Sony Pictures is reportedly paying close to $60 million to AEG Entertainment for the 80 hours of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” concert rehearsal footage. Before the icon’s sudden death on June 25, the 50-night concert was set to begin this month in London at the O2 arena. Sony is planning to release a film on October 30, using the rehearsal footage and music videos (possibly in 3-D), including a new version of “Thriller.” The film is a perfect fit for Sony Pictures, since sister unit Sony Music Entertainment owns the music publishing rights to Jackson’s songs.

Fortunately, the Jackson family estate will likely get about 90% of the proceeds from the deal after AEG covers the tour’s production costs.

Speak your peace.