Seibertron are reporting, despite the statement on Michael Bay’s blog that filming had wrapped, that TF2 has been filming aboard the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier over November 1st and 2nd.

Pictures from the set

These images show Shia LaBoeuf with ‘battle damage’, Michael Bay filming shooting a catapult launch, Josh Duhamel and Tyrese.

Set Report

Skalor’s Postcard
Greetings from San Diego! Just got back today from deployment at sea on board the U.S. Navy carrier Stennis and thought I’d fill everyone in on what I experienced this past week with the ROTF cast and crew. It’s true, filming did take place this past week, all shooting was completed in a two day span, Saturday the 1st with the IMAX folks filming flight operations, and Sunday the 2nd with Michael Bay in action around the ship. Rumors flew around for weeks about what exactly was going to happen with the movie so it was really cool to see it all go down.

Saturday afternoon two transport planes arrived, the first carrying Shia Labeouf on the first and on the second were Michael Bay, Tyrese Gibson, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel. They arrived in costume (at least Tyrese and Josh did) and began working almost immediately. From what I saw, all of the filming with the cast was done in “closed” sets. The rest of the filming on the flight deck seemed to be flight operations, of which I was there and will hopefully make the final cut. We were told to just act natural and continue our jobs as normal, which is easy to do when you’ve actually got work to do. I did however try really hard to get into one shot in which I just walked back and forth for about 20 minutes.

The whole experience was a lot of fun and everyone in the cast and crew were really cool. Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox were really hard to find on the ship, I think they were working just about their whole time there. I’m not sure which part of the movie was filmed there but it is probably somewhere toward the end, (Shia had “beat-up” make up on, and Duhamel and Tyrese were in dress uniforms). Overall it was an awesome time.

Sorry if I didn’t give you any good spoilers or anything like that, but I think the suspense is more fun anyway. By the way, the crew working on this movie have been busting their asses to make a good film, that much I can attest to.

This should put to rest any of the rumors that they’ve completed filming for now, although this may have been the last of the filming (I didn’t ask). [...]

On the weekend ending 23rd October Transformers 2 was spotted filming around the pyramids in Egypt, as reported by Waxword and TLAMB scooper Dan:

Set report from WaxWord:

A major milestone quietly passed last weekend: the first major Hollywood film in decades filmed in the heart of the Middle East. “Transformers II” turned its cameras at the Pyramids in Egypt, and again in the upper Egyptian town of Luxor, near the famed Valley of the Kings. This is significant for many reasons but mainly because it represents a rare move by two Hollywood studios, Paramount and DreamWorks, to connect to a country and culture that is perceived to be hostile the United States.

I say ‘perceived’ because my guess is you’d probably find no more avid fans elsewhere in the world than those clustered around Shia LeBeouf, the star of the film, in this part of the world. But after years of anti-American images in the Middle East, and years of entrenched mistrust, this is the kind of interaction – and publicity - that makes a difference. I hear from sources within the studio that DreamWorks was “petrified” when producers got clearance to shoot at the pyramids and in Luxor, and that LeBeouf was hesitant but decided to take the leap. (I agreed to hold this news until production had been safely completed.)

In the end, “Transformers II” shot for several days, bringing together a crew of 150 Americans and several dozen local Egyptians for an effort that producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, who called from a cellphone while standing beside the pyramids, told me was “remarkably smooth.”

Dan’s report:

Hi there, I’m not a fan of Transformers but I can confirm after visiting the Pyramids section in Cairo last Friday (17th oct) that there was indeed a film crew filming on the third pyramid in the Giza area (can’t remember the name, but for those of you that know, its the Pyramid with half of one side that looks like it’s been dug out. They were filming some scene late in the afternoon before sunset (when the heat was less intense) and it was quite amazing because my girlfriend and I sat on some rocks 20 metres away from it all and managed not to get sussed out by the security crew (who were all wearing T2 badges…one of the crew was tying up his shoelace behind me and confirmed to me it was T2)about 40 people on site, the locals were trying to get their camels and donkeys in the scenes, which involved one of the cast climbing part of the pyramid…..

