the rough draft of The King of Pop written by D.Nesmith:

INT.LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT-NIGHT(1988)

Tatiana comes into the restaurant,she scans the room,its
completely empty except for two people:Michael and Frank.
She’s annoyed now,smoothing out her dress.

Tatiana takes a seat.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Why is he here?

MICHAEL JACKSON
He goes everywhere...

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
....Even on a date?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(quizzical)
Is this date?....

Tatiana smiles.She’s upset.Michael can tell--he leans
forward,whispering into her ear.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering)
I’m sorry...truly I am.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I know.

Michael and Tatiana look at their menus.She looks up and
sees Frank,smoking across from them.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Frank, can you please not do that?

Frank shrugs;then complies.

FRANK DILEO
Sure.Mike...I’m gonna go outside
for a few and take a call...you two
just enjoy your meal.

Frank leaves.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I wanted to be alone with you...

MICHAEL JACKSON
I know...this is as alone I can
get.

She sits her menu aside--

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Michael,I really like you and I
don’t want to wait on something I
feel is right...

She reaches for his hand across the table.Hesitantly,he puts
his hand into hers.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Can I trust you?
(taking off his glasses)
Trust that you love me?

Tatiana stares into his eyes.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes.You can trust me.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.HOTEL SUITE-NIGHT(1988)

MJ AND TATIANA

Making out in the moonlight.She unzips his jacket,slowly,
pushing it off his shoulders.It falls to the floor as he
sinks into her.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.HOTEL SUITE-MORNING(1988)

Michael looks at the clock--its 10AM.He reaches over
Tatiana,picking up the phone.

MICHAEL JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
Hold all my calls please...thank
you.

Mike hangs up.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Well I know your situation...that
your famous...

 A BEAT.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...there's people around you...
they’re not good people...and I
just wanna be with you.

MJ stares into her eyes;in bed.He holds her close.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You are with me....your with me
now.

"T" smirks.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(silent,then--)
You know,one on one,without the
whole gang being around.I just...

 A BEAT.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...its important to me to be with
you.I don't care.I just wanna spend
time with you...I've never felt
anything like this before...with
anyone.

MICHAEL JACKSON
What do you want?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
All of you.

MJ sighs,running his fingers through his hair."T" sits up in
bed;looking at Michael.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...I'm afraid

MICHAEL JACKSON
Afraid of what?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...afraid I'm not going to see you
again...

INT.SOUND STAGE(LEAVE ME ALONE MUSIC VIDEO SET)-DAY(1988)

Michael and his monkey,BUBBLES,lay on a trampoline.MJ plays
with his pet laying on his stomach,playing peek-a-boo.
Tatiana watches for a few moments,walking up and
interrupting them.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN(O.S)
Is that Bubbles?

MJ rolls over.

MICHAEL JACKSON
What are you doing here?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Frank invited me.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really?

Michael stands up,climbing off the side.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yeah....I miss you

She smiles.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
I miss you too.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(laughing)
Bubbles?

Tatiana points.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah, that's him.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Wow.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Wait,you wanna hold him?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(unsure)
I dunno....

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its okay...he's friendly
(to the monkey)
Bubbles, come here.

Bubbles runs over,climbs into Michael's arms.He holds him on
his hip.

MICHAEL JACKSON
C'mon,hold him.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I'm not sure...

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its okay.
(laughing)
Here,hold on.

MJ puts Bubbles down.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Take his hand.

Tatiana looks at the chimp for a moment,then--takes his
hand.Michael then leads Bubbles by the hand out the room.

EXT.FILM STUDIO(LEAVE ME ALONE MUSIC VIDEO SET)-1988

MJ and "T" stand off to the side with Bubbles,talking away
from everybody.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
So when does the tour start?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(holding Bubbles)
In a few weeks.

She nods.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
That's good...you start here first
or overseas?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Overseas then Here.But I'll be in
LA for a few weeks.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Well least you get to be home for a
little while before leaving...

MJ smiles at her.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah, that's true in one way.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I can't wait to see it.

Michael looks at her--

MICHAEL JACKSON
That's what I wanted to ask ya...

