Ghosts

[misery chastain loves co.]

I happened upon this little gem at a convention and watched it yesterday. I had never heard of it before. For those who also haven't, it's a long form video starring Michael Jackson, directed by Stan Winston, written by Stephen. He is actually credited with the story concept and collaboration with Michael not the actual screenplay. There isn't a lot of information on this out there but from what I could gather it was included on select overseas prints of Thinner and has never been released stateside either on VHS or DVD.
Michael is making an obvious statement with this against his persecutors both in court and on the media side of things. It's a well done video with great special effects from Stan. I'm wondering how much Stephen was involved with this and if he did write it or help with the process? If so it would appear he believed Michael was innocent which is fine by me, I'm just curious as to whether or not he was a fan.

 

[Moderator]

He wrote the original script but I don't remember how much of it was retained in the video production. That was the extent of his involvement. This came about when Stephen was asking people to participate in the audiobook casting for Nightmares & Dreamscapes. He'd wanted Michael to do the reading for Popsy but they were never able to work that out because Michael was not willing to read the expletives in the story and Stephen would not edit them out. Before it got to that point, Michael had asked if Steve would do this video concept. My recollection is that originally it was intended to be part of the soundtrack for the film Addams Family Values but then the first child molestation accusations came out. Mick Garris worked on the video at least for a while and it was his belief that Michael was innocent and based on that, Stephen has said he believed that as well.

 

[no bounce no play]

Sounds good! I'd love to see it

 

[Moderator]

Sounds good! I'd love to see it

 

[no bounce no play]

Thank you

 

[GNTLGNT]

...that was a damn fine video...

 

[GNTLGNT]

...kept looking for Whoopi Goldberg and a potter's wheel though...

 

[misery chastain loves co.]

He wrote the original script but I don't remember how much of it was retained in the video production. That was the extent of his involvement. This came about when Stephen was asking people to participate in the audiobook casting for Nightmares & Dreamscapes. He'd wanted Michael to do the reading for Popsy but they were never able to work that out because Michael was not willing to read the expletives in the story and Stephen would not edit them out. Before it got to that point, Michael had asked if Steve would do this video concept. My recollection is that originally it was intended to be part of the soundtrack for the film Addams Family Values but then the first child molestation accusations came out. Mick Garris worked on the video at least for a while and it was his belief that Michael was innocent and based on that, Stephen has said he believed that as well.

Fascinating! Thank you! I never knew he wanted Michael to do an audiobook.

 

[Moderator]

Fascinating! Thank you! I never knew he wanted Michael to do an audiobook.

For Nightmares & Dreamscapes he wanted to use mostly actors who had been in his movies but also had a couple others like Jerry Garcia and Michael Jackson in mind for specific stories. Jerry Garcia did end up reading My Pretty Pony. That happened not too long before he died.

 

[Kurben]

Great video. Never know King wrote it.

 

[DanishReader]

King's original script for Ghosts is one of those that is so hard to get hold on. I once corresponded with Mick Garris who once had it but he had no idea where copies of the script could be as of today.