This is It captures the final rehearsals and performances of Michael Jackson, presented as the basis for his planned London concerts in 2009. The footage highlights his exacting standards, meticulous choreography, and the intensity he brought to the stage just days before his passing.
Directed by Kenny Ortega and produced by AEG Live, This Is It represents a convergence of rehearsal documentation, archival footage, and unfinished performance plans. Understanding the cast and crew behind the project helps clarify how these extraordinary preparations were preserved for audiences around the world.
The Core Cast and Production Team
| Role | Name | Contribution to This Is It | Key Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performer | Michael Jackson | Central subject and performing artist | Global pop icon preparing for London concerts |
| Director | Kenny Ortega | Choreography, staging, and on-set direction | Longtime collaborator with Jackson on previous tours |
| Producer | AEG Live Team | Production oversight and event planning | Organized the originally announced 50-date residency |
| Choreographer | Travis Payne | Designed and refined dance routines | Worked closely with Jackson to adapt moves for stage |
| Co-Choreographer | Tyce Diorio | Assisted in structuring complex sequences | Veteran dancer and choreographer in pop music videos |
Michael Jackson's Performance Approach
Michael Jackson treated rehearsals for This Is It as serious creative work, refining every arm angle and foot placement. He balanced intense technical precision with moments of playful improvisation, which is visible in the raw rehearsal footage.
His commitment to detail influenced the cast and crew, establishing a rhythm of high standards and continuous adjustment. This level of discipline is evident in the sharpness of the dance sequences and the clarity of the musical arrangements captured on camera.
Supporting Cast and Musicians
Beyond the main rehearsals, This Is It features a network of backing vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers who adapt to Jackson's evolving direction. Their ability to match his energy highlights the professionalism required for large-scale pop performances.
Musicians worked on rearranging hits to fit the stadium-sized vision, while singers rehearsed harmonies that would have extended the emotional range of the shows. These contributions are essential to understanding how the planned concerts would have balanced spectacle and intimacy.
Behind the Scenes Coordination
The production involved complex scheduling, lighting tests, and audio checks, all condensed into a tight rehearsal window. Directors and stage managers coordinated cues, camera placements, and safety measures to document the process without disrupting the creative flow.
This environment required constant communication among costume teams, set designers, and technical crews, ensuring that each element aligned with Jackson's artistic vision. The footage reveals how many small decisions collectively shape a large-scale performance.
Legacy and Public Interest
Following Jackson's passing, the rehearsal material became the primary record of a highly anticipated series of concerts. Audiences who never saw the planned shows can still experience the dedication, innovation, and ambition that defined This Is It.
The project demonstrates how archival rehearsal footage can serve both as historical documentation and as a window into an artist's working methods, making the content relevant long after the original events.
Key Takeaways from This Is It
- Michael Jackson maintained strict attention to detail in movement and musicality during rehearsals.
- The director and choreographers closely followed his vision while adapting techniques for the camera.
- Supporting vocalists and musicians played a crucial role in realizing the planned concert experience.
- Production teams handled complex coordination, from lighting cues to safety protocols.
- The footage preserves a high-level rehearsal environment that continues to influence pop performance standards.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many rehearsals are featured in This Is It?
The content spans several weeks of intensive rehearsals, though the exact number of distinct rehearsal sessions is not itemized in the released film.
Are the backing singers and dancers identified on screen?
Most supporting performers are shown but not always named in detail; the focus remains on Jackson's leadership and the overall choreography.
Does the footage show changes made between rehearsals? Yes, the film captures iterative adjustments, including tweaks to dance steps, vocal arrangements, and staging decisions as the team refined the performance. What role did AEG Live play in shaping the cast and schedule?
AEG Live coordinated logistics, venue planning, and artist agreements, defining the scale of the residency and influencing how the rehearsals were structured and documented.