KATHERINE JACKSON'S NEW BOOK: NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE

Katherine has just released a new book.She hasn't put out a book since 1990 when she wrote her memoirs on her and families rise to fame in "MY FAMILY:THE JACKSONS".Since MJ's death,his mom thinks its important know who he truly was and is releasing a book that can only be purchased at a site called "jacksonsecretvault".In it she shares with the public little stories about Mike that remain forever in her memory along with rare photos no one has ever seen.Katherine is like every ones mother,you just feel for her right now.I will be purchasing this book, all the proceeds goes to her.

RARE FAMILY PHOTOS FROM THE JACKSONS

"AND HE WILL FOREVER LIVE...." 1958-2009

It was only a year ago that Janet Jackson spoke those immortal words on the stage about her brother Michael dressed in his favorite color white.As I watch the news today as people honor his late memory it just puzzles me that all people are concerned with is the fact that this man is still making money even though he is gone and the amount of money he has grossed.What I think people right now should be thinking is that a family has lost a child today,a funny little brother,a wise older brother,a devoted son and a loving and sweet father.

Everyone talks about his music and how "this" move is their favorite and "this" song is their favorite but being of the age that I am.I did not get to witness the Victory tour but got to see how quickly public worship could change to media assassination before my very eyes.Vegas gives MJ a star on the Walk of Fame yet only a few years ago he was banned from the fair "Sin City".My, how fickle is this world.All I keep asking is why did you have to love him in death, why couldn't you love him when he was still here.Was it because it was only a few years ago you wouldn't even help let alone stand next to him?

I think of MJ and his life in the spotlight in the context of a child with a toy.When MJ was lil' Michael, he was a brand new toy.You always wanted to play with it,had time for it and devotion.My Michael became Michael Jackson,he was your favorite something you could always go back to but once the toy wasn't as shiny then it wasn't fun anymore,it seems like he didn't have the latest technology for your liking or dazzle you anymore.But once someone else was playing with it(ie Overseas)now you want it back.I think if MJ was here today and so all the love people have for him he would be amazed and sadden.Sad because where have you've been when I needed you? This is a man who didn't want to be alone and died alone in that house,Where was his Yoko? that female person to flourish him as a artist? Michael this script is done and I will make sure that your name will be engraved into their cerebrum for all time whether they like it or not.I will show the world who you truly are and not what they expected.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 7

This is the original prospectus which was given to Paramount,Edmunds Entertainment and the Estate of Michael Jackson.

The J5ive

Feature Film Project


D.Nesmith, Screenwriter and Creative Consultant


 

Highlights
T H E P R O G R A M

It is clear that in the industry, there is a serious lack of dramatic films for African Americans. Though specialty divisions in the majors do occasionally produce seminal work, features in this genre are usually not given the same promotion as a large bowed film with names attached.
D.Nesmith is a new writer, launching her career with her first feature film screenplay with the current working title The J5ive (the motion picture).
The original screenplay has been written by D.Nesmith. As the writer, D.Nesmith is solely focusing on partial or sole creative control on the work since completing over a year of research for the screenplay. The property was written with another project attached for production as a part of this film. D.Nesmith is very well versed in theatrical distribution and development, and wishes to be consulted on the project through its various stages of production. The writer is committed to the vision of this project and bringing it to the screen on time and under and/or within budget.
The Motion Picture
The motion picture, a full length feature is to be produced from the original screenplay of the working title The J5ive.
Project Status
S C R I P T: The script has been completed. It may be revised or polished in preproduction.
LEGAL STATUS: No life rights have been attained for any of the characters in the film. The production and creative are included but not limited to: producer, director, writer, editor, etc. and are considered independent contractors.





Treatment
The J5ive
Written by D.Nesmith
An autobiographical musical drama about the inception of the five brothers from Gary to the legendary label Motown; and the personal struggles that occur amongst the teenage singing sensations.
All of Joseph’s dreams about to come true, he thinks to himself as he waits patiently for the response from the Motown creator, Berry Gordy .The contracts wait anxious on the table as Joe Jackson signs his boys up to the Motown machine, from there the boys are brought to the sunny land of California to begin work on their album but there has never been a place for kids since Stevie. In an instant, the Jacksons from 2300 Jackson Street are transported from their humble beginnings to the warm weather of the West Coast, thrown into a world they have never known of glitz and glamour. In no time and with the help of a young intern, Gordy creates the first group of its kind. As the brothers are "manufactured" into the iconic group, they are trained and prepped for the media learning very early the politics of show business. But it’s Michael, who gets the real education as he is taken under the wing of his goddess: Ms. Ross, herself. The real work begins as the first album and appearance is packaged to present the Jackson 5 to the world and in a matter of months, the brothers become Motown’s singing sensation launching them into a stardom no one could have ever expected.
Time passes and life changes, marriages and babies, the brothers come of age during the 70s as each tries to find himself, his voice and his own separate identity .Tito finds strength in his marriage while Jermaine finds freedom in his. Jackie struggles with his age and the life he wished he had and Marlon finds comfort in the written form all the while as Michael loses himself in a sadness he’s never truly known. But many things change, the unity that once there is tested as Michael grows up and the dynamics shift. By 1974, the golden age of the J5 has reached its end and the once amazing Motown’s singing sensations bubble has finally popped.
Distraught and feeling worn beyond their years, the boys make a move that will reverberate forever in time causing a family fallout between the brothers; themselves. Can they remain who they are and be who they want to be?









