Rumors
June 17th, 2008 | Digg This
The problem with Arcee is quite simply - how do you create a believable Transformer that fits into the space of a fully functioning motorcycle. The answer is to get 6 custom built bikes from RetroSBK, after Dreamworks contacted owner Will Kenefick, so Ventura County Star report.
Kenefick has since worked ridiculous man hours to get these six bikes (the turnaround for one usually being 6 months), ready in time for filming. The 3 “hero” bikes and 3 “stunt” bikes were ready in time and some were in action at the start of June in Pennsylvania - Kenefick was on hand to fix and maintain the vehicles, sometimes getting only 2 hours of sleep. My guess is that the bikes we have seen were the 3 stunt bikes (this fits in with the call sheet), the 3 hero bikes being used for close up non-action shots, which is probably where most of the paint has gone!
He estimates that 1273 hours were put in and that each bike cost $40,000, with $10,000 on paint alone (which added a further 1036 hours of work). Because the bikes are small it is expected that they will be showcased at the movie’s première.
One of RetroSBK’s awesome custom built bike’s:
June 17th, 2008 | Digg This
IESB have posted some backstory to the attachment and unattachment of Superbad star, Jonah Hill:
You know how Jonah Hill was attached to TRANSFORMERS 2, and then was suddenly and without explanation un-attached? Apparently, Jonah was more or less offered the part in the room, but then had to go into Bay’s office to read the script - because it’s so super top secret and the plot is so extra-specially complex, you know.
Jonah sits down, opens the script. The character of the chubby sidekick is named “Jonah.” How perfect. Jonah reads 20 pages of the script, puts it down, and silently walks out of the room. Wants no part of it. Next thing you know, his reps call Bay, he’s off the project.
I’m thinking this may be because the chubby sidekick character was just too stereotypical with a whole host of terrible one liners and very little depth. Last thing you want to do is get typecast.
June 17th, 2008 | Digg This
Transformer Toys got the scoop on a small description of the Transformers 2 game adaptation, “Transformers 2: The Ultimate Battle” - not sure if that is a working title or not. The article suggests that Starscream is the ultimate baddie, whilst giving some weight to the rumors of Transformers that can transform into weapons:
“Make every second count Transformers 2: The Ultimate Battle, as you choose to seek revenge as the Decepticons or defend Earth as the Autobots. Go beyond the movie and drop into pressure-packed missions where seconds can make the difference between survival and destruction. Play as a variety of Transformers, such as the evil Starscream or heroic Optimus Prime, to either demolish or protect fully destructible environments around the globe. A new Transformation system gives you more detailed control as you instantly switch between Robot, Weapon, and Vehicle modes at any time to drive, fly, fight and shoot your way through gripping levels. Then make your choice online as you go head to head against friends in multiplayer battle zones. Your alliance will decide whether Earth’s greatest cities stand or fall in ruin as you experience the ultimate level of intensity in this race against time.”
June 16th, 2008 | Digg This
On his forums, Roberto Orci has confirmed that there will be Transformers that turn into Weapons in Transformers 2:
Roberto, will there be Transformers that transform into Weapons in TF2?
Yes
Via TLAMB
June 12th, 2008 | Digg This
Saab History are reporting that the Saab Aero-X concept car will be used in the Transformers sequel as the alt version of Wheeljack. Given that General Motors are providing the cars for the movie it is highly probable that this rumor shall unfold to be true.
Thanks The Missle!
June 8th, 2008 | Digg This
Following the Smithsonian revelation in the call sheet, fans rushed to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum knowing what, where and when to expect the Transformers filming crew to be doing. Topherlyon has sent TLAMB his pictures of the event, and HowDesign have some up too. There’s a set report following the gallery that provides some background information on the day’s events.
It is thought that the plane with the Autobot symbol on its tail, where no filming was taking place, is Michael Bay’s personal aircraft. You can also see several shots of the SR-71 Blackbird, which is now known to be Jetfire. Outside, Bumblebee is clearly visible as well as a green car (partly under covers), thought to be a Chevy Beat concept, almost certainly another Autobot.
