Judge approves Michael Jackson movie

A judge has approved a major movie deal that will see footage from Michael Jackson's final rehearsals being made into a feature film.

The deal between the late singer's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Columbia Pictures was given the greenlight by Judge Mitchell Beckloff at the LA Superior Court this morning.

The project is understood to feature footage filmed during the final rehearsals for Jackson's comeback tour in London. It is alleged that there are around 80 hours of footage to choose from.

High School Musical director Kenny Ortega, who had been choreographing Jackson's tour, has signed on to helm the documentary, which could also include the videos prepared as backdrops for the shows.

Jackson passed away on June 25, just three weeks before he was scheduled to begin his sold-out residency at the capital's O2 arena.