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Transformers (film)

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Template:Future film

Transformers
File:TF TeaserPoster1.jpg
Directed byMichael Bay
Written byStory:
Alex Kurtzman
Roberto Orci
John Rogers
Screenplay:
Alex Kurtzman
Roberto Orci
Produced byTom DeSanto
Don Murphy
Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Steven Spielberg
StarringShia LaBeouf
Josh Duhamel
Jon Voight
Megan Fox
Bernie Mac
Tyrese Gibson
Rachael Taylor
Amaury Nolasco
Kevin Dunn
Peter Cullen
Music bySteve Jablonsky[1]
Distributed byDreamWorks
Paramount
UIP
Release dates
July 4, 2007
(USA)
(Canada)
LanguageEnglish

Transformers is a live action science fiction film conceptually based on the popular Transformers franchise and toy line. The film has a projected release date of July 4, 2007 and is currently filming. The feature is being directed by Michael Bay with Steven Spielberg acting as the executive producer. The official announcement of the project was made at Comic-Con International in July 2005. The Transformers characters are to be CGI. Filming officially commenced on May 29,2006. This will be the Transformers' first big screen adaptation since Transformers: The Movie in 1986.

Plot

Template:Spoilers Michael Bay has confirmed that the movie starts out with a battle on Cybertron. It then moves to the Arctic Circle during the 1800s where Captain Archibald Witwicky is shown chipping away at a massive sheet of ice, only to break through it and fall into the abyss on the other side. Witwicky lands on a robotic hand partially buried in the ice, and looks up to find the eyes of Megatron staring back at him. Megatron burns a map showing the location of the mysterious "Allspark" into Witwicky's eyeglasses, which are handed down to his descendant, Sam (Shia LaBeouf), in the present day. When Witwicky buys his first car from dealer Bobby Bolivia (Bernie Mac), it transpires that it is the Autobot, Bumblebee, and Witwicky comes under the protection of the Autobots as the Decepticons come looking for the map.

Ain't It Cool News reports that an early scene in the film will feature the giant robotic scorpion Decepticon, Scorponok, attacking a Middle Eastern Army base in the present day. The "Allspark" has also been referred to as both the "Energon Cube" and the "Energon Crystal"; the earliest description credited it as "responsible for Transformer life on Earth." Per the words of LaBeouf in a recent interview, this appears to mean that it possesses the power to bring to life ordinary machines, turning them into Transformers too. In this respect, it is similar to the Creation Matrix of the original Transformers comics.[2]

Production

Pre-Production

Producer Don Murphy negotiated the rights with Hasbro for a Transformers film in 2003. He then brought on Tom DeSanto who had worked on X-Men. The two wrote the basic storyline.[3] Eventually Steven Spielberg and Lorenzo di Bonaventura at DreamWorks bought the property in 2004. Murphy also used his site to earn support from fans, and also decided upon a consensus for the voices from the 1980s cartoon.[4]

Popular rumors for directors included Robert Zemeckis[5] and Michael Bay. John Rogers was hired as screenwriter on November 4th 2004 to adapt DeSanto's story[6], and turned in his draft in January 2005. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman were hired the following month to start over.[7] In April, Michael Bay confirmed he was directing the film.[8]

Filming

Director Michael Bay filming at Holloman Air Force Base.

ILM is producing CGI models. Principal photography began on May 22, 2006.

Two Bell Boeing CV-22 Osprey helicopters (of only three in the United States Air Force inventory) were filmed in flight at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, on May 26 for the film. Other military aircraft are also being filmed at Holloman and at nearby White Sands Missile Range.

As of June 9, filming was onsite at the Hoover Dam with several vehicles and military helicopters.

New information has been released regarding the production following the revelations of the Transformers characters.[9] Recent shooting has been focused on Pentagon interiors and chase scenes are set to be filmed over the coming weeks. As of August 2006, filming of destruction in Los Angeles is taking place. Filming took place in Rialto, California on finished-but unopened portion of Interstate 210 between Alder Ave. and Linden Ave. Filming at Edwards AFB began on September 6 2006 and was scheduled to end on September 8 2006. [10] Production then wrapped on September 24, although second unit shooting will continue in the Arctic. [11] and Detroit [12].

Distribution

Transformers is a joint collaboration among DreamWorks SKG, Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, Inc. DreamWorks will be the domestic distributor; Paramount will handle the international release through United International Pictures, the joint venture of Paramount and Universal Studios. There is a deal between Hasbro and Paramount (whose parent Viacom bought DreamWorks in late 2005) in which Paramount releases DVDs of films and TV shows based off Hasbro properties.[citation needed] Hasbro will take an active role in the film's production, along with its promotion and merchandise tie-ins. Since Paramount will distribute DreamWorks' films (which began with Over the Hedge), they in effect have distribution rights to Transformers in North America as well - particularly through its distribution on DVD.

Marketing

Promotion display for the movie at BotCon 2006

The first teaser trailer was released on the internet on June 29 2006 at the official website for the film and on Michael Bay's official website. Bay had originally confirmed a teaser trailer and teaser poster would be released on July 4, 2006, however, the poster (above) was released at the time the teaser site went live. It was supposedly released early after it was discovered that an insider had leaked the teaser trailer onto popular video site YouTube. It depicts a Transformer (hidden by extreme backlighting) attacking the Beagle 2 mission, albeit with artistic license. It has appeared in theaters before a variety of films in North America and in the UK. It has been confirmed that the images and storyline from this teaser trailer will not be in the movie.[citation needed]

IDW Publishing are set to do a four issue prequel and adaptation comic book. Hasbro, unsurprisingly, are creating a toyline, and Paramount have set up a competition for a fan to write a line of dialogue for Optimus Prime on the official website.

Cast

Jon Voight has recently been confirmed as playing Secretary of State "Keller" alongside the already-cast Shia LaBeouf (his costar in Holes) as "Spike" and Megan Fox as "Mikaela," the love interest, and Kevin Dunn as "Sparkplug," Spike's dad.

Confirmed

Actor Role
Peter Cullen [13] [14] Optimus Prime (voice)
Shia LaBeouf [15] Sam "Spike" Witwicky
Jon Voight [16] Secretary of State Keller
Megan Fox [17] Mikaela
Josh Duhamel [17] Lennox
Kevin Dunn [18] "Sparkplug" Witwicky
Bernie Mac [17] Bobby Bolivia
John Turturro [17] Simmons
Travis Van Winkle Trent
Tyrese Gibson [19] Epps
Anthony Anderson [20] Glen

Voice actors

In July 2006, at the San Diego ComicCon, producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura announced that Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime in the original animated series, will reprise his role for the film.[14] Cullen also provided the voice for Ironhide in the original animated series.

Several other original voice actors such as Scatman Crothers (Jazz), Chris Latta (Starscream), Don Messick (Ratchet), and Johnny Haymer (Vortex/Blackout) are deceased. Those roles will require new talent.

Recently Mark Ryan was hired to be on set, to act as a stand in for the Transformers, giving actors someone to react to and act against during filming, both physically where appropriate and providing dialogue. Despite some reports [21] it is extremely unlikely that his voice will be used for any of the Transformers in the final cut.

Transformers on screen

Official announcements

In an April 23, 2006 interview, Bay confirmed the fact that Prime's faceplate would be