Only in the Philippines, it seems. As sequel to their 2007 youtube hit, the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center inmates shot to fame via their en masse dance number of the Michael Jackson hit, "Thriller".
In 2010, the Cebu inmates are taking it up another notch.
Known to have interested the late King of Pop himself, the kinetics- ted inmates will appear on “This is It” DVD.
The original video amassed over 37 million views on youtube, reportedly getting the attention of Jackson himself, who entertained the idea of a dance-to-the -death (pun intended) with the inmates. Due to Jackson’s untimely demise, the plan went down the drain.
Well, not entirely.
Sony Pictures Senior-Vice President/Worldwide Publicity Fritz Friedman has partnered with local production outfit Abracadabra, Inc. to produce the next best thing.
Abracadabra Managing Partner Ross Misa shares the exciting news, saying, "This is truly a great honor for the inmates in Cebu and for the Filipino nation. I’m proud to say that this project was executed by a team entirely made up of Filipinos.
This includes warden Byron Garcia, Dondon Monteverde, Ernest Escaler, AF Benaza, and many others."
Abracadabra took charge of overall production and facilitation, and Dondon Monteverde’s Revolver Asia contributed director AF Benaza. Ernest Escaler’s Main Cast bridged the ad hoc unit to Sony Pictures headquarters in Los Angeles.
The new video includes a medley of Jackson songs in a routine designed for the ill-fated "This Is It" farewell tour and is already accumulating views on YouTube. The team effort was crucial to the production for the "This Is It" Blu-Ray and DVD release.
Travis Payne, Jackson’s long-time choreographer, flew in take part in the poignant tribute to his departed friend.
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