Given Michael Jackson’s final concerts had been scheduled for London and were instant sellouts, Papa Joe has moved to make some serious moolah tied to the release of "This Is It," the upcoming film of Michael’s final rehearsals for that tour.

I’ve learned that when the film opens in England, Joe will introduce screenings during the first week at selected venues. Word has it, he will be paid about $250,000 for his, uh, efforts — which reportedly will include sharing a few stories about the King of Pop with audiences before the screenings.

"He stands to make more from these London shows than from his Vegas deal," said a source privy to the London project, referring to the VIP packages Jackson is promoting for "This Is It" openings Oct. 26 and 27 in Las Vegas, with prices ranging up to $3,000 per ticket.