As one of the most iconic musicians and performers of all time, Michael Jackson revolutionised the art of music videos, forever changing the way we experience and consume music.

With groundbreaking videos such as "Thriller," "Beat It," and "Billie Jean," Jackson not only elevated the status of music videos as an art form, but also brought attention to important issues such as racial inequality, social justice, and environmentalism.

Michael Jackson's contributions to music videos cannot be overstated. He was one of the first artists to truly embrace the format as a creative medium, using it to tell stories, express himself, and create visual spectacles that captivated audiences around the world.

Through talking with those who worked with Jackson on these music videos, I aim to delve deeper into the impact and legacy of Michael's contribution to the visual arts. 

Join me as I explore the artistry, innovation, and social commentary that made Michael Jackson's music videos an unforgettable part of music history with those who were there alongside him.

"Thriller" is a music video directed by John Landis and released in 1983 as a promotional tool for Michael Jackson's hit single of the same name. The video features a 14-minute narrative that begins with Jackson and his girlfriend walking home at night when they are confronted by a group of zombies.

The video includes a dance sequence in which Jackson and the zombies perform a synchronised routine, as well as a scripted storyline that culminates in a werewolf transformation by Jackson himself. The video was lauded for its groundbreaking visual effects, innovative dance moves, and cinematic storytelling.

The music video for "Thriller" was an instant commercial and critical success, and became a cultural phenomenon that has continued to inspire and influence artists across various media for decades. It won numerous awards, including three MTV Video Music Awards, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest music videos ever made.

Step behind the scenes of one of the most iconic music videos of all time with this in-depth look on the making of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'. Hear from the cast and crew as they reveal the challenges and triumphs of bringing this epic music video to life. 

Featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of Thriller:

George Folsey Jr (Producer and Editor)
David Sosna (First Assistant Director)
Michael Wilhoit (Sound Editor)
Bryan Greenberg (Camera Operator)
Jeffrey Hoffman (Camera Operator)
Peter Bernstein (Orchestrator)
Frank Kostenko Jr. (Production Assistant)
Anthony Marinelli (Programmer)
Steven Ray (Programmer)
Vincent  Paterson (Co-choreographer and Dancer)
Lorraine Fields (Dancer)
Kim Blank (Dancer)
Casey Cole Lance (Dancer)
Cortlandt Jones (Dancer)
Thelma Davis Martin (Dancer)
Ian A Stevens (Dancer)
Jeff Parker (Zombie Extra)
Dawn Snyder (Zombie Extra)
Ryan Folsey (son of George Folsey Jr and friend of Michael Jackson's)
Lance Anderson (Makeup Artist)
Tom Hester (Makeup Artist)
Mark Bryan Wilson (Makeup Artist)
Kevin Brennan (Makeup Artist)
Tony Gardner (Makeup Artist)
Camilla Henneman (Makeup Artist)
Margaret Bessera (Makeup Artist)

and many more....

And the crew of the Making of Michael Jackson's Thriller documentary:

Jerry Kramer, Mark Krenzien, Dale Beldin, Bill Sheehy, Larry Sulkis, Tim Clark, Will Godby, Bruce Ochmanek, Jeffrey Okun, Christopher Willoughby, and John Sharaf 

Michael Jackson's Ghosts is a 1996 short film directed by Stan Winston and co-written by Michael Jackson, horror novelist Stephen King, and screenwriter Mick Garris. The film features Michael Jackson as five different characters, including a spooky Maestro and a dancing skeleton.

The plot of the film revolves around a group of narrow-minded townspeople who are afraid of the Maestro, a supernatural character who lives in a haunted mansion on the outskirts of town. When the town's mayor tries to evict the Maestro, he responds by giving the townspeople a frightening tour of his mansion, which includes a number of illusions and special effects.

The film is notable for its impressive visual effects and makeup, which were created by Stan Winston Studios. It was also a critical and commercial success, winning several awards and nominations, and is considered a cult classic among Michael Jackson fans.