An Anonymous source has sent Seibertron a set report from the Boneyard along with a few images of the vehicles in storage showing the Chevy Volt and Chevy Centennial.

Dear Seibertron.com,

Me again - I have some follow-up information concerning the “Bumblebee Sighted” article that you previously posted. I visited the 309th AMARG again today for their last day of filming; and let me tell you, it was busy. Lots of new photos, including a bumper shot of ‘Sideswipe’ and a little snippet of a picture of what I believe to be the blue Chevy Volt (however, during the time I was present this vehicle was never actually taken off the trailer; neither was Sideswipe to my knowledge). No pictures of Shia or Megan; but, as I was informed by plenty of soldiers (concerning Fox, anyways); the two were definitely on set. I apologize for some of the pictures that came out somewhat small and rounded; I actually had to snap those certain shots through a pair of binoculars. Ironically enough, the pictures I took of Bumblebee (yellow 2009 concept Camaro) and the red and green Chevy Trax & Beat (the ‘Twins’, I think?) were actually on my way off the set. Lucky me!

Something else I don’t know if you would be interested in or not - but I’ll add it on here anyways, just in case. The scene that I witnessed them filming consisted of a long, large sheet of metal (maybe a cover up for something of some sort?) being stood up by the side of one of the planes in The Boneyard, and lots of loud gibberish shouting coming from what I believe to be one of the transformers. Keep in mind this scene was watched from about 200 meters away - but why I think its important is because of the loud, booming voice we heard from over 200 meters away. We couldn’t make out what he was saying; but what we could identify was that it was male, and very Decepticon sounding - meaning a very deep, baritone sort of sound to it but with a sharp, manifestly evil edge. In my own opinion (and those of all of the soldiers that accompanied me on the “tour”) this was the voice of Megatron - definitely evil, definitely loud. Then again, it could have been that ‘Jetfire’ character that I’ve heard a little bit about - the plane where the sound originated from wasn’t the exact aircraft he’s been described as, but then again I wasn’t up close and personal with it so it’s a tough one to call. Alas, I wouldn’t be surprised if this mysterious voice did belong to Megatron - had a sort of, feel to it, you know?
Something like, “Damn, that guy is pissed.”
Megatron or not, whoever’s voice that belonged to definitely wanted some sort of Revenge

Well, that’s all the news I have so far. If I hear or (hopefully) see anything else concerning Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen; I’ll be sure to update you guys!

Anonymous

TLAMB’s Anonymous source that provided a set report has returned with the promised pictures of Bumblebee, Ratchet, Optimus Prime and Ironhide. None of the new autobots were on show however.

The set report:
- The core cast is at the location, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson
- Today they shot a fight scene at a desert set similar to one from the first movie.
- Extras on set comprised of various needs including a “Strike Force” and Jordanian soldiers.
- Heard rumor that Julie White and Kevin Dunn (Sam’s parents) where also on the White Sands set.
- Additionally heard that TF2 may film in Ruidoso which is about 30 minutes from Alamogordo. Ruidoso is in the mountains surrounded by a dense forest.

This anonymous set report from Alamogordo comes via TLAMB and reveals details of the filming and details of the scenes shot.

Don’t know if you are concerned, but they are in fact filming here in Alamogordo, NM. They’ve been here for sometime now.

September 12th - They were filming on base from 12:00pm - 10:30pm. They used a large military plane, like a C17. It was parked and they had many of the military extras walking to and from the plane. Sometimes loading onto the back of the plane and then deplaning afterwards.

Josh and Tyrese were there as well. I saw them standing at the end of the stairwell, the landing of the C-17. The military extras were walking and in some takes they were running.

Tyrese was trying to keep the mood light as I witnessed him doing some kind of “chicken dance”. I hear through the grapevine that he was pretty silly that day. I honestly think it’s to prevent himself from going crazy from boredom. As you probably know, there are many, many, many takes just for one shot! And then they want to do the same shot from another angle. So you’re talking, 10 takes each at least! Needless to say, that could take all night, and sometimes it does! There were a few times while everyone waited as they set up the shots, Tyrese would say out loud, “Are we ready yet? What’s the hold up? C’mon lets go!” They were outside doing this scene all night! The walking scene was done at least 20 times. Riding humvees around the plane was shot in the day and later in the night.