Promotional Hook
From trials and tribulations, the perils of success and family struggles The Jacksons leave their humble beginnings in Gary, IN to become black media royalty with one of the biggest music labels of all time, Motown. The brothers ranging in age; fight, sing and dance under the tutelage of the Motown machine but as they come of age can they maintain their throne at the top?

MAKING OF THE KING PART 6

Excerpt from The J5IVE written by D.Nesmith

FADE IN:

INT.MOTOWN-CONFERENCE ROOM-DAY-1968

A large MAHOGANY DESK fills the entire frame,we SEE a pair
of worn and weathered hands crossed across it.Sitting there
REVEAL....JOE JACKSON, late 30s,stocky and ferocious in
simple clothes.

His gaze is fixated across the room to RALPH SELTZER,late
30s, Jewish man wearing a well tailored suit with expensive
eye wear.

RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Gordy was very impressed with
the boys and can't wait to get
started--

JOE JACKSON
Alright, that's excellent.

RALPH SELTZER
Yes, Berry believes the boys are
gonna be huge..

A BEAT.

RALPH SELTZER
Then they will be...Big, "BIG" ,
big stars....and if Gordy believes
this, then Mr. Jackson your whole
life is about to change ...

JOE JACKSON
(eager)
Then let's get to work.

RALPH SELTZER
But first things first, I have here
the contracts the boys need to
sign.

Ralph gets up from the table and begins to hand out five
very weighty contracts.He lines them up in a row in front of
Joe Jackson.Joe scans the nine page documents.

RALPH SELTZER
(thumbing through pages)
Mr.Jackson if you could please turn
to page three of the contract,
under clause number one, I just
wanna make sure your aware that
this contract is binding for a term
of seven years.

JOE JACKSON
(turning through the pages)
Wait a minute, wait a minute now,
we didn't say nuthin' about seven
years that's way too long for the
boys.

RALPH SELTZER
(stern)
This is standard.

JOE JACKSON
That's too long, the boys will only
do a "year" at Motown.

Ralph Seltzer smirks at Joe's statement.Rearranging his tie,
he folds his hands calmly on the desk.Taking a deep breath,
Seltzer sees he has to explain a few things.

RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Jackson the minimum contract we
offer is 5 years, I'm a have to
speak to Gordy.

JOE JACKSON
(leaning back in his seat)
Fine, speak to him.

Ralph Seltzer goes over to the phone and begins to dial
frantically.Turning his back to Joe,he takes a deep breath
as the ringing turns to a dial tone.

RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
I need to speak to Berry,
(a beat)
....its Seltzer.

After a few minutes, Seltzer's mood changes.

RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Berry ,how are you ..yes, well not
so much...we hit a snag here, I'm
here with the kids' father...yeah,
their wonderful yes but their
father...Mr. Jackson says he won't
sign.

BEAT.There is silence on the phone.

RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Hello?....Hello,Berry ?

Ralph's body tenses.There is clearly a response on the phone
now,he is nodding frequently.Seltzer turns around to Joe--

RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
(still holding the phone)
Yes, Berry, here he is.

Ralph hands the phone to Joe.

RALPH SELTZER(ON THE PHONE)
Mr. Jackson, Berry Gordy would like
to speak to you.

Joe Jackson takes the phone.He cups the receiver end, making
sure Seltzer doesn't hear him.SLOWLY he raises the phone to
his ear.

JOE JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
(nervous)
Hello?

Listening intently like a child receiving instructions,
finally Joe speaks after a few minutes.

JOE JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
Well Mr. Gordy if the boys mean
that much to you, we can find a way
to make a compromise...yes, because
7 years is too long for
them.....we'll change it then.

Joe hangs up the phone.Seltzer waits patiently for Joe's
response,he stares at the five contracts across from him.

JOE JACKSON
(matter of fact)
Gordy says he's gonna think about
it.

Seltzer smirks again. In less than 5 minutes the phone rings
again,Joe quickly picks it up.Listening to Gordy's response,
a huge grin spreads across his face.

JOE JACKSON
We got it.

Joe hands the phone over to Seltzer.Ralph nods frequently at
each response Gordy gives him,he presses the line button and
puts Berry on hold.

Walking over to the desk,he hits the intercom.

RALPH SELTZER
Patricia, could you please send an
assistant up?

Ralph takes his place at the head of the table across from
Joe.The ASSISTANT finally enters the room,the two men stand
up in unison.



RALPH SELTZER
(motioning over to the phone)
Its Berry.

