This Is It (2009) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A documentary tracing Michael Jackson's final concert preparations through music, choreography, and visual production.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Opening Concepts & Solo Warm-ups

The film introduces its fan dedication and begins with Kenny Ortega explaining the screen bodysuit opening. Michael Jackson performs solo numbers like Wanna Be Startin Somethin and Speechless, establishing the rehearsal atmosphere.

Key Events

• Opening Text & Concept — Film opens with text stating purpose for fans. Location: Film Intro
• Opening Sequence Rehearsal — Ortega explains the screen bodysuit opening sequence. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Wanna Be Startin Somethin Solo — Jackson performs the opening solo number. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Speechless Acapella Snippet — Jackson sings a brief acapella snippet of Speechless. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Jam Rehearsal — Jackson and dancers rehearse the Jam choreography. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Bad & They Don Care Green Screen — Green screen rehearsals for Bad and They Don Care About Us. Location: Green Screen Set

Choreography & Vignette Production

Rehearsals expand to include dancers for Jam and Bad, alongside green screen work. Jackson directs the band for Human Nature and oversees filming for Smooth Criminal and Thriller vignettes.

Key Events

• Bad & They Don Care Green Screen — Green screen rehearsals for Bad and They Don Care About Us. Location: Green Screen Set
• Human Nature Solo Rehearsal — Jackson directs Ortega and band for Human Nature performance. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Smooth Criminal Vignette Filming — Filming of Smooth Criminal vignette with classic film references. Location: Film Set
• The Way You Make Me Feel Cues — Jackson directs the band for song cues. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Jackson 5 Medley Rehearsal — Jackson rehearses a medley of classic Jackson 5 hits. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• I Just Cant Stop Loving You Duet — Jackson performs the duet with backup singer Judith Hill. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Thriller Vignette 3D Screening — Jackson and Ortega watch the Thriller vignette with 3D glasses. Location: Screening Room

Band Dynamics & Emotional Peaks

Musical integration deepens with duets featuring Judith Hill and guitar work from Orianthi Panagaris. Aerialists rehearse, stage mechanics are tested, and Jackson refines Beat It and Black or White.

Key Events

• Thriller Vignette 3D Screening — Jackson and Ortega watch the Thriller vignette with 3D glasses. Location: Screening Room
• Thriller Dance Rehearsal — Jackson rehearses Thriller choreography intertwined with vignette. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Who Is It Aerialists Rehearsal — Aerialists rehearse routines to Who Is It instrumental. Location: Aerial Rigging Area
• Spider Puppet & Cherry Picker Setup — Jackson and Ortega rehearse stage mechanics with spider puppet. Location: Stage Floor
• Beat It Rehearsal — Jackson rehearses the Beat It performance sequence. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Black or White Band Rehearsal — Band rehearses Black or White with Orianthi's guitar riff. Location: Rehearsal Stage

Final Preparations & Legacy Reflection

The Earth Song vignette reveals environmental themes. Jackson addresses the crew, performs Man in the Mirror at soundcheck, and the film closes with archival clips and a Dome Project concept video.

Key Events

• Black or White Band Rehearsal — Band rehearses Black or White with Orianthi's guitar riff. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Earth Song Vignette Screening — Screening of Earth Song vignette featuring environmental destruction. Location: Screening Room
• Billie Jean Quick Run — Jackson performs a quick version of Billie Jean. Location: Rehearsal Stage
• Crew Farewell & London Wish — Jackson addresses crew and wishes them luck for London. Location: Stage Area
• Man in the Mirror Soundcheck — Jackson performs Man in the Mirror during soundcheck. Location: Soundcheck Stage
• Credits & This Is It Montage — Credits roll over rehearsal montage with This Is It playing. Location: Credits Sequence
• Post-Show Heal the World Audio — Live recording of Heal the World plays after the show. Location: Audio Playback
• Human Nature Early June Clip — Clip shows Jackson rehearsing Human Nature before 3D screen setup. Location: Archival Footage
• Dome Project Heal the World Concept — Dome Project video shows girl holding world with Jackson's message. Location: Concept Video

Story Breakdown

• Concept Development — Establishing the concert's opening vision and fan dedication.
  • Fan Tribute Intro — Text establishes purpose for fans.
  • Screen Bodysuit Design — Ortega explains the opening sequence mechanics.
• Musical Rehearsals — Jackson refines vocal performances and band arrangements.
  • Solo Acapella Runs — Jackson tests Speechless and Human Nature vocally.
  • Band Cue Direction — Jackson guides the musical team through song transitions.
• Choreography Staging — Dancers and aerialists practice complex routines.
  • Dance Floor Drills — Jackson alters and changes choreography in real-time.
  • Aerial Rigging Practice — Aerialists rehearse to Who Is It instrumental.
• Vignette Production — Filming and reviewing music video segments for the show.
  • Smooth Criminal Shoot — Integrates Moonwalker and Gilda film references.
  • Thriller 3D Screening — Jackson and Ortega review the vignette with 3D glasses.
• Vocal Collaborations — Integration of backup singers and featured musicians.
  • Duet Performance — Jackson sings with Judith Hill on I Just Cant Stop Loving You.
  • Guitar Feature — Orianthi Panagaris delivers high riffs during Black or White.
• Final Polish & Legacy — Soundchecks, crew addresses, and archival reflections.
  • Soundcheck Peak — Jackson performs Man in the Mirror with strong backing vocals.
  • Archival Reflections — Early June clips and Dome Project concept videos close the film.

Directed by

Kenny Ortega

Key Cast

• Michael Jackson — Self
• Orianthi — Self
• Kenny Ortega — Self
• Dorian Holley — Self
• Patrick Woodroffe — Self