Our brand new documentary series The Michael Jackson Story has sold to multiple global territories including France, The Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and the Middle East.
Produced by the Emmy award-winning 72 Films, a Fremantle company, The Michael Jackson Story is the definitive, in-depth story of one of the world’s most culturally significant and controversial figures. With access to rare intimate archive and revelatory interviews with those closest to him, the documentary includes contributions from his sister La Toya Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, manager Dieter Wiesner, bodyguard Bill Whitfield, family attorney Brian Oxman and prosecutor Ron Zonen.
A deeply researched study of a trailblazing musical genius whose personal life remains a complex enigma, the new series goes beyond the music to tell the full story, exploring the rise, controversy, and enduring legacy of one of the most successful pop stars of all time.
The series was commissioned by the BBC and will first air in the UK on Wednesday 8th April on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer under the title Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy.
International broadcasters announced today include France TV (France), NPO Netherlands (The Netherlands), Nine Network (Australia), Sky TV (New Zealand & Oceania), Sky Italia (Italy), Asharq Documentary (Middle East), Vodafone Greece (Greece & Med), Now TV (Hong Kong), Sveriges Television (Sweden), The Danish Broadcast Corporation (Denmark), YLE (Finland) and V.R.T (Belgium).
Mark Reynolds, Fremantle’s Global Head of Documentaries & Factual, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with such an exceptional group of global broadcasters to introduce The Michael Jackson Story to the world. It’s a complex tale of fame, family, and legacy, exploring the extraordinary rise of the King of Pop and the controversies that surrounded him later in life. The team at 72 Films have approached this story with remarkable insight and care, and offers audiences a unique glimpse into moments of Jackson’s life that are rarely shared”.
From his rise to fame at a young age in the racially segregated landscape of 1960's America, to the controversies surrounding his personal affairs in later years, the series offers a comprehensive examination of Jackson’s life. As well as the stories behind the iconic songs, innovative videos, and mesmeric live performances, the series will also explore the longstanding allegations of child sexual abuse, which he denied. In addition, the series will look at how the Michael Jackson estate continues to generate billions of dollars from his art, and how his legacy sits within the cultural landscape today.
The series was commissioned by Simon Young at the BBC and is series directed by documentary filmmaker Sophie Fuller (House of Kardashian, The Met: Policing London), produced by 72 Films (The Tony Blair Story; The Donald Trump Show; Vietnam: The War That Changed America). Executive producers are Mark Raphael and Rob Coldstream. Fremantle handles global sales.
Our global documentary slate includes acclaimed titles such as It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley; The Zelensky Story; Once Upon A Time In Space and McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass.