The Assistant and Seltzer go over to the phone.Seltzer hits
the line button,he resumes business.Seltzer relays Gordy's
instructions by proxy.The assistant scrawls down some fast
dictation,making sure he gets every word,then leaves.



JOE JACKSON
What's going on now?

The assistant returns--carrying a stack of papers.In his
arms are five NEW CONTRACTS with the new amended clause
added to it.Removing the previous contracts off the table,
the assistant puts the new ones in their place.



RALPH SELTZER
Mr. Jackson have a seat... now that
has been taken care of,clause eight
states that the boy--



JOE JACKSON
That's fine, when can they sign?

BEAT.Seltzer is taken back by Joe's forwardness.He shrugs.



RALPH SELTZER
Now.

Joe Jackson quickly gets up from the table.He almost
stumbles over his feet as if he can't move fast enough to
the door.Opening it,Joe sticks his head out.

JOE JACKSON
(motioning to come inside)
Come in.

In single file,almost like a school yard,the boys enter the
room in age order with the oldest first.Entering the room,
JACKIE JACKSON(17)tall handsome yet quiet boy. He is clearly
the oldest.Followed by TITO JACKSON(15)a boy almost
identical to Joe Jackson.

The two oldest boys stare at Seltzer,their eyes meet.After a
few seconds,they divert their gaze to the floor.

Shuffling in next is JERMAINE JACKSON(14)handsome young boy
with sleepy eyes.Catching up to him is MARLON JACKSON(11)a
small boy with red hair and wide eyes.Its clear they are all
related.

Four kids stand in front of Seltzer, looking at him.Their
clothes are worn,they don't have much.Seltzer remembers
there are five contracts.

RALPH SELTZER
Isn't there one more?

Standing in the doorway looking in is the last brother.Small
and quiet,he PEEKS in from the hall.

JOE JACKSON
(impatient)
Come on now, lets go.

The last of the boys enters the room,small in stature with
long hands and eyes as big as saucers,he stares at Seltzer
behind the desk.

MICHAEL'S POV-CONFERENCE ROOM

The room seems huge in the sense of a child's perspective.

BACK TO SCENE

MICHAEL JACKSON(10),very cute with brown doe eyes,joins his
brother Marlon.They almost look like twins,standing closely
together.

Michael looks at the five stacks of paper on the desk, he
smiles.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(looking to Joseph)
We got it,were on Motown?

JOE JACKSON
Yup.

The boys burst into enthusiasm jumping up and down,
screaming and yelling.Seltzer smiles at their youthful
display,walking over to them he pulls out a slick ballpoint
pen.

JOE JACKSON
Well, sign it.

Excited and jumping for joy,the boys calm themselves just
enough to take turns using the shiny ebony ball point to
apply their signatures to the documents.

Lastly is Michael--

He stares at the glassy pen's shine and gold trim in his
small hands.Looking up at the man towering over him,
Michael's eyes stare back at Seltzer.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(RE:Seltzer)
We'll be on Motown?

Seltzer nods,giving Michael reassurance.He smiles.

In childlike handwriting,he signs his name on the bottom
line with Joseph's signature underneath.

RALPH SELTZER
(extending his hand)
Welcome to Motown.

The boys begin to jump up and down like jellybeans.

INSERT- THE MOTOWN CONTRACT

The childlike signature on the line above the name typed
"MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON" identically across from it "MARLON
WALTER JACKSON" next to "TORIANO ADARYLL JACKSON" followed
by "SIGMUND ESCO JACKSON" and lastly "JERMAINE LAJUAN
JACKSON".

EXT.BERRY GORDY'S MANSION-DAY(CHRISTMAS 1968)

A sprawling decadent mansion in the suburbs of the Motor
City. Behind large iron gates, numerous luxury cars decorate
the property.

INT.BERRY GORDY'S MANSION-CONTINUOUS

A party is about to begin.Works of art and photographs line
the walls of this place.A Greco-Roman palace in the middle
of Detroit.

Joe and the boys wander through the opulent home,entranced
in a world they never known. Light glares as Michael stares
up into a massive glittery chandelier.He's lost in himself.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Black people really live like
"this"...gosh,its so BIG!!

Skipping down the stairs in a ruffled pink party dress,HAZEL
GORDY(15)big wide eyes and a smile on her face appears with
her hair press 'n' curl.

She looks up from her shoes,her eyes immediately lock with
Jermaine.Smiling.Hazel approaches Joseph and the boys,
specifically Jermaine.

HAZEL GORDY
Hi, I'm Hazel.

JERMAINE JACKSON
Hello,I'm Jermaine.

He stutters a little,Hazel giggles.She finds him REALLY
cute.

HAZEL GORDY
I "know".

Hazel and Jermaine.Smiling.Its love at first sight.Joseph
COUGHS to break the mood.

A BEAT.

JOE JACKSON
(annoyed)
Where's your father?

Suddenly walking up behind him,BERRY GORDY(41)in a sharp
black suit and tie,places his hand on Joe's shoulder.

BERRY GORDY
Hey guys, nice to see ya.