Step behind the scenes of Michael Jackson's eerie and visually stunning masterpiece, 'Ghosts', with Is This Scary? The Making of Michael Jackson's Ghosts. Discover how the intricate makeup, special effects and dance pieces were brought to life and and hear from the creative minds behind the film. This is the story behind the making of a cult classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of Ghosts:

Douglas Mowat (Set Designer)
Syd Dutton (Matte Painter)
Thomas Surprenant (Makeup Artist)
JTodd Anderson (Storyboard Artist)
Scott G G Haller (Sound Editor)
David Jobe (Foley Mixer)
Mark Lanza (Sound Effects Editor)
Lance Gilmer (Special Effects Makeup)
Jon Neill (Scupltor)
Michael Karp (Motion Control)
Luc Nicknair (Motion Control)
David George (Video Assist Operator)
Pat Dade (Actor)
Stanley Dyrector (Extra)
Popin Pete (Dancer)
Troy Burgess (Dancer)
Jonathan Miller (Sound Designer)
Nicholas Pike (Composer)

and many more...

Also featuring exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of Is This Scary?, the unfinished 1993 project that was the precursor to Ghosts:

Barbara Meier (CGI artist), David Sosna (First Assistant Director), Jeff Okun (Special Effects artist), Jimmy Hamilton (Dancer), Dameon Harris (Dancer), Ingrid M Ellis (Dancer), Christopher Hart (Actor) and many more...

Michael Jackson revolutionized the music video genre with his groundbreaking and innovative approach. His music videos were not just promotional tools for his songs, but they were also cinematic experiences that told stories and showcased his incredible talent as a dancer.

In 1983, Jackson released the music video for "Thriller," directed by John Landis, which became a cultural phenomenon and is widely regarded as one of the greatest music videos ever made. The video featured groundbreaking visual effects, intricate choreography, and a narrative storyline, setting a new standard for music videos.

In the following years, Jackson continued to push the boundaries of music videos with videos for songs such as "Beat It," "Billie Jean," and "Smooth Criminal." These videos featured Jackson's signature dance moves, elaborate set designs, and cinematic storytelling.

Jackson also used his music videos as a platform to address important social and political issues, such as racial inequality in "Black or White" and environmental issues in "Earth Song."

Throughout his career, Jackson released over 50 music videos, many of which have become cultural touchstones and have inspired countless artists in the music industry. His music videos continue to captivate and inspire audiences today and are a testament to his incredible talent and influence on popular culture.

Take an exclusive look behind the scenes of Michael Jackson's groundbreaking music videos featuring interviews with the creative minds who brought them to life. Hear from directors, choreographers, makeup artists, and more as they share their experiences and insights on working with the King of Pop. Discover the inspiration behind the iconic dance moves and elaborate set designs that defined Jackson's music videos and learn about the technical innovations that paved the way for their success. 

Featuring exclusive interviews with the following:

