Unseen Jackson footage on the way

Unseen Jackson footage on the way
ITV to screen docu from Uri Gellar home movies
By Mimi Turner
July 17, 2009

LONDON -- ITV is promising exclusive unseen footage of Michael Jackson from the private collection of the singer's friend Uri Geller in a forthcoming documentary, "My Friend Michael Jackson: Uri's Story," its production and distribution division ITV Global Entertainment said Friday.

The documentary will feature hitherto unseen footage of Jackson on a midnight shopping spree at London department store Harrods and visiting the grounds of Exeter soccer club, as well as footage from Geller's private archive showing the singer acting as best man at Geller's wedding.

It will also feature interviews with Geller offering his frank recollections of the star and some of the controversies that surrounded him.

"This is the real Michael Jackson, the way that just a handful of friends were privileged to see him -- relaxed, witty, loving, smart, sincere and genuine," said Geller. "This film gives audiences around the world the opportunity to experience the reality of life with Michael."

The doc, to be produced by Lesley Gardiner and exec produced by Alexander Gardiner, will be directed by Paula Lichtarowicz and distributed globally by ITV Global Entertainment.