Berry smiles.He hugs Michael and Marlon,tightly in his arms.
Gordy gets lost in their big brown eyes.Their cute kids,easy
to love and adore.

BERRY GORDY
Let's sit down, Hazel tell 'em to
get us some drinks.

INT.LIVING ROOM- A FEW MOMENTS LATER

A regal living room with very expensive furniture.Joe and
the boys feel uncomfortable sitting on it.

Joe and Gordy talk business in the b.g as the boys sit
quietly.He listens to Gordy with the utmost respect.Hazel
sits next to her father batting her eyes at Jermaine.

BERRY GORDY
...I want you to understand how
important this is...

He glances away every few seconds trying to avoid eye
contact.

Michael's eyes dart around the room.Looking around,amazed.He
reaches into his pocket and takes out bubblegum.When
suddenly SOMETHING catches his eye--

PAINTING

A beautiful oil painting of Berry Gordy in Napoleon's
uniform sits on the wall.

BERRY GORDY(O.S)
Now let's get to the party.

INT.POOLROOM-DAY-HOURS LATER

The Motown glitterati party it up.Guest dance around the
pool to the music.SMOKEY ROBINSON,THE TEMPTATIONS,FLO
BALLARD,TAMMI TERRELL and STEVIE WONDER dance together.They
all lounge around;talking,laughing and drinking from little
punch glasses.

In the b.g,the Jackson Five SING.The Motown legends and
staff dance and bob their head to the music.

The walls are decorated with holly and ornaments.A foil
Christmas trees sit behind the boys.Its a festive occasion
at one of the most known parties in the city.Michael sings
and dances his James Brown routine when suddenly he stops;
and becomes entranced.
AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS

A shadowy lithe frame glitters in the light like diamonds.

STAIRS

Descending down,the figure REVEALS a low back,white silk
gown.A mass of hair pulled tightly in a sleek chignon.She
hits the last step like a regal goddess,as Berry takes her
hand.

BERRY GORDY
Everyone, DIANA ROSS.

DIANA ROSS(24)is the epitome of diva as she strolls on
Berry's arm in front of his children.No one comes close in
comparison to her in this room.Michael stares intently at
Ms. Ross, his lips move as he continues to sing but his eyes
are locked on Diana.

The boys finish their song.Applause.Gordy approaches with
Diana--

BERRY GORDY
..I want you to meet these kids...

DIANA ROSS
Berry, please...

BERRY GORDY
Meet them first then I'll explain
everything....
(RE:the boys)
Guys,come over here I want you to
meet a fine lady, this is Diana
Ross.

Diana composes herself,formally.The boys smile in unison.
Diana Ross smiles back at them.Looking down,she SEES
Michael.

DIANA ROSS
(whispery voice)
You must be Michael.

Michael nods,he can't make words--

DIANA ROSS
You're so cute.

Diana pinches Michael's cheeks,he blushes as Marlon nudges
him.

INT.INDIANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT-DAY(1969)

A busy terminal as people hustle by.Jermaine,Michael,Marlon
and Jackie sit in size order in their seats.Joe takes care
of the flight information at the counter.

JOE JACKSON
This flight leaves soon right?

The STEWARDESS checks the ticket information again.Typing.
She retrieves it.

STEWARDESS
Yes,sir.

Joe motions for the boys to join him,they grab their bags
and hurry over.Michael lingers in his seat,staring at the
entrance to boarding the plane.

Michael is afraid.

Joe gathers the boys over;hands Jackie the ticket
information.They huddle into a circle,very close,standing
side by side.

JOE JACKSON
Now.Someone from Motown will be
waitin' for you when you get there,
now Jackie boy....you the oldest ,
take care of your brothers, you
hear me?

Jackie nods.

JACKIE JACKSON
Yes, Joseph.

STEWARDESS(V.O)
Now boarding for PAN-AM Flight 315
to Los Angeles,California.



JOE JACKSON
Alright,behave.

The boys all nod when Michael begins to cry--

MICHAEL JACKSON
I'm scared.

Joe kneels down to Michael's level.Looks into his son's
eyes,hugs him tightly.Father and son's eyes meet.Joe wants
him to understand how important this is to them,him and
everyone else.

JOE JACKSON
This is our dream Michael...Motown,
remember that.

Michael dries his eyes with the palms of his hands.Joe
rises,waving goodbye.The boys walk towards the door,hand in
hand,heading down the corridor to their plane.

EXT.PAN-AM AIRPLANE-DAY-STOCK(1969)

A SERIES OF SHOTS,the plane soars through the air towards
California.

INT.LOS ANGELES AIRPORT-DAY-HOURS LATER

Flight 315 debarks.

Passengers flood off the plane.In the huge crowd of people;
Jackie,Jermaine, Marlon and Michael emerge from the masses. 
Jackie holds Marlon's hand tightly as Jermaine holds
Michael.

Jermaine looks around,confused.

JERMAINE JACKSON
Where do we go?

Everywhere are crowds of well dressed,fit and sun-tanned
people.Jackie's eyes scan the room when he notices a black
tall LIMO DRIVER holding a sign with "JACKSON" on the front
of it.

