Whether it’s On Set, or In The Studio With Michael, this year’s special guests had incredible moments creating with the World’s Greatest Entertainer.
Sharing Their Michael Jackson Stories At Kingvention 2023.
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Rupert Wainwright
Rupert Wainwright is an award winning film director who worked with Michael Jackson to create The HIStory Teaser, which is arguably the biggest promotional film for any album released by a music artist.
“Soldiers, I See Soldiers Marching!” Michael Jackson told Wainwright of his vision for the film. From here, Wainwright headed to Budapest to bring the album teaser to life.
Originally, Michael planned to film his parts against a green screen in a New York studio. However, his excitement at seeing the dailies encouraged him to board a plane and place himself in the middle of the action in Budapest.
This year, Wainwright takes Kingvention attendees behind the scenes of Michael’s most exciting film-project and we are looking forward to welcoming him to discuss his time with MJ when he arrives in London.
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Cindera Che
Coming soon…
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Nicholas Pike
Nicholas Pike is an acclaimed composer with an extensive repertoire in film and television. He was personally selected by Michael Jackson to work on the music score for Michael Jackson’s Ghosts.
“After the first music day, he sent me a huge basket of gifts” Pike recalls about his time with Michael.
Wanting to push the boundaries with Ghosts, Michael knew that the musical score needed an expert touch and somebody he could trust to help him create the right tone for each scene in the film. And that’s why he chose Nicholas.
In London at Kingvention this year, Nicholas Pike will speak of that experience and being invited back to work with Michael again to create the music score for the full length version of You Rock My World music video/short film from 2001’s Invincible album.
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Craig Lamont Parks
Craig Lamont Parks’ story is really one that can be defined as a ‘Dream Come True’. After all, not every fan gets the opportunity to work with Michael Jackson and become his official double.
After building a rapport with Sean Lennon, Brandon Adams and Kelley Parker on the set of Moonwalker, Michael Jackson told Craig “I trust you because the kids trust you.”
As somebody who bore witness to all aspects of the creation of Moonwalker and music videos for The Way You Make Me Feel, Speed Demon, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal and Leave Me Alone, Craig has plenty of stories to tell.
When he comes to London to October, Craig will tell his story in an exclusive interview on Sunday 29th October as part of the Moonwalker 35th Anniversary Celebration.
Special Feature
Michael Jackson’s costumes on display
In partnership with
Kingvention has partnered with Propstore to showcase two Michael Jackson items that will be auctioned on November 10, 2023.
This will be the last time fans will be able to see those items before they will get purchased by a private collection or museum.
The Michael Jackson Pepsi Jacket and ‘Spike’ costume wore by Michael in ‘Speed Demon’ from the movie ‘Moonwalker’ will be on display only on Saturday 28 October 2023 at Kingvention.
All ticket holders will have access!
Pepsi Jacket
Michael Jackson's original photo-matched black-and-white "Pepsi Commercial" leather jacket from the production of Pepsi's New Generation "Street" music video that was released in the United States on March 27, 1984.
Spike's (Michael Jackson) costume from musical anthology Moonwalker. Directed by Academy Award®-winner Will Vinton, the "Speed Demon" segment of the film saw Jackson disguise himself as Spike the Claymation rabbit in an attempt to hide from a mob of fans and paparazzi.
‘Spike’ from Moonwalker
NEW:
Special Discussion Sessions
This year, Kingvention is offering a brand new section to the Michael Jackson Convention: Special Discussion Sessions on the King of Pop! Those sessions are free to attend for all Kingvention Ticket holders, but limited to only 40 seats. So first arrived first served basis is in place.
Listen to specialists and/or people who worked with Michael in the “Neverland” Library on Saturday 28 October.
Meet the keynotes
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Elizabeth Amisu
An Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies.
Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented and influential musician whose work has had a lasting impact on popular culture. There is a lot to explore within the field of Michael Jackson studies, from his music and performance style to his cultural significance and impact on society. Join academic, Elizabeth Amisu in an exploration of Michael Jackson in academia. -
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The Big MJ Debate
‘Is The Estate fading Michael Jackson into the background?’
You’ve seen their heated debates on YouTube, now join them live and in person.
Charlotte, Ilia & Pez will open up the discussion and try not to kill each other in the process.
Audience can participate.
The Neverland Library is open!
Listen to Michael Jackson Specialists talking about different topics on the King of Pop!
What Tickets Do I Need?
If you want to see the live on-stage interviews of John Van Nest, Rupert Wainwright and Nicholas Pike, you’ll need a Saturday Ticket that covers the entire day. These tickets start from £55 and provide access to all the features of the event.
If you want to see Craig Park’s live on the Kingvention stage, you’ll need a Sunday Ticket. There is only one type of ticket for Sunday, which is £65. Seats on the Sunday are strictly limited.
“I want people to appreciate talent and ability.” - Michael Jackson
Meet Kingvention’s Performers
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Kingvention Opening Video
Video
Kingvention will open the 2 day-event with a special video dedicated to Michael Jackson and his fans around the world
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Craig Barclay
Singer / Guitar Player
Craig will perform “Thriller” and “I Want You Back” ACapella with a guitar.
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Funk of the Future
Locking Collective
Funk of the Future aka the Funk Family was in November 2017 predominantly as a locking collective. Now the Funk Family, performs various styles of the street dance umbrella which includes locking, popping and house. The collective seeks to pay homage to the creators and make the styles their own. They are based in London and have performed in various shows such as move it, dancers delight and of course Kingvention in 2019.
Funk of the Future will perform in Club 30’s on Saturday 28 October.
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Joe MJJ
Dancer
Joe will perform “Smooth Criminal” on Sunday 29 October to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of “Moonwalker”.
