Michael Jackson Documentary, ‘BAD25,’ from Spike Lee, to Air on ABC

ABC has acquired the television rights to “BAD25,” a documentary film by the award-winning director Spike Lee. Airing at Thanksgiving (details to be announced at a later date), “BAD25″ shares fresh insights into the King of Pop’s creative vision that resulted in his landmark “BAD” album, this year marking its 25th anniversary.

“This will be a very special Thanksgiving for all families to enjoy the genius of Michael Jackson,” said Spike Lee. “Big thanks to ABC for allowing people to witness the making of Michael Jackson’s ‘BAD’ album. Shamon.”

Academy Award® nominated filmmaker Spike Lee teamed with The Estate of Michael Jackson and Legacy/Epic Records, carefully culling The Estate’s archives for rare and never-before-seen footage for the film which focuses on the creative forces that pushed Jackson to make the “BAD” album and launch the BAD Worldwide Tour. “BAD25″ marks the first ever in-depth, behind-the-scenes film project to chronicle a Michael Jackson album and tour, and was filmed in advance of the 25th anniversary celebration of the iconic album, the record-breaking world tour and the groundbreaking short films that changed music history. The album’s 25th Anniversary will be celebrated on September 18, 2012 with the Legacy/Epic Records release of deluxe 25th Anniversary editions of the album.

The documentary features numerous interviews conducted personally by Spike Lee, including Jackson’s confidants, choreographers, musicians and collaborators, such as Oscar-winning film director Martin Scorsese, Joe Pytka and others who worked on many of the iconic “BAD” videos, bringing Jackson’s songs to life on the screen through short films that remain some of the most vivid and creative storytelling by a musical artist.

ABC will air a version of “BAD25,” offering Michel Jackson fans across the country a rare look at the man who changed the music world forever (time to be announced at a later date.) Spike Lee documentaries include the Peabody and Emmy Award®-winning “When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts” and its follow up, “If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise,” “Kobe Doin’ Work” and the Oscar-nominated “4 Little Girls.” Lee directed both short films for Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” in 1996.

The third and final album collaboration for Jackson and Quincy Jones, “BAD” marked a pivotal coming of age for the King of Pop as a performer, composer and producer. The album was No. 1 around the world, made history with five consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard chart, produced nine chart-topping singles, nine groundbreaking short films, and to date has generated over 45 million units in sales. “BAD” was nominated for six Grammys and won two; the album also earned Jackson the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV VMA Awards. Songs on the original album are “Bad,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Speed Demon,” “Liberian Girl,” “Just Good Friends” featuring Stevie Wonder, “Another Part of Me,” “Man in the Mirror,” “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” “Dirty Diana,” “Smooth Criminal,” with “Leave Me Alone” added to the CD version of the album once released.