Spike-Lee Works On Michael Jackson Documentary To Be Released Later This Year

Spike-Lee is working on a Michael Jackson documentary in order to honor the 25thanniversary of the legendary pop singer's album "Bad."

The famous director referred to Jackson's footage and unreleased tracks as "a treasure chest of findings." Lee was already a close friend to Jackson, and considers it an honor to be able to work on this project.

"We have footage in this documentary that no one's ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, and behind-the-scenes stuff," he said in an interview Monday with the Associated Press. "We had complete access to the vaults of Michael Jackson. ... He wrote 60 demos for the 'Bad' record. Only 11 made it. So we got to hear a lot of that stuff, too, so it was just a great experience."

The documentary is set to show the behind-the-scenes making of the iconic album "Bad." It will feature homemade videos by Jackson, allowing fans to see a more intimate side of the mega-star.

"He had a great sense of humor, and he was funny - so you'll see a lot of that stuff," Lee said.

While putting together the documentary, Lee interviewed tons of stars, from Kanye West to Mariah Carey to Sheryl Crow. Crow has a more personal connection to this movie because she was Jackson's background singer on the "Bad" tour.

"We really divided it into two things: Artists today who were influenced by Michael, and then people who worked side by side - musicians, songwriters, technicians, engineers, people at the label, who were all committed to Michael, to the follow-up to the biggest record of all time, which still is 'Thriller," Lee told the Associated Press.

Lee's film is a part of a plethora of events and materials that are being put together to honor the music icon. The album is being re-released Sept.18, which will include never released tracks, along with a DVD, and bonus footage. Although Lee's documentary doesn't have an exact release date, it is expected to be released later in the year.

Since MJ was one of Lee's closest friends and inspirations, he still plans to hold his now traditional birthday tribute to Jackson in Brooklyn, N.Y, on Aug. 25. This would have marked Jackson's 54 birthday.

"This year we're going to focus on the 'Bad' album, we're going to focus on the 25th anniversary, but at the same time we're going to play his full catalog, including the Jackson 5 and the Jacksons," he said to the Associated Press. "It's going to be even bigger and better this year."