How amazing are the people who live on the Isle of Wight?
The latest to surface is Yarmouth resident Bob Paynter, who filmed Michael Jackson’s Thriller video!
Bob – who has been living on the Island for the last 16 years – landed the job as he’d previously worked with John Landis, who directed Thriller, on previous films such as Trading Places.
Thriller video
When the Thriller video was launched it was a massive event, causing huge excitement and interest. To many, the 14 minute music-monster-romp is seen as the best music video released.
It also went on to win two Grammy Awards and become listed as “most successful music video,” by the Guinness books of Records.
Bob was also an extra in the video sitting next to MJ’s girlfriend in the cinema scene.
Describing his memories of meeting Michael Jackson, Bob told the BBC,
“His dancing was electrifying”
“Michael seemed shy with a quiet disposition, but his dancing was electrifying and had to be seen to be believed. He was just so talented.
“He was very pleasant and polite – asking me about my family and the other films I had made.”
Bob also described how Michael’s had a Boa constrictor ..
After the rehearsals those working on the video went back to Michael’s house where Bob got a full tour and was very impressed with the fairytale decor and atmosphere.
He was not impressed however with Jacko’s bedroom, which he says was: “untidy, full of loads of souvenirs he’d collected through his career and had a huge pet boa constrictor in the corner!”
image: from BBC site, From Thriller by John Landis and George Folsey, Jnr