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
What?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I get lonely on the road.... its
hard for me..because I hate touring
but the label wants me to go....I'm
still not ready...but we're leaving
soon...and I want you there...on
tour with me....

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Michael,I..I don't know what to
say...

MICHAEL JACKSON
Say yes...yes, you'll come with me.

She smiles.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes, I will come with you.



MJ hugs her tightly.
EXT.LOS ANGELES STREET-NIGHT(1988)

A MERCEDES pulls UP to the curb.MUSIC BLARES from the slick
sound system inside.Black leather jacket,high heel boots and
hot orange lipstick--Janet Jackson gets out and heads inside
the restaurant.

INT.THAI RESTAURANT-NIGHT(1988)

Janet ENTERS.She scans the room,the place is fairly empty.
Looking in the back she see Michael,seated at the table near
the window.

She seats herself.

JANET JACKSON
I love this place.

MICHAEL JACKSON
That's why I picked it.

Janet picks up a menu.

JANET JACKSON
Did you order?

MICHAEL JACKSON
No...I was waiting on you.

JANET JACKSON
I'm hungry.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing)
Your always hungry....

Janet puts down the menu,then--

JANET JACKSON
(waving her finger)
You betta' watch it now!

MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing)
I'm sorry.

She sits the menu aside,when a WAITER brings Michael tea.

JANET JACKSON
(RE: Waiter)
Can I have the same?

Waiter nods,then leaves.

JANET JACKSON
So,are you excited?I know you
are...about the tour.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Well...

JANET JACKSON
What’s wrong?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I’ve never toured on my own...

JANET JACKSON
...I’ll sure it’ll be great.

MJ plays with the soy sauce.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You do?

JANET JACKSON
Yes, Mike.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I mean every since we we’re kids,
its been me with the brothers...
I’ve never been on the road
alone...I’m scared.

JANET JACKSON
You’ve been doing it for so long,
I’m surprised...

MICHAEL JACKSON
...Never by myself.

Waiter sits down Janet's tea.

JANET JACKSON
...Well what’s bothering you
particularly?

MICHAEL JACKSON
The time...I feel like I don’t have
enough time.

JANET JACKSON
(laughing)
How much more do you need?

Michael covers his face,rolls his eyes--

JANET JACKSON
You’re such a perfectionist...

MICHAEL JACKSON
...So are you

BEAT.A moment between brother and sister.

MICHAEL JACKSON
...I’m mean really Dunk,I need more
time...this is solo...when your out
there with a group,you have that
balance of other people to help you
out... without them I feel naked on
stage ..I’ve never been without the
Jackson 5...its uncomfortable for
me....when your out there...all
alone you have to remember one
thing, you listening?

Janet listens,intently--

JANET JACKSON
Yes Mike...

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its all riding on you.No one else,
there is no one to blame but
yourself...I mean Frank thinks I’m
crazy but I got a sound stage,I
just practice,practice, I never
stop working,these people onstage
their the difference between a
great show and a good show.



INT.LOS ANGELES HOTEL LOBBY-MORNING(1988)

Franks stands at the front desk counter,checking out the
entire crew.He turns in the keys,settling the bill.

INT.HOTEL HALLWAY-DAY

Tour Manager walks down the hallway,knocking on doors.Till
he gets to the end of the hall.He KNOCKS on a door,its a
Suite.ROADIE walks past the Tour Manager,carrying tons of
luggage.

TOUR MANAGER
(knocking,then--)
Bill? You up?

INT.MJ'S SUITE-MORNING(1988)

BILL BRAY(V.O)
We're up.

Bill goes around the bed and wakes MJ up.He goes over to the
nightstand and turns on a lamp.

BILL BRAY
Joker,time to get up.

Bill sits on the bed;Michael goes into the bathroom.

BATHROOM:

MJ stands in the shower,letting the water hit his face.

BILL BRAY(V.O)
'Eh, I don't hear no washin' goin'
on in there.Michael,you better not
be sleep.

AFTER SHOWER:

Michael does his hair.He picks up the the rubber band and
pulls his hair back.

