NeverLand Entertainment

February 24 2002

 MJ's speech

Courtesy of trade publication The Hollywood Reporter, here is Chris Gardner's detailed report about Michael Jackson's new venture with independant film company MDP Worldwide.

Michael Jackson's Neverland Entertainment has invested $15 million-$20 million in Mark Damon's production and distribution company MDP Worldwide, making Jackson and his new producing partner Raju Patel major shareholders in the company.

As part of the deal, MDP —which is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange— will operate a new division, Neverland Pictures, headed by Michael Jackson and Patel along with key executive Lawrence Mortoff. The company plans to produce a range of projects with a focus on family films and reimaginations of classics, some of which might be directed by and/or star Michael Jackson.

Neverland Pictures will finance the projects independently and through a combination of presales and domestic output deals, Patel said, adding that the division is interviewing candidates to fill development and production staff.

The venture was announced Sunday night during a private dinner reception at Damon's hillside Benedict Canyon home, attended by 250 guests, comprised mostly of international buyers and executives in town for the American Film Market. Making a rare appearance, Michael Jackson showed up along with longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor and "Rush Hour" helmer Brett Ratner to tout the deal.

Until his arrival, it was not clear whether Michael Jackson would show up at the event, but suddenly he appeared from a nearby dining room and entered the dinner tent to a standing ovation, arm in arm with Elizabeth Taylor. After making it to their thronelike chairs onstage, Michael Jackson took to the microphone and explained his decision to invest in MDP and enter the independant film business.
 

Michael Jackson. Speech

"I dream great dreams," Michael Jackson said. "Everything I've achieved started with a dream, and of all the dreams, this is the one I am most passionate about. The painter paints, the sculptor sculpts, but they just capture a glimpse of life -- of the subject. And film, this medium, you live with the protagonist, you suffer with the protagonist, you laugh with the protagonist, you despair with the protagonist. It's the most artistic, influential medium of all. I am very proud of what we're doing, and I promise you wonderful and fantastical things to come."

After his onstage appearance, the notoriously shy King of Pop elaborated in an interview about his plans for Neverland Pictures. He said he will be involved in all aspects of the company, such as reading scripts, plucking talent and directing.

"I have a lot to express in film," Michael Jackson said, revealing that his favorite movie is "To Kill a Mockingbird." "I'll be doing the whole thing, behind and in front (of the camera). I love it."