More Jackson Memorabilia in Store
A few days ago, we heard the news that Michael Jackson’s estate managers were planning an explosive Jackson memorabilia campaign to help pay off the many debts in the Jackson estate. At the time, the only thing that stood between them and their entreprenurial dreams was a judge’s approval, and today they finally got that.
E! Online reports that an LA Superior Court judge gave a thumbs up on the development deals to plaster Jackson’s image over the usual keychains, buttons, calendars and other trinkets that fans go crazy for. Whether or not the legions of Jackson fans will continue to want these items months after the singer’s passing is debatable, but it looks like the estate’s willing to bet on their fans’ loyalty.
First up, L.A. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff, who is overseeing the management of the artist’s estate, allowed special administrators John Branca and John McClain leave to develop multiple Jackson-branded products that would require using the star’s name and image, such as a 2010 calendar, sunglasses, commemorative coins, school supplies, buttons and wall art.
So, a lot of crap, basically. But there are some things people might actually be interested in…
Beckloff also approved the estate’s request to partner with iTunes to sell audio and video recordings of Jermaine Jackson performing Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile,” which was reputedly one of Michael’s favorite recordings, at his brother’s star-studded memorial last month.
Branca and McClain have also been allowed to ink a deal to get reprints of Jackson’s 1988 autobiography Moonwalk on the market in China, Korea, Poland, the Czech Republic and several other European countries.
This initial action will likely pave the way for more merchandise deals—Jackson tattoos for your Second Life avatar, perhaps?—and other business opportunities as Branca and McClain continue to bet that there is a rejuvenated market out there for everything Jackson.
(From E! Online)
Michael Jackson was like a father to me. I’ve been coping with his death and it has been incredibly emotional for me. I cannot believe how he influenced the industries around the world. I wish his family the best. Thank you Michael for the most amazing life!