Producer shot 'months and months' of Jackson footage

The executive producer of A&E's upcoming Jackson family reality project says she has "months and months" of recent footage -- possibly including never-before-seen scenes with Michael.

Jodi Gomes of Point 7 Entertainment shot content for a Jacksons project that the network had planned to air next year as a one-hour special/backdoor pilot. But the ongoing possibility of a Jackson family reality show could pale in news value compared to what she already has in the can.

"We have months and months of exclusive and intimate footage as a family as a unit, as individuals, as brothers," Gomes said. "It's enormous ... this is not your average special."

The prospect of a secret treasure trove of new Jackson footage sent news and entertainment networks into a frenzy Monday trying to obtain the content after THR reported on the A&E project, which finished shooting a few weeks before Michael Jackson's death. Alas for competitors, A&E owns the telecast rights.

Gomes said the Jacksons were preparing for a Jackson 5 reunion -- which would have likely included the King of Pop.

Though under a confidentiality agreement to not discuss the exact content of her footage, she notes, "A lot of it had to do with Michael." The project details have been "kept very cloak and dagger" due to the content of the planned Jacksons reunion tour.

"We were filming long before Michael announced his [London] O2 shows," she said. "The Jackson 5 were to have dates as well."

Gomes' project wrapped shooting on June 5. A&E has not yet decided whether the show will progress into a series, or serve as a standalone special. And if only a special, whether the tentatively titled "The Jackson Family" will remain only one hour and still not air until next year. As an investment, however, there's no doubt the network will see a good return. 

"We have started discussing internally and with the family but have not yet decided what direction to take with the show," said A&E executives, in a statement. "We are respecting the family's wishes right now, and at the appropriate time we will all decide what direction this program will take, so stay tuned."