Poster – This Is It Michael Jackson

(I like how the negative space at his feet forms sort of a crown)

This Is It, Sony’s Michael Jacksondocudrama, will be released next month – a fact that still boggles my mind.

The man only recently died, and a short few months later, a celluloid document of his last performance will hit theaters – on October 28thspecifically, as the poster states.

I’m torn; I want the film to be successful, if only for MJ’s fans (a large club of which I’m a member); yet, a part of me wants it to fail, as a demonstration of the public’s disapproval of Sony’s exploitation of his death, for profit!

Will I see it? Ya know… I’m not so sure. It feels too soon. It’ll be a game-time decision for me.

How about you?

http://www.shadowandact.com

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Diversions – Apparently, Michael Jackson Had Other Talents…

By Tambay, on July 17th, 2009
Margena Christian of Ebony mag posted the below image on Twitter; apparently it’s one of many illustrations created by Michael Jackson! Who knew the man had print skills like this? Certainly not I. I’ll expect that, at some point in the future, some of these works will be exhibited.



h/t Tracy Nguyen https://sites.google.com/site/mayuradocs/PinIt.png

Comercials I didn't know MJ did.

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How Michael Jackson Became a Brand Icon

By John Quelch @ Havard Business Publishing

Countless books advise how to build your personal brand. Michael Jackson was so unique that he cannot realistically serve as anyone's role model in that effort. Yet Jackson was unquestionably a brand icon and there are lessons to be learned. Here are the top ten factors that explain his icon status.

Start early. Michael began entertaining at the age of four. His career as the uniquely young lead singer in The Jackson Five began with the Motown label at the age of 10. National recognition came with his appearance on the Ed Sullivan show.

Let go. Jackson went solo in 1972 at the age of 13. As with Diana Ross and the Supremes, there came a point where the group constrained rather than aided the further development of his talent.

Break out. Jackson was a multidimensional entertainer. His expert dancing could be showcased via the new medium of music videos. MTV and Jackson rose in tandem when MTV premiered the Jackson video "Thriller" in 1982 from the album of the same name. The album went on to sell over 100 million copies.

Get help. Jackson benefited from his long-term professional relationship with producer and songwriter Quincy Jones. He often acknowledged the inspiration he received from James Brown, Diana Ross and other artists.

Be visible. All memorable brands have their unique visual trademarks. Jackson understood brand image and how to build it with his fans. The moonwalk that we could all try to imitate. The glove. The uniform. Neverland.

Go global. Jackson's music and videos easily transcended national boundaries, as well as race, age and gender. "We Are the World", written by Jackson and Lionel Ritchie in 1985, cemented his global appeal. Jackson sold almost half his 750 million titles outside the United States.

Crown yourself. Elvis was already "The King", so Jackson christened himself "The King of Pop." The professional contributions--including 13 Grammies--were so substantial that the moniker stuck...

Be vulnerable. We cannot relate to icons without imperfections. Jackson was quirky, eccentric, mysterious. For all his wealth and professional excellence, he was - perhaps understandably - flawed, misguided, and sad, but none would say unkind.

Give back. Denied a normal childhood, Jackson was amazingly generous to disadvantaged children. Some 39 charities benefited significantly from his support. He also collaborated on Live Aid with other entertainers.

There is one more that I vehemently disagree with and I believe it has already been disproved. I can't even copy and paste it here. You be the grudge.

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State Farm: "I'll Be There"

Why did DDB Chicago just kill it with this spot!? Why did someone else not do this first!? Ah, music and commercials, I still maintain, it's a match made in heaven. The music in this commercial is just endlessly emotional. The visuals get a little sappy. But they music bolsters the imagery in a way that makes you over look any deficiencies there-in. A prepubescent Michael breaks in the opening and your first impulse is to call your momma into the room. Then Jermain takes the mic and pulls your heart out through your ear! The thing about this track is, it is so good you could have had puppies mindlessly running in slow motion for :30 seconds and super it with a pet food logo or :60 seconds of a little league baseball montage and posted up a 'Big Brothers' logo and it will still make a lumberjack T-9000 cyborg teary-eyed. Not sayin' that I almost cried or nothing, I'm just saying. Once again a general market agency has dug deep into the record crates of our collective cultures and conscious and sampled the very soundtrack of the African American soul and served it up for mass consumption. : ( Frankly, I think they got a lot of things right.


cred:
DDB Chi


It may not be the first time this song was used in a commercial (and I'm OK with that.)

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