JACKIE JACKSON
This way.

The brothers follow Jackie towards the man clad in all
black.The kids stop in front of him,the driver looks at the
boys.

LIMO DRIVER
You the Jacksons?

The boys nod in unison like usual.

JACKIE JACKSON
Our father sent us,he's coming in
the van.

LIMO DRIVER
That's fine, follow me so we can
pick up your bags.

Jackie hesitates for a moment,he lowers his eyes to the
floor.

JACKIE JACKSON
We don't have any,this is our
luggage.

The limo driver looks at the worn second hand bags the boys
are carrying.He nods in understanding,leading them through
the busy terminal.

INT.HOLLYWOOD HOTEL-ROOM-EVENING(1969)

A seedy,disreputable,fairly economical hotel.Bags and
luggage cover the worn and bald carpet of the room.The T.V
glares against the greasy windows.The boys lay strewn across
the beds.

This is no place for children.Jackie,the tallest sits on the
floor.Watching cartoons.

Joseph is NOT HERE.

Suddenly a heavy KNOCK on the door,five pairs of eyes darted
to the doorway.

JACKIE JACKSON
I'll get it.

Jackie quickly gets to his feet,putting the security chain
on first. He cracks the door open slightly.

EXT.HOTEL ROOM-CONTINUOUS
JACKIE

....as his face peers through the crack of the door.You can
only really SEE his eyes.

JACKIE JACKSON
(soft spoken)
Yes, can I help you?

JOE JACKSON(O.S)
(stern)
Boy lemme in.

Jackie nods and shuts the door.CLINK CLANK--Jackie removes
the security chain off the door,opening it again.

INT.HOTEL ROOM-CONTINUOUS

Joseph ENTERS.Carrying a bucket of chicken and a carton of
milk.He sets the food out on the table.The boys begin to
eat.Joe takes a seat on the edge of the bed where Tito and
Marlon have been sitting.

TITO

sees Joseph's back as he leans off the bed almost hunching
over.

JOE JACKSON
'Eh now listen up,tomorrow is a big
day for us...

Joe speaks to the five faces of his hungry sons amidst the
chewing and smacking of fried chicken.Jermaine and Marlon
begin to fight over the next drumstick.

JERMAINE JACKSON
I got it!

MARLON JACKSON
Gimme!

JOE JACKSON
Jermaine,give it to him.

JERMAINE JACKSON
But Joseph....

JOE JACKSON
Now.

Jermaine gives it to his brother.Marlon pushes the chicken
into his mouth.

JOE JACKSON
Gordy has invited us over to Diana
Ross' place,he has some big
announcement.

TITO JACKSON
When are we gonna start recording?

JACKIE JACKSON
Yeah Joseph, we've been out here
weeks now.

JOE JACKSON
I dunno,look, he'll explain
everything tomorrow...I'll know
when you'll know.

Tito hands Joseph the bucket of chicken.Joe reaches in the
bucket to salvage a piece of dinner.Joe tries hard,
maintaining five boys.

After a while,Jackie and Tito begin to clean up the mess
when suddenly there's ANOTHER KNOCK at the door.Jackie and
Tito look when Joe gets up quickly--he points.

JOE JACKSON
Um-mh,you boys take care of this,
listen...

BEAT.Joseph looks at his sons.

JOE JACKSON
Jackie,you in charge.

Joseph straightens his clothes,the knocking continues
outside the door.He's not sure what to do.

JOE JACKSON
In bed before 10,you hear me?

The boys nod in unison.

Joe goes to the door,he opens it slightly.A Woman's VOICE
can be HEARD.He laughs and talks through the crack of the
door.

JOE JACKSON(O.S)
I told you nine.

Joe looks for something.He walks to the door;goes to the
coat hook,grabbing his belongings off the wall,putting his
hat on.He waves goodbye to the boys and slams the door shut,
the SOUND of a lock clicks after him.

INT.DIANA ROSS'LIVING ROOM-DAY(1969)

The boys sit quietly in the modern stylish living room of
Diana Ross' luxurious home.Berry enters the room,his swagger
puts the boys at ease in the unfamiliar place.

Sitting down.

BERRY GORDY
'Eh guys,I know you've been anxious
... so have I,God,...I just have so
many ideas for you.. this gonna be
big.I can see it now, you guys will
be a phenomenon.

Michael looks puzzled--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(trying to pronounce a word)
What's a "phenomenon"?

BERRY GORDY
That means Michael,you guys, will
be something the world has never
seen before.

The boys smile gleefully.

BERRY GORDY
First we'll work on the image....
then the songs and after that, who
knows the possibilities....I'm
gonna make you kids the biggest
thing in the world,believe me.

TITO JACKSON
That's wonderful Mr. Gordy

BERRY GORDY
You're gonna have three number one
hits in a row, they'll be writing
your names in the history books,
its coming.

Joe watches from the corner of the room.

JOE JACKSON
That's right,so whatever Mr. Gordy
says I wantcha' to do.

