MUMBAI: MTV Networks has acquired the exclusive United States television rights to air one of the most anticipated films of the year Michael Jackson's This Is It. The deal was brokered by Sony Pictures Television and Ben Zurier, Executive Vice President, Program Strategy, VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia for MTV Networks.

The deal allows MTV Networks to show the film on all its channels, including MTV and VH1, as well as on BET Networks, which like MTV is owned by Viacom. This commercially successful film will be available to MTV Networks in 2011.

"The film is a true testament to Michael's musical genius, passion and commitment to his craft," said Van Toffler, President
of the MTV Networks Music Group. "Michael Jackson has always been inextricably tied to our viewers as they witnessed his
evolution from a talented performer to a global icon who redefined music. Now, with this film, we can help give his fans a
chance to see his final performance."

'This is it' premiered nationwide on October 28, earning the No. 1 box office spot for the weekend and offered Jackson fans
a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out, historic comeback concerts that would have kicked off this past summer at London's O2 Arena. Chronicling from March through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind the scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing numerous songs for the show. Audiences are given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he was never before seen. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's This Is It is the last documentation of Michael Jackson at work, capturing the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work.

Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner for the concert tour and the director of the stage show serves as the film's director, and Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware are producers. Executive producers are John Branca and John McClain. Presently, the film is being distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures.

In its announcement, MTV said it would also work with Sony Pictures Entertainment to market the  DVD of the film, due early next year. After its release, 'This Is It' reportedly grossed $67 million in the United States and $129 million overseas.