Both Shia and Megan Fox have been spotted on set, though no clear photos snapped.
SHH have also posted a set report from Friday:
I’ve got a first-hand Transformers 2 set report from Friday.
The misinformation machine continues to roll for TF2. News was that TF2 would be filming in DC for a few days. Got a call from my buddy at 4pm yesterday that they were filming at the Air and Space Museum, no not the one in DC, the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum by Dulles Airport in Dulles, VA (30 -40 mins outside DC).
My friend and I quickly left work and headed over to the museum because it was only 5 minutes away. We arrived there and there was nothing to really indicate that filming was going on, it was very low-key. Found them filming inside and the only way you could tell it was for TF2 was from the crew’s badges (an Autobot logo followed by the number 2).
Met up with our buddy and watched a few scenes being filmed. Saw Michael Bay filming, but couldn’t make out what was going on too well because they kept us back far enough. Museum security and crew were heavily guarding the area from people taking photos. My buddy said Shia and Megan Fox were there earlier filming some scenes and Shia would be back soon. We finally saw what looked like Shia dressed in an old time pilots outfit (think aviator goggles and a white scarf around the neck). He was standing between a pillar and a mannequin dressed like him, along with several other mannequins dressed in different pilot outfits. They repeatedly filmed a security guard running by as Shia reached out and put a taser to his neck and the guard would fall to the ground.
We chatted with a crew member and he mentioned how not many people knew they were there and that they had been filming there since Thursday. At the time we were there, they were filming around the SR-71 Blackbird. I don’t know how legit this is, but the crew member said that the Blackbird is going to be featured very prominently in the film, but that people aren’t really supposed to know that. So if true, let the speculation begin as to what Transformer this will be [Jetfire].
They continued filming the taser scene as the museum closed and we were ushered outside. The crew member also mentioned they would be going outside to film some scenes in the parking lot later. So when we got outside we found the coned-off parking lot with a few cars sitting huddled together under tarps. One was clearly Bumblebee, the rims and parts of the yellow bumper were visible. There was also a lime green car. From the look of the shape and the front bumper I would guess that it is either a Toyota Matrix or a Scion xA, but I’m probably wrong. The third car had a very strange shape and I could not make it out.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get close enough to the cars to get decent pictures on my camera phone. We waited around for a while but by 6:15 we had to leave. They were still inside at that time so we didn’t get to see the new cars actually being filmed.
So there you have it. They are filming there again today and I plan on going back to check out some more. I’ll be sure to send along anything new I find out.
Oh, one last thing, Michael Bay flew to the Museum (which has its own runway) and there on the runway sat a white plane with the Autobots logo on the tail. Pretty freakin’ cool. Can’t remember if he had that during filming for the first one, but he’s got it now!
June 6th, 2008 | Digg This
SHH are reporting via “Space Duck”, that one of the next filming locations, now that the four day Bethlehem shoot has completed, may be at the Air Force boneyard in Arizona, stating that preparation for the shoot has begun as the Tuscon facility.
June 6th, 2008 | Digg This
Slash Film have reported, via Jason X, that TF2 producers were scouting locations with scale models of Optimus Prime, Megatron and Star Scream:
My girlfriend works at Eastern State Penitentiary in the Fairmount area of Philadelphia. It was used as a prison from 1829 until 1971, and is now a historical site and museum. Anyway, at the prison today producers for Transformers 2 were on site with scale models of Megatron, Optimus Prime and Star Scream and were scouting filming locations in cell block 1 and the prison kitchen. Just thought I’d let people know that filming should begin here soon.
June 5th, 2008 | Digg This
TFW2000 state:
The Pontiac Solstice vehicle prop of Autobot Jazz arrived on the set of Transformers 2 earlier today. In addition we’ve received confirmation from a second tipster that Darius McCrary, the voice of Movie Jazz, is now on set as well.
June 5th, 2008 | Digg This
On Don Murphy’s forums he has publicly stated that the production team and co are hoping to achieve a set of 20 robots in Transformers 2, with roughly 10 on each side:
“I’d love and think we could almost barely manage ten on each side, with some front and center and others as more supporting.”
