Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545215
26 PRODUCTION SOUND & VIDEO – Summer 2026 Filming Michael by Ed Novick I was first contacted six months prior to photography on Michael and was aware that Antoine Fuqua would be directing. We have worked on many projects together, so I knew I'd have the support I needed. I didn't know Producer Graham King, only by his excellent reputation. I began a deep dive right away into the vast YouTube archive of the King of Pop. I was well aware of his catalog, not only from living in that era, but also from when I worked in retail hi-fi in NYC in the early 1980's. We HAD to have copies of Off the Wall and Thriller available for demo with customers. We played those vinyl records so often, we wore them flat and bought new ones every week. Years later, as a Production Sound Mixer, I had the pleasure of working with Michael Jackson on the long music video Ghosts in 1995. I still remember how soft-spoken he was (and how LOUD he wanted the music!). As luck would have it, the Choreographers on Ghosts, Rich and Tone Talauega, were also the Choreographers on Michael. Talk about a long-awaited reunion! At that time, I also met and interfaced with Brad Sundberg, Michael's Engineer and Technical Director. I called upon him again for help during my research for this film.