Japan Commissions First American Female Director For Michael Jackson Documentary

NEW YORK -- This week, director and screenplay author Austen Tayler becomes the first American female director to release a full-length feature film commissioned by Japan. Michael Jackson Commemorated, produced by Flamingo Features and distributed by Star Sands, opens in 150 theatres in Japan on June 25th, on the one-year anniversary of the superstar's death.

"I am thrilled to pave the way for more American female directors to be recognized and hired within Japan's typically male reserved entertainment circles," said Austen Tayler at this morning's announcement. "Japan continues to be a homogeneous society so it's still somewhat difficult for women to get their voices heard but it's vital we keep trying."

Austen Tayler has released several film works throughout Asia including the award winning "A Tribute to Pavarotti" and the 45-part music series "Beyond the Ballad". Michael Jackson Commemorated is her first full-length feature film. Star Sands commissioned the film. They project box office to exceed $50 million USD.

Michael Jackson's former manager and director, Marc Schaffel, shot the footage, originally intended as a pilot for a reality series that never aired. It was the first and last time Michael Jackson agreed to wear a microphone to record him candidly. Cameras accompany the legend as he tours the inside of his Gary, Indiana childhood home for the first time in over 30 years. They showoff the spectacular grounds of Neverland Ranch as never before and they even capture a riotous Michael as he orchestrates a food fight with Carter brothers, Aaron and Nick. Flamingo Features hopes to ink world distribution rights forMichael Jackson Commemorated after its wide release debut in Japan.

"Audiences are given a unique chance to be up close and personal with Michael and to feel the true essence of the genuine love and adoration he felt for his fans," continued Austen Tayler.

Austen Tayler's next feature film project will be Hemingway about the brilliant, passionate and troubled life of Ernest Hemingway. She is also currently working on a six-episode rock-umentary series, Golden Goddess Pop Stars, offering intimate portraits of the hottest blondes in today's American pop music culture including Pink, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga.

Both Hemingway and Golden Goddess Pop Stars already have distribution deals set in Japan.