BILL BRAY(V.O)
Michael,10 minutes.

Eyeliner.Michael emerges,fixing his belt in his jeans.He
slips his feet into his Bass Weejuns.MJ goes and sits on the
bed,adjusting his clothes.

Room service.Mike and Bill have breakfast.MJ eats oatmeal,
drinking Orange Juice.He laughs at the cartoons,clapping his
hands.Mike checks the room.

BILL BRAY
Got everything,Joker?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah,Bill.Ready?

BILL BRAY
Ready when you are?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Let's go.

MJ turns off the lights.

EXT.HOTEL-MORNING(1988)

Michael walks out,BODYGUARDS circling him.FANS run up,
handing him things.PAPARAZZI rush up to him.MJ hands them
back quickly,cutting inside the limousine.

INT.PLANE-EVENING(1988)

Michael,sitting by the window,stares out at the flight
pad.He looks at his watch.Its 5:00p.m.He turns to his side
and sees Frank across the aisle.

MICHAEL JACKSON
What time do we get there?

FRANK DILEO
5:15,tomorrow.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.HALLWAY-HOTEL(BAD TOUR)-MIDNIGHT(1988)

Tatiana walks with MJ.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Your brothers they got married so
young...why? I never heard of
getting married so young?

MICHAEL JACKSON
They wanted out of the house...that
was the only way for us at the
time...we were so young that’s all
we could do...that's why I'm not
married.

"T" laughs.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Nope.I've always been the hold out.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Your mom told me the story about
when Marlon got married...he didn't
tell anyone.

MICHAEL JACKSON
No.Not even me.He was afraid we
would talk him out of it...that's
how it is...everyone wanted to get
out of that house...

A BEAT.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Get out of the house...can I ask
why?

MICHAEL JACKSON
At home...it wasn’t always nice,
(interrupts himself)
What does your family do?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
My father is a school teacher...

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes...

MICHAEL JACKSON
Did you always want to dance?

"T" thinks.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
At first I didn’t...but dancing
came natural to me...ever since I
was little...I’ve been dancing...
ballet at first...then I moved to
contemporary...but you’re the thing
everyone in dance is talking about.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I haven’t done anything.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
What do you mean? You’ve done a
lot.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I taught myself to dance from off a
TV just watching people like James
Brown and Jackie Wilson.I picked up
a step here and there...that’s all

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(surprise)
That’s all.

She slowly sips the bottle of Perrier water.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I mean I don’t like limiting myself
...there’s so much more I want to
do...don’t ever limit yourself...
something can always be done.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I like that,believing in things...
dreams and making them come true.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I feel the same way...I miss things
that are simple...being a child
...that’s what’s important mostly.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I agree...sometimes I just need to
laugh to feel my spirit.

MJ stares at her.He reaches for her hand and takes it--

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
You seem so sad all the time,can I
ask why?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I’m just a lonely person...I’m the
loneliest person in the world...

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I can see that...

MICHAEL JACKSON
People think I’m weird...but that’s
the thing about money...you’re not
weird...now you’re eccentric...

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I don’t think your weird...you seem
normal to me.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Me too.

A BEAT.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Why is it this barrier between you
and people, I feel like you put it
up to protect yourself...sometimes
when you look at me,it’s like...I
feel you can trust me...talk to me
...but other times...I don’t know
what your thinking...and it drives
me crazy...the not knowing...where
you are...and what you’re feeling
right at that moment...I don’t want
it to be that way...

MICHAEL JACKSON
What’s it like where you’re from?

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Ocala...its small and quiet...no
one would bother you there,it’s
away from everything.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I like that...away...I wanted to
live away from it all...my sister--

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Which one?

MICHAEL JACKSON
My oldest sister...her name is
Rebbie...she lives in the south in
Tennessee....its beautiful down
there...the houses and the way the
people talk....I just love it...
y'know...I could just eat it....

"T" smiles.

TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Everyone knows everyone,great
family place...

MICHAEL JACKSON
I like to start a family...after
this...I just want to live my
life...

They embrace.