'This Is It', the movie based on the rehearsals for Michael Jackson's planned London concerts this year, took £12m ($20m) in its first day of release, the studio distributing it has said.

Director Kenny Ortega's film was drawn from more than 100 hours of rehearsals footage in Los Angeles ahead of the 50-date residency at London's O2 Arena which was to have started in July and run until March of 2010.

The movie was launched in 19 cities around the world on Tuesday, including London, Los Angeles and New York.

Sony Pictures said the film had taken £4.4m ($7.27m) in the US and £1.2m ($2m) in the UK.

Steve Elzer from Sony Pictures said the film is a "reaffirmation of the global appeal of Michael Jackson," the BBC reported.

Jackson died on June 25 and his death is being treated as homicide. It was only two weeks before the London shows were supposed to start.

He also said the studio would put the film forward for nomination in the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards next year.

In order to be eligible for Oscar shortlisting, the film would have to complete seven-day run in Los Angeles County and its producers would need to "submit the proper paperwork," Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger said.

Director Kenny Ortega said Jackson "deserves" to win an Oscar.

The film was released in cinemas on a two-week run, but Sony has said its release may be extended if ticket demand remains high.

By the weekend the film is expected to have been seen in 110 countries.