Talking and laughing.Berry smiles--when he notices his
watch.

BERRY GORDY
Sorry guys,gotta cut this a little
short.....got business back at the
office to take care of.

Suddenly the door OPENS.Diana Ross ENTERS--wearing black
satin hot pants and halter.Her huge golden hoop earrings
glisten in the light.She hugs Berry Gordy,who places his arm
around her tiny waist.

BERRY GORDY
Joseph,boys ...you remember Diana?

The boy's mouths are wide open as their huge eyes stare back
at the woman in front of them.Diana giggles at their
expressions.

JACKIE/TITO/JERMAINE/MICHAEL/MARLON
Hello Ms.Ross...

DIANA ROSS
(seductive)
Hello boys.

BERRY GORDY
I was just telling the boys...how
you want to be apart of their
career...mold them...

DIANA ROSS
Yes.Very much so.I wanna help you
make the transition to Motown...
we're family here...and we're very
excited to see what you can do.

Sits.Diana Ross joins the boys and Gordy.The group laughs
and talks among themselves.

CUT TO BLACK:

INT.BERRY GORDY'S OFFICE-DAY

A golden pen holder sits on a beautiful dark wood desk,
plants and other office decor sit around the room.Two large
picture frames sit on the left side next to a phone.

Various pictures and news clippings in frames line the
walls.Berry Gordy sits behind his desk,he is listening
intently.

A YOUNG PRODUCER is speaking.Berry folds his hands across
the desk,looks out the window then back at the producer.

YOUNG PRODUCER
(handing Gordy the music)
Well Mr. Gordy,I have this track
and I think it will work well with
Gladys,you know.

Reaching for it.

BERRY GORDY
Lemme see.

The producer hands Berry the tape.He pops it in and takes a
listen to it.Silence.Berry listens to the instrumental
track.The producer sees the nod of approval.

YOUNG PRODUCER
(talking over the music)
Right now all I have is a rhythm
section,you know, but its a great
tune Mr. Gordy if you give it a
chance.

BERRY GORDY
(talking over the music)
So, what exactly do you need?

YOUNG PRODUCER
Singers really,someone with that
soulful sound...y'know?

Berry turns off the tape.

A BEAT.

He thinks to himself for a moment.The demo sits on the desk
between him and the producer.Looking down at the tape,Berry
snaps it up.

BERRY GORDY
Well FREDDIE,its like this...we got
a ton of great acts right now and
I'm sure this would be good for
Gladys but I'm working on
something--

Freddie raises his eyebrow.

FREDDIE PEREN
What is it,Berry?

Berry leans back in his office chair,hands folded tightly
across his chest. He rocks back and forth in a slow steady
motion--

BERRY GORDY
I got these kids...

Freddie laughs.

FREDDIE PEREN
Kids,you hate kid acts.

Berry leans forward.

BERRY GORDY
Not this one.These kids are
something special Freddie,they
sound like nuthin' you ever heard
before and they so put together...
its just I don't know what to do
with them...I got so many ideas...

FREDDIE PEREN
You said Stevie was the last.

BERRY GORDY
I know, I know but...the kid in the
group, he can really sing man, you
know, from the gut like some old
man...almost like he's James Brown,
Little Richard and Jackie Wilson
rolled into one.

Freddie looks at Berry, a strange look comes across his
face.Thinking to himself,he tries to put it together.

FREDDIE PEREN
Berry, what kind of kids?

Gordy puzzled.

BERRY GORDY
What you mean,what kind?

FREDDIE PEREN
Were they boys or girls?

BERRY GORDY
Brothers actually...and its five of
them.

Freddie laughs.

FREDDIE PEREN
Berry, I know these kids.

BERRY GORDY
Really...

Berry reaches into his drawer,pulls out a yellow legal
pad.Placing it on the desk,he looks around for a pen.

FREDDIE PEREN
The Jameses....no The Jacobs...no,
um-mh,mmmh,um-mh, wait a minute...
The Jacksons,right? The Jackson
Five.

Writing.

BERRY GORDY
Yeah,that's them.

Freddie remembers.

FREDDIE PEREN
I saw them perform on the circuit,
they use to say the front kid was a
midget.

Berry laughs.

BERRY GORDY
He's not.His name is Michael,
Michael Jackson...look Freddie,
here's what I want you to do.

Berry hands the tape back to Freddie,putting his ballpoint
to the side for a moment--

BERRY GORDY
This song..it ain't for Gladys.I
got this beat in my head and I'm
thinking with your tune, we can
work something out.

FREDDIE PEREN
Well,lemme hear it.

Berry sings a beat.

FREDDIE PEREN
Lemme work this out.

Freddie grabs Berry's pad,pulling it towards him.Freddie
takes out a pencil and in quick strokes begins to write a
few chords.

BERRY GORDY
Alright,you got a deal but I wanna
hold on to this okay.

Berry takes the the pad back from Freddie,studying the
chords for a while.

BERRY

deep in thought, searching for the right melody.

