For those of us who work in the industry, we know that back in 1982, Micheal Jackson probably thought up the whole concept for Thriller but director John Land is was probably just hired as the director to make it official. Needless to say, that’s not stopping Land is from suing Jackson for back royalties and to prevent the embattled King of Pop from negotiating a deal to adapt Thriller for the stage. Which is actually an interesting idea. Read more: Radio Facts Legacy 30th Anniversary Issue.
Land is is saying that Jacko has no right to shop the project without his approval, Land is is asking the court for a declaration that would prevent the deal from going forward unless he signs off on it which of course he will not due until he is paid from the back royalties he is suing for. However, it’s reported that play purveyors The Nederland er Organization on a Thriller musical have already forked over $400,000 to Jackson who is planning to oversee every aspect of the creative process. THIS is why Land is is pissed off (laugh)… probably hasn’t worked in years.
Land is is claiming he is owed 50% of all profits but is the $400gs cosidered a “profit.” Land is’ company Levitsky Productions, sued Jackson last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Jackson of "fraudulent, malicious and oppressive conduct."…