The humvees had gunners on top, about 4 of those riding around and around the plane. They were definitely filming a fight scene.

I really don’t want to go into too much detail for fear someone I know that is working with DreamWorks will get into a lot of trouble. I would love to tell you the story line of which I’m sure you’d be surprise, but I truly do not want to spoil it for any true Transformer fan.

They start shooting tomorrow (22nd Sept) at White Sands for the entire week. Unfortunately I won’t be able to watch any filming while they are out there. Only the extras and crew are allowed. I hear they will be shooting here in Alamogordo, whether it be on base or at White Sands, they will be here till early October.

Here is what I’ve observed so far at Holloman. They had men and women and very few children dressed in Muslim costumes. The people looked very authentic I saw them early one morning walking to the trailers. Bumblebee was on base; however he was shielded from prying eyes as they covered him up with a car cover. Not a great job because his rear and sides were poking out of the cover and one could tell it was Bumblebee.

Some of the extras are Air Force guys portraying Army guys and some extra Army guys are portraying Air Force guys. I hear “some” of the Air Force guys were looking “tighter” in dress and haircut. The casting dept. thought they looked more of what someone in Army would look like? I know some Army guys won’t like to hear that, but it’s true.

Some where on base in a hangar, holds Ironhide, Optimus Prime, some of the “pimped” out humvees the primary cast will be driving. (Most likely Tyrese and Josh) The Corvette was there as well, it is silver in color. The people who were there at the time didn’t want any photos taken of the Corvette, they were adamant about that. Apparently GM would have a cow if that photo got out. Now I hear they are going to let [us] take photos of these vehicles tomorrow.

Also, the Can Am Spyder will be in the film too, but they’ve got it all decked out with a more futuristic look to it.

Anonymous in Alamogordo

ET’s Mark Steines and The Insider’s Victoria Recano are on set in White Sands, New Mexico and Holloman air force base - to capture an exclusive sneak preview of Transformers 2 “with real live F16s” - six of them. Below is a snippet video before we get the real thing tomorrow…

More action! More excitement! More Transformers! ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’ explodes into theaters June 26 ‘09, and only ET’s Mark Steines is blogging exclusively from his private jet ride to director Michael Bay’s top-secret set in New Mexico — where he’ll give you an unprecedented first look behind the scenes of the upcoming summer blockbuster!

Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel are reunited once again with the cast of the original blockbuster, which saw mankind caught in the middle of battling Autobots and Decepticons from another galaxy. Up until now, the ‘Transformers’ sequel set has been off-limits, but only ET got complete access to the closed set on Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Stay tuned to ET for our all-’Transformers’ Tuesday!

Explosions were promised, and Ranger565 (via TLAMB) has come back with his report which you can find below. Now all we need are some pictures and video…

OK Well I work in the area and they have the whole area set up to be China, as you guys know. Now I did see Prime, Bumblebee, the silver corvette, 2 blue cars (small) and Ironhide. All were parked on the back lot behind Catalina Landing!

The scene I witnessed was a traffic scene where they were driving down Shoreline Drive and then 2 flatbed Trucks merge into traffic. THEN BOOOM!!! One of the two trucks blew in half.

NOTE: The Autobots were not in the blow up scene. That’s it the stunt guys got out the cars and the Helicopter flew off. But man that truck blue the trailer hitch right off. Then I heard that it may not have gone according to plan. Both trucks were [supposed] to blow up.

Got pictures? Send them in!

After the recent filming at the Eastern State Pen, the site’s official blog has updated with some details and images of the shoot.

We were thrilled to welcome the cast and crew of Transformers 2 to Eastern State Penitentiary!

The sequel to last summer’s blockbuster recently filmed scenes in Eastern State’s Cellblock 7 as well as outside in the Industrial Building Courtyard. You can see in the top photo the massive helium-filled balloon light that was used to simulate moonlight. The next photo shows the cast and crew on the set created at Eastern State. The final photo shows the car cast as “Bumblebee” exiting Eastern State during filming.

