Kenny Ortega: 'Michael was with me'

Kenny Ortega has said that he hopes his new movie reminds people of Michael Jackson's genius.

The director of This Is It told Parade that he felt Jackson's presence as he compiled the film from hours of rehearsal footage.

Ortega said: "At first, I pulled back and thought, 'I'm too emotional, I'm hurting too deeply, I'm confused, I'm lost, I'm afraid'. Then I went, 'Get it together man, the journey's not over. This is your responsibility'.

"It was heavy. I'm telling you the weight I have felt through all of this has been enormous, but I just brought Michael into the room with me. Michael was in the editing room with me every single step of the way.

"I would just ask, 'Is that what you want? Is that good enough? Is that what the fans need?'. I just kept him alive with me all through the whole second part of this experience."

When asked if Jackson ever lost his crown as the King of Pop, Ortega added: "It just fell off, or maybe it literally got knocked off. I think people forgot, and hopefully this film will remind them of his incredible genius.

"He really was a master of his craft and I believe, I hope in my heart that I'm not exaggerating, that everyone sees what I see in this film. That you see a master in charge leading us along the path."