$20m opening day haul for This Is It
$20m opening day haul for This Is It
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Friday, 30, Oct 2009 02:39
By Lewis Bazley.
This Is It, the concert documentary about the late Michael Jackson, has earned $20.1 million (£12.1 million) on its first day of worldwide release, it has been announced.
The film, which premiered simultaneously in 19 cities this Tuesday, was assembled from more than 100 hours of footage of the singer's rehearsals for his planned comeback shows at London's O2 Arena.
The documentary made $7.4 million (£4.4 million) on its opening day on release in the US and $2 million (£1.2 million) in the UK.
A statement from distributors Sony Pictures said the box office takings of This Is It are a "reaffirmation of the global appeal of Michael Jackson".
"The studio believes that the worldwide launch, with very strong performance across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, represents an amazing beginning for the film," said Sony's Steve Elzer in a statement.
After a positive response from Jackson's family and fans, the studio also plans to submit the film for consideration at next year's Academy awards.
Though the film has missed the deadline for submission to the best documentary category, it would be eligible for several other Oscars, including best picture.
Director Kenny Ortega, who was choreographing Jackson's ill-fated comeback shows, said the late Thriller star "deserves" an Oscar.
The High School Musical helmer said he hoped "the audience for this film will grow and that as many people come to see it as possible because I think that it's a wonderful story about a brilliant man... awards, Oscars, that's all great wishful thinking."