N.O. natives will create Michael Jackson Web site

New Orleans CityBusiness, Oct 27, 2003 by Staff

Two New Orleans natives have landed a contract to recreate the Web site for pop superstar Michael Jackson.

Out the Box Web Productions LLC, owned and operated by Jason Michael Perry and Sean P. Clark, said a launch date has not been confirmed. Nov. 17 was the tentative date, but the new site might not premiere until early December.

Epic/Sony previously handled www.michaeljackson.com, Perry said. Perry, 22, and Clark, 24, said they plan to beat it.

We're going to do more than trump it, Perry said. It's probably going to be the best Web site you've ever seen.

The new site will feature more interactive features as well as an online radio application and video and music clips, Perry said. Under the deal, three Web sites will be created, including a fan club site and a corporate site for MJJ Productions.

The 20-somethings landed the gig through Jackson's publicist, who lives in New Orleans. They declined to share the exact contract amount although it is at least six figures.

The company, which started in 1999, offers a variety of services, from Internet marketing to application development and computer- based training.

This is a big graduation for us as a business, Perry said.

The two-person Out the Box shop will subcontract some Web site work, he said.