Michael Jackson-Signed 'Thriller' Contract to Be Auctioned This Week

The contract between Michael Jackson's Optimum Productions and the Screen Actors Guild for the epic music video "Thriller" will be auctioned by Nate D. Sanders Auctions on February 26. Interested bidders may participate in the auction online.

Jackson signed the security agreement contract in Los Angeles on October 10, 1983. Attached to the contract is a December 1983 certification document from the U.S. Copyright Office/Library of Congress.

The contact covered payment and SAG requirements for two-dozen actors in the video. The contract had to be signed prior to production.

Jackson's groundbreaking 13-minute video was shot in downtown Los Angeles in October 1983. "Thriller" is one of the most popular music videos of all-time, selling over 9 million copies. Additionally, "Thriller" was MTV's first world premiere video, launching the network into pop culture fame.

In 1984, "Thriller" won a Grammy for Best Video Album. The following year, it was awarded a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video. "Thriller" won three MTV Awards in 1984, "Viewer's Choice," "Best Choreography" and "Best Overall Performance in a Video."

In 2009, the Library of Congress added "Thriller" to the National Film Registry. It remains the first and only music video to be selected.

Bidding for the contract begins at $25,000.

Additional information on the "Thriller" contract can be found at http://natedsanders.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=35422.

About Nate D. Sanders Auctions - An industry leader in documents and autographs, Nate D. Sanders Auctions has conducted auctions in Los Angeles since 1990 and now holds major auctions on a monthly basis. Owner Nate Sanders is recognized for his knowledge of sports, historical and Hollywood memorabilia. To learn more visit natedsanders.com.

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