Peter Conn - Co-Director and Producer of Blame It On The Boogie
John Sharaf - Cinematographer on Blame it On The Boogie and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Mitchell Brisker - Creative Director on Can You Feel It "The Triumph"
Cliff Boule - Key Frame Animation on Can You Feel It "The Triumph"
Paul Flattery - Producer of Rock With You, She's Out Of My Life, Billie Jean and Liberian Girl
Daniel Pearl - Director of Photography on Billie Jean, Give In To Me and You Are Not Alone
Kim Colefax - Art Design on Billie Jean
Bruce Hill - Art Design on Billie Jean
Robert Rosenbaum - Art Design on Billie Jean
Larry Bridges - Editor on Beat It, The Way You Make Me Feel and Dirty Diana
Jim Corbett - Re-recording mixer on Beat It
Cheryl Song - Actor in Beat It
Michael Scaglione - Extra in Beat It
Geron "Caszper" Canidate -  Dancer in Beat It, Dancer and co-choreographer on Bad and dancer in Smooth Criminal
Popin Pete - Dancer in Beat It, Captain Eo and Ghosts
Michael DeLorenzo - Dancer in Beat It
Otis Sallid - Dancer in Beat It
Vincent Paterson - Dancer in Beat It, co-choreographer and dancer in Thriller, choreographer for Dirty Diana, Speed Demon, Smooth Criminal, Black or White and Blood on the Dancefloor
Lorraine Fields - Dancer in Thriller and Smooth Criminal
Kim Blank - Dancer in Thriller, Smooth Criminal, co-choreographer on Blood on the Dancefloor
Martha Pinson - Script Supervisor on Bad
Robert Topol  - Scenic Artist on Bad
Adrienne Lobel - Production Designer on Bad
Tony Jannelli - Cameraman on Bad
Joel Segal -  First Assistant Director on Bad
Rory Walsh - Assistant Gaffer on Bad
Tom Fleischman  - Re-recording mixer on Bad
Sean Cheesman - Dancer in Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel and choreographer on Scream
Daryl Richardson - Assistant Choreographer on Bad
Abe Clark - Dancer in Bad
Steve Glavin - Dancer in Bad
Rick Negron - Dancer in Bad
Kenneth Still - Dancer in Bad
Scott Austin - Dancer in Bad
Roger G - Dancer in Bad
Troy Myers - Dancer in Bad
Bryant Baldwin - Dancer in Bad
Paul Nunes - Dancer in Bad
Gregory Holtz - Actor in Bad
Brent Clark - Second Assistant Director on The Way You Make Me Feel
Roy Fegan - Actor in The Way You Make Me Feel
Cathi Carlton - Production Management on The Way  You Make Me Feel and Dirty Diana
John Grant - Personal Assistant on The Way You Make Me Feel and Pepsi The Chase Commercial
Don Wilson - Director of Man in the Mirror
Patrick Melly - Gaffer on Liberian Girl
Bryan Jones - Production Designer on Moonwalker (Speed Demon and Come Together), and Black or White
Steve Shroyer - Art Director on Moonwalker (Speed Demon and Come Together)
Toby Phillips - Cinematographer on Liberian Girl, Assistant Cameraman on You Are Not Alone
Philip Rose  - Producer on 2300 Jackson Street,  Jam and Give In To Me
Barbara Meier - CGI Artist on Black or White, Remember the Time, Jam and Ghosts
David Sosna - First Assistant Director on Thriller and Black or White
Frank Kostenko Jr - Production Assistant on Thriller, Second Assistant Director on Black or White and First Assistant Director on Remember the Time
Dave Hull - Matte artist on Black or White
Mitchell Stone - Hairstylist on Black or White and Remember the Time
Jon Salzman - Electrician and Lighting Technician on Black or White
David Maier - Studio stand in on Black or White
Veena Bidasha -  Actor in Black or  White
Gary Ushino - Cameraman on Black or White
Kevin Emmons - Cameraman on Black or White
Sandi Sissel - Cameraman on Black or White
Troy Burgess  -  Dancer in Black or White, Ghosts and Blood  on  the Dancefloor
Lon Bender - Sound Engineer on Black or White
Richard Joffray - Art Department and Props on Black or White, Billie Jean, Thriller, Moonwalker and Dangerous Teaser Commercials
Rolf Kestermann - Director of Photography on Black or White and In The Closet
Jeff Morrell -Second Assistant Director on In The Closet
Chris Strong - Gaffer on Who Is It
Daniel Beer - Actor in Who Is It
John Jopson - Hand Held Cameraman on Give In To Me
Dixie Schmiedle - Assistant Cameraman on Give In To Me
Rob Pearson  - Production Designer on  Jam
Charles Mueller - Production Assistant on Jam
Greg  Lundsgaard - Steadicam Operator on Jam
Jackie Lam - Extra in Heal the World
Chris Staves -  Visual Effects Artist on Scream and Cry
Richard Berg - Production Designer on Scream
Martin Mervel - Production Designer on Scream
Brian Drucker - Production Artist on Scream
Kevin Tog Haug - Visual Effects Supervisor on Scream
Michael Manson - Props on Scream
David Bradshaw - Stylist on Scream
Ron Crabb - Visual Effects Artist on Earth Song
Patrick Sheffield - Editor on Earth Song
Marcos Macambyra - Key Grip on Earth Song and They Don't Care About Us
Marcus Menescal -  Assistant Camera  / Production Assistant  on Earth Song and They Don't Care About Us
Bill Fogtman - Project Supervisor on The Don't Care About Us
Leander Sales - Assistant Editor on They Don't Care About Us
Katie Dunn Kennedy - Casting Director on You Are Not Alone and Childhood
Jeff Richter - Editor on You Are Not Alone and Whatzupwithu
Rob Newman - Producer on Childhood
Casey Storm - Costume Designer on Stranger in Moscow
Sean Cory Cooper - Actor in Stranger in Moscow
Philip Watt - Actor in Stranger in Moscow
Eric Zimmerman - Focus Technician on Stranger in Moscow
Kristian Kachikis  - Gaffer on Stranger in Moscow
Joseph Yacoe - Director of Photography on Stranger in Moscow
George C Ortiz Jr - Dancer in Blood on the Dancefloor
Donielle Artese - Dancer in Blood on the Dancefloor
Jonathan Del Gatto - Editor on  Blood on the Dancefloor, Cry and One More Chance
Harvey White - Editor on You Rock My World
Rubin  Mendoza - Producer on You Rock My World
Leo Coltrane - Production Assistant on You Rock My World
George Valdez - Actor in You Rock My World
David Basila - Actor in You Rock My World
Jonathan Miller - Sound Designer on You Rock My World
Nicholas Pike - Composer on You Rock My World
Ken Yesh - Extra in One More Chance
Stephen McClelland - Extra in One More Chance
Kissy Denise - Extra in One More Chance
Tammey  Manderville - Extra in One More Chance
Ken Rudolph - Editor on the Triumph Tour, animator on Thriller and Moonwalker; and
Jerry Kramer - Director and Producer of Making of Thriller and Moonwalker 