INT.MOTOWN HALLWAY-DAY

Berry Gordy strolls down the halls of Motown,its a typical
busy day at a large music company.By his side is a young
intern,SUZANNE DE PASSE(early 20s)wearing a psychedelic
headband. Berry smiles.

BERRY GORDY
I know your gonna do good....

SUZANNE DE PASSE
(reading notes)
...Berry,I'm just surprise...you
know what people will think....

BERRY GORDY
...what?...

SUZANNE DE PASSE
...that were together and that's
why your giving this to me..

BERRY GORDY
...I never denied it...

SUZANNE DE PASSE
Berry...

BERRY GORDY
Suzanne,don't worry...

BEAT.Suzanne looks at Berry.

SUZANNE DE PASSE
(writing in her notes)
Right,Berry.

MAKING OF KING PART 5

December 2009 I got into independent producing. I and my professor Tim were having a conversation on how hard it is to get indie stuff made. Tim told me that the problem was people standing around and waiting for someone to come along and make their projects. “The key to become a great director is going out there and shooting your own stuff. Don’t wait, go shoot it yourself. Everything you need is right here” .I took Tim’s advice and started preproduction on an indie doc on Mike. Since I didn’t have movie to make the J5ive then I’ll make something I can do. I used CELTX and storyboard the entire film then went looking for stock. I told Tim, Getty would cost me almost 1300.00 dollars for stock on MJ that was 15 secs. long. Tim said he could help, he showed me Vixy.net and from there I was able to take post footage from offline and use for the documentary. The finished product cost me 50.00 in gas money. The film was called “MAGIK: MICHAEL JACKSON” it was an homage to John Lennon’s doc “IMAGINE” using the same type of template but lower quality. I’ll post segments over the weekend.

RARE PIC

April 2010-
MJ on skateboard for the “Goin Places” music video. Shot entirely in NYC specifically Studio 54.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 4

“OFF THE WALL”

Michael in 1978 tells Quincy that he doesn’t want to be like his brothers anymore and creates what I think is the quintessential late 70’s album. That album was “Off the Wall”. In 1979, Mike wins three AMA awards by himself at the old age of 21! The girl in the photo is not his girlfriend, that’s Nicolette Larson who was a ballad singer at the time. She wanted to pick his brain to make herself more successful, they were presenters.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 3

November 17, 2009
I joined the FOX SEARCHLIGHT Blog SEARCHLAB for upcoming talent.This was the begining stages of the J5 screenplay and I was posting excerpts.To see some of the original material follow the link below:
http://my.foxsearchlight.com/node/15159

MAKING OF THE KING PART 2

Well one thing I want people to know is that I have always wanted to get into distribution and development for film.I've been studying it since high school and everyone told me I should go to film school.Well now that I'm finishing up in last than 8 months here is just some of my expertise that I extended to MJ's estate.
'Member what I had said about the letter.Well when MJ died an AIG or the IGA or who ever it was trying to get all the money from Michael made "This is It".From a film standpoint, it was amazing to see him up there doing his thing but from a business view it was awful.All the ancillary they raked up was incredible.Before the movie was released and distributed I sent his estate a letter and it went a little something like this(i.e LOOK AT THE ORIGINAL DATE):


August 15, 2009
John G. Branca
Attorney
ZIFFREN BRITTENHAM BRANCA FISCHER GILBERT-LURIE
STIFFELMAN COOK JOHNSON LANDE & WOLF LLP
1801 Century Park W
Los Angeles, CA 90067

Dear Mr. Branca:
As a long-time admirer of the fantastic and innovative work that you have accomplish practicing entertainment law in particular during tenure with Michael Jackson has done for the music industry, everything you and Mr. Jackson have accomplished have become the standard for the industries practices ranging from the creation of the music video in accordance with the single which Michael Jackson has led the forefront on creating the identity and brand of the largest music entertainment channel in the world, MTV. I particularly enjoyed reading about the work you did and the passion for your field you upheld as you worked for Mr. Jackson, and I hope you allow me the opportunity to pass an idea along to you. As I have watched as it has played out in the media, there seems to be an issue amongst the Jackson family about his estate but the one thing everyone has forgotten is the upholding of the integrity, genius and in particular the innovation of Michael Jackson , it has grown to a point where I feel new ideas should be reviewed and taking in consideration for Mr. Jackson as brand and preserve some of the things I believed he would have wanted, by dramatically enhancing his revenue of the estate by utilizing its function so that it can continue to serve effectively.
This letter outlines the complete scope of a project I created, including objectives, procedures, identification of responsibilities, and estimated fees.
OBJECTIVE
In 1988, Mr. Jackson created long format video entitled Moonwalker directed by Jerry Kramer and Jim Blashfield, during the distribution of the film it was not given an US film release in theaters and was sent directly to video. While the feature has maintained a cult status among Mr. Jacksons’ fans, it’s helmed as one of Jackson’s most prolific works. In conjunction with the release of the “This is It” concert documentary being released by SONY Music Entertainment as a feature film for distribution into cinemas in October, I believe it is time to release Michael Jacksons’ feature Moonwalker to US audiences. By utilizing a platform release used for independent films, we won’t be subjected to losses in projected revenue due to the fervor of Michael Jackson that has overtaken the country in the wake of his passing. On the basis of models of distribution for screens in independent films, Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker should be released on a minimum of 50 screens of nationwide theaters. Watching the trade publications, we can then move forward in increasing the numbers of screens gradually. By re-releasing Mr. Jackson’s Moonwalker as a filmic event we preserve Michael Jackson and continue the visionary work of this genius.

