AEG Live has been negotiating with several networks over the cost of their Michael Jackson rehearsal footage, tape which will be turned into a major motion picture later this year. AEG was hoping to sell some of the footage to be used for the creation of TV special that would whip viewing audiences into a film frenzy, but their $20 million price tag proved to be a little too high.

Originally, it was hoped that the special would air on August 29, Michael Jackson’s birthday. Sony Pictures will be using some of the footage for a new film, which as of now is scheduled for an October release. The TV special was supposed to feature pop legends like Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson performing Michael’s numbers and using his costumes and choreography, sort of a pre-enactment to the footage the film will showcase.

With no footage of Michael himself being offered for the TV special, no network wants to bid as much as $20 million. Either AEG will have to offer something else, or come down a little off the price. Otherwise, it seems the envisioned special will never happen.