Kenny Ortega: ‘Michael Was With Me Every Single Step of the Way’
From the first moment that Michael Jackson appeared on the screen at the Los Angeles premiere of This Is It, the audience adored him–and so did I.
Director Kenny Ortega made it possible for MJ to dance his own eulogy. What I found amazing was not just Michael’s power to dazzle with his talent, but the strength and confidence he projected in the film of a string of rehearsals for what would have been the biggest comeback of his career. As Ortega put it, “The concert that never was.”
If this was a man who was suffering physically or mentally, there is not a hint of it as he bounds across the stage with his trademark moves. It makes his tragic end even more perplexing. What Michael has left behind is a classic tribute to what made him the King of Pop, from “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” to “Beat It” and “Black and White.”
There are behind-the-scenes moments that give you a glimpse of the Michael Jackson I spent time with in recording studios and on location, the man who quietly and firmly took charge of every detail of music and choreography. I left wanting more, and as the applause and cheers echoed over the closing credits, I shared the joy that I know Michael would have felt at giving the audience what they wanted…and a little more.
Kenny Ortega took on the monumental task of distilling hours of rehearsal footage for Jackson’s planned concerts in London into a big-screen tribute. He revealed to me that it was the most demanding challenge he’s ever faced as a director.
“At first, I pulled back and thought, ‘I’m too emotional, I’m hurting too deeply, I’m confused, I’m lost, I’m afraid.’ Then I went, ‘Get it together man, the journey’s not over. This is your responsibility.’ It was heavy. I’m telling you the weight I have felt through all of this has been enormous, but I just brought Michael into the room with me. Michael was in the editing room with me…”
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