Fremantle’s latest documentary series, “The Michael Jackson Story,” produced by the Emmy award-winning 72 Films, has been acquired by several countries worldwide, including France, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.
The series offers a unique perspective with access to rare personal archive footage and revealing interviews from those closest to Jackson. Featured contributors include his sister La Toya Jackson, singer Dionne Warwick, manager Dieter Wiesner, bodyguard Bill Whitfield, family attorney Brian Oxman, and prosecutor Ron Zonen.
Fremantle described the series as “a deeply researched study of a trailblazing musical genius whose personal life remains a complex enigma.” The series aims to delve beyond the music, exploring the rise, controversies, and lasting legacy of one of the most successful pop stars ever.
Commissioned by the BBC, the series will premiere in the U.K. on Wednesday on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, under the title “Michael Jackson: An American Tragedy.”
International broadcasters airing the series include France TV, NPO Netherlands, Nine Network (Australia), Sky TV (New Zealand & Oceania), Sky Italia (Italy), Asharq (Middle East), Vodafone Greece, Now TV (Hong Kong), Sveriges Television (Sweden), the Danish Broadcast Corporation, YLE (Finland), and VRT (Belgium).
Mark Reynolds, Fremantle’s global head of documentaries and factual, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with numerous international broadcasters, saying: “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.”
Fremantle further noted that the series offers a thorough examination of Jackson’s life, from his early fame in the 1960s’ racially segregated America to the controversies of his later years. The series explores the stories behind his iconic songs, groundbreaking videos, and mesmerizing performances, while also addressing the longstanding allegations of child sexual abuse, which Jackson denied. Additionally, the series examines the ongoing financial success of the Michael Jackson estate and his enduring legacy in today’s cultural landscape.
The series was commissioned by Simon Young at the BBC and directed by Sophie Fuller, known for works like “House of Kardashian” and “The Met: Policing London.” Produced by 72 Films, with executive producers Mark Raphael and Rob Coldstream, Fremantle manages global sales.
Fremantle’s documentary offerings also include “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley,” “The Zelensky Story,” “Once Upon a Time in Space,” and “McCartney: The Hunt for the Lost Bass.” The company has made strategic investments to enhance its presence in the documentary and non-scripted market, with over 20 labels producing documentaries across 13 regions.