While on site, Shia LaBoeuf, Megan Fox and Michael Bay enjoyed a tour of Eastern State including some areas used during Terror Behind the Walls, including Cellblock 12, the home of Lock Down.

The Movie Blog got the scoop on one of the key indoor scenes involving Shia La Boeuf and Rainn Wilson as a professor. This passage of text does give away spoilers - involving mystical powers and Einstein. Josh Duhamel has also revealed a key plot detail in an interview with Empire:

“I guess who he’s working with is probably the biggest change,” said Duhamel, before adding once more, presumably for emphasis. “Who he’s working with.”

Implying that the Autobots and Decepticons may be forced to work together to overcome a greater evil, perhaps the all powerful Fallen.

Movie Blog Spoiler

On the first day of class, Sam goes crazy just before getting to class for some reason. It seems there is some object that he was exposed to that affected him, our guess is the splinter from the cube. Anyways, Rainn Wilson asks the class to turn to the first page of the text book (which, apparently, Rainn Wilson’s character is the professor of the class AND the writer of the Astronomy text book that they are using in class). Wilson’s character’s name is Professor Colon (pronounced: koh - lawn). Everyone except Sam turns to the first page. Sam, instead, read the entire book in 5 seconds by just flipping through it, then starts telling Wilson’s character about what parts of his book are wrong. He also starts talking about how Einstein was wrong. Sam gets up from his seat and goes up to the chalk board and starts writing a lot of weird symbols on the chalk board (probably Cryptonian). Then he starts asking why nobody understands and then he leaves class. On the second day of class, he apparently returns, but acts less crazy.

The reason we suspect that it is an object he touches that makes him crazy is because there was a scene shot earlier where he was on the phone Fox’s character Mikaela, and he was asking her if she had “it” and then told her to make sure she doesn’t touch “it”. Our guess is the “splinter” (left over piece of the Allspark Cube), but it could be something else, of course.

Oh, and the last scene that was filmed on Wednesday evening was of Sam arriving to class while riding the red motorcycle that people have seen in pictures. I don’t think that proves whether or not it is a Transformer or just a motorcycle, but it could be worthwhile information in the future.

Talking with the New Jersey Times, Michael Bay has revealed a little about Sam Witwicky’s character development:

The university angle to the plot “is all about Sam growing up and going to college … a teenager growing into a man,” Bay said.

[...]

With Witwicky enrolled at a fictional East Coast school with an Ivy League feel, Banes comes from Los Angeles as a visitor to her friend’s new campus, Bay said.

Campus scenes were shot at both Princeton and, earlier this month, at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Contributing sources: /Film, TLAMB

Movie Insider reader Cameron Busacca got a chance to catch up on the action and hang out with the girls this week, topping it with a nice set report for us.

Shia LaBeouf came on set around 8 a.m. to film what appeared to be a “move-in” day scene right next to the Princeton University Chapel. After several takes, the crew moved out onto the street to shoot a few stunt scenes on Washington Street. Most of the cars looked brand new (there was no futuristic Chevy Camaro in sight, which was a bummer) but after a few takes, one of the cars had bullet holes and a smashed windshield, which led me to believe they were filming a chase scene. Shia’s stunt double nearly got hit several times by another car, and the crew shot the scene from different angles up and down Washington as if all of the shots were going to be pieced together later. And even though the stunt drivers went really fast, you could tell that they speed it up even more in the editing process.

After the first stunt was over, we saw our first sighting of Megan Fox. They were getting a shot of her driving from inside the car but she lost control and slammed it into a curb. Don’t worry, she’s perfectly fine. She got out of the car smiling and laughing and walked it off. Shia, on the other hand, hadn’t stopped chain smoking since the end of the first scene and every time they broke from filming he seemed to have a really bad attitude.

[...]

Shia had turned us down when we asked for a picture earlier, but after seeing Megan take a picture with another fortunate group of guys, we walked up to her. Her people immediately shot down the request, but she very graciously and kindly agreed to take one more. We took a picture with her and proceeded to ask her a few questions about the movie. Shia was also there but added nothing to the conversation.