Quick Takes: Michael Jackson documentary targeted

The estate of Michael Jackson is taking issue with a documentary to debut in Japan on the anniversary of the pop star’s death Friday.

According to a promotional website, the film was shot by Marc Schaffel, a former associate who had a major falling-out with Jackson in a messy trial in which they sued each other four years ago.

In a statement sent to the Associated Press on Thursday, the estate says the film’s promoters “misled Michael Jackson’s fans” by making it appear as if it were authorized.

The estate says it does not endorse the film and that none of the proceeds will flow to the estate, which benefits his children, mother and charities.

It also said the movie cannot legally use any of Jackson’s music.

— Associated Press

The Bowl on the iPhone

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn. is introducing a phone application designed to help attendees make the most of visits to the Hollywood Bowl.

The free app offers a detailed look at the season’s shows and performers and allows users to buy tickets and add concerts to a favorites list to receive reminders and special announcements.

The “Hollywood Bowl” application also explains how to get to the venue by car or shuttle and what to do once there. On phones with GPS the app will offer driving directions and pinpoint seat locations as well as the nearest restrooms, concessions and picnic areas. Users also can view Bowl-related videos and a fan photo gallery.

An L.A. Philharmonic spokeswoman says the application, which was developed by Santa Monica-based MeemleLabs, is available for all Android phones and iPhones and is compatible with iOS 4 — Apple’s new mobile operating system. It will be available for BlackBerrys and the mobile Web starting in July.

Last fall, the Philharmonic Assn. celebrated the arrival of music director Gustavo Dudamel by launching its first iPhone app and online game, “Bravo Gustavo,” in which users can “conduct” the Phil in excerpts from Berlioz and Mahler.

— Karen Wada

L.A. Emmys honor Edwards

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced Thursday that local television personality Steve Edwards will receive the Los Angeles Area Governors Award.

The award, given to an individual, company or organization for outstanding achievement in the arts, sciences, or management of television, will be presented at the Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards on July 31.

“Steve Edwards has had a presence on Los Angeles television for over 30 years,” said Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Chairman John Shaffner. “We are very pleased that the Academy’s Board of Governors voted to bestow this well-deserved honor on a man that has played such an integral role in the local news landscape.”

Edwards hosts “Good Day L.A.” weekday mornings on KTTV FOX 11 and has also hosted such shows as KABC-TV’s “AM Los Angeles,” KCBS-TV’s “Two on the Town” and “The Steve Edwards Show.”

— Yvonne Villarreal

One chief’s ‘cow splat’ …

The bronze sculptures for the new LAPD headquarters that outgoing Police Chief William J. Bratton publicly dissed as looking like “cow splat” have won an award.

The Washington, D.C., nonprofit arts lobby Americans for the Arts on Thursday cited the Peter Shelton ensemble as among the 40 best public artworks commissioned in the U.S. and Canada in 2009. More than 300 projects had been submitted for the award.

In addition to “sixbeaststwomonkeys,” a set of eight monumental abstractions of animal forms arrayed on pedestals along Spring Street, a second Shelton sculpture made the list. Projects were recognized in 29 cities in 15 states.

— Christopher Knight

Getty acquires artist’s papers

The Getty Research Institute has acquired a collection of letters

and other correspondences from Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.

The institute made the purchase at a June 18 Sotheby’s auction. The previous owner had acquired the group of letters in London in 1987 after the death of Georgette Magritte, the artist’s widow, and they have been in the collector’s possession in the U.S. ever since.

The letters, believed to have been written between 1934 to 1957, are addressed to Belgian Surrealist poet Paul Colinet. They number about 50 pages and also include a telegram, a typescript copy of a letter as well as eight letters and postcards from Colinet.

— David Ng