Michael Jackson`s `Thriller` video has be added to the Library of Congress as a national film treasure.
‘Thriller’ was one of 25 film pieces added to the library this week and was the first music video added to the registry.
Steve Leggett of the National Film Preservation Board said that the Jackson video had been considered in previous years but in light of the singer’s death in 2009 that the timing was now right.
The 14-minute music video was directed by John Landis and produced by George Folsey Jr in 1983.
The video was the most expensive film clip ever made in its day. It set a new standard by turning the title track from the Jackson ‘Thriller’ album into a mini-movie.
The girl who plays Michael’s girlfriend in the clip was Ola Ray. She also starred in ‘Night Shift’, ’48 Hrs’ and ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’. She claimed she had trouble collecting royalties for her work in the clip and sued Jackson was just two before his death.
Director John Landis was also suing Jackson over unpaid royalties for the clip.
Just before he died, Jackson sold the rights of Thriller to the Nederlander Organization to create a stage show based on the video.
The Thriller video was filmed at the Palace Theater at 701 Union Pacific Avenue, East Los Angeles.
Undercover.com.au