and many more...

From the early stages of his career to his later years, Jackson had a passion for film and had ambitious plans for several projects that never came to fruition. Filmmakers, producers, and actors who worked with Jackson on these unrealized projects provide a unique perspective on the King of Pop's film aspirations. Explore the creative vision behind these projects and learn about the challenges that prevented them from coming to life.

Featuring exclusive interviews with the following:

Lynda Obst - Producer on Streetdandy
Caroline Thompson, Larry Wilson and Howard Rodman - Screenwriters on Midknight
Brett Leonard - Director on Midknight
Lee Cohen and Belinda Casas-Wells - Screenwriters on Adam at Midnight
Greg Hildebrandt - Concept Artist on Adam at Midnight
James O'Barr - Creator and Producer on The Crow
Philip Levens - Screenwriter on The Nightmares of Edgar Allen Poe
William Malone - Director on The Nightmares of Edgar Allen Poe

and many more...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nick is a passionate researcher, film aficionado and a lifelong fan of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  

By day, Nick is a real estate lawyer based in a sleepy little village in the heart of the UK. This work and endeavour is a passion project for Nick. Nick is a fan, looking to learn and discover more and share what he uncovers with those other fans of Michael Jackson and cinema out there. 

From a young age, Nick was drawn to the electrifying energy and captivating artistry that Jackson infused into every performance.

Beginning at age 5, and seeing the music video for Earth Song and then attempting to replicate the video on the school playground, Nick has had an unwavering fascination with Michael's music, dance moves and contribution to music, film and pop culture.

As he grew older, Nick's admiration for the pop legend deepened, and he began to immerse himself in Jackson's music and the stories behind it.

When COVID hit in 2020, Nick, like many others, went on furlough leave and had time on his hands. One day, perusing his bookshelf, he pulled a biography of Michael's off the shelf and began reading. Midway through, whilst reading a chapter on Michael's music videos, a light bulb went off in Nick's head. Putting the book down, and opening up the lap-top, Nick decided to put his his combined passions of history, film and Michael Jackson to paper and reach out to those who worked with Michael during his career with a particular focus on those who contributed to and helped make and shape the seminal and ground breaking music videos at the heart of Michael's work.

In these conversations and interviews, Nick seeks to delve deep into the behind-the-scenes details of the production, the creative process that went into bringing Jackson's vision to life, and the impact that these videos had on the pop culture landscape.

For Nick, this project is about more than just researching and documenting Michael's music videos. It's about preserving moments in history, capturing the stories and insights of those who were involved in the production, and sharing them with the world so that future generations can appreciate and learn from them...