Success of this project is dependent not only on the execution of this plan, but also on personnel’s skill, promotion and advertisement, and willingness to see the vision of this project.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. Procedures
a. Remaster the sound and effects of the original film for re-release, since George Lucas was a friend of Mr. Jacksons, it would seem best to utilize his sound technology of THX to bring Moonwalker back to the screen for 2009 audience.
b. For conceptualization, when tickets were released and programs distributed for Mr. Jacksons memorial many people retained the tickets and programs as mementos utilizing this concept, similar in style to the one Mr. Jackson used for the “This is It” tour with holographic tickets, a commemorative ticket will be distributed with the iconic MJJ Productions logo background in a light blue hue.
c. Following the format of midnight releases which have become the standard for the film industry, they have proved the largest grossing revenue for many studios to build anticipation for their product. For the release of Moonwalker, a midnight screen will commence on all seven continents of the film in seven specific theaters chosen by your staff.
d. On the opening date of Moonwalker, a second commemorative ticket will be released in correlation with the previous stated in section b, this ticket will contain the image from the international released DVD cover. (Note: The tickets will be distributed to national theater chains in the states, for international release of Moonwalker one of the two specified tickets will be released.)
e. In the agreement with the estate for the Michael Jackson trust, in the contract a stipulation should be made to gain the majority of revenue in ancillary rights and partial rights in the back end sale of tickets and box office revenue.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
This project demands significant involvement by your art and design personnel department utilized from the Michael Jackson company, some of the staff can be outsourced through AEG. Ultimate success is highly dependent on their effort. To help achieve an effortless and successful implementation, the following needs to be perform:
1. Monitoring the attendance rates, we can generate a plan to gradually increase the distribution screens of Moonwalker in conjunction to platform releases.
2. Compile a complete list of all vendors, sponsorship for the release of the movie similar to the template used in other films can garner more publicity for the film. In the upcoming traveling exhibition of Mr. Jackson’s memorabilia, the items used in the film can also be placed in their own exhibit to coincide with the release of the film and generate more revenue for the film and estate.

BENEFITS
When the project is complete, Mr. Jacksons’ estate will have successfully generated a substantial amount of income to the family trust. Benefits include the American release of Moonwalker which Mr. Jackson greatly desired, and the launching of a new division of the Michael Jackson estate into feature film development, MOONWALER STUDIOS.
The second benefit I would like to provide with the Moonwalker film is too start opening the lines of communication to Museum of Modern Art in New York to commence a ceremony for the induction of Thriller , Moonwalker and various other music videos by Michael to be inducted into the museum in similar fashion to other pop musicians.
CLOSING
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss one of the business proposals I have generated for the estate. If you want to accept this proposal, please sign one copy of this document and return it to me or please contact me as soon as you receive this.
Sincerely,
D.Nesmith
Film Student
215-492-0592
Enclosure


RESPONSE
This letter correctly sets forth the understanding of the neighborhood group.

Accepted by Title Date

MAKING OF THE KING PART 1

On June 25th, MJ lefted us and the world became a little less magical.With his death, a tremendous revitalization into his career was born and thus Michael Jackson became just what he was pop culture.When he died I cried for like weeks, it was crazy.But after weeks passed I became determined to make Michael's life into a film that was fitting to who he was as an individual.Sure,their been a few before me(Jacksons: An American Dream and that awful Man in the Mirror movie) but no one has sat down and written the real MJ except for a man named J.Randy.I read his book 4 times the summer Mike died and couldn't stop laughing and crying at the same time. I immediately started development on a Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson biopics.

It was around Spring that I began to query the J5 script and get buzz on it.I I packaged my film with a prospectus and query everyone from the black staples(IE RAINFOREST FILMS, EDMUNDS ENTERTAINMENT AND MTV FILMS).They all passed due to the fact I had no representation, they didn't want to messy things with a legal battle at all the potential profit they know they would make.Finally was MJ's estate who wrote me back on nice letterhead, I still have that letter.They told me they loved the idea but the legal implications was too great.

See, I had written a letter to his estate a while back(LOOK FOR THE NEXT POST) and I believe that's why they didn't throw this away.But I never give up and I will make this film with me helming it if needed. I looked at Kasi Lemmons.She's the director of Eve's Bayou, she wrote that so she would have work.When she shopped it around, no one wanted it but she was like "Damn! wait a minute I went to film school" and I was like "Hell yeah Kasi ".But this blog will document the journey to making these films and the process I went through a year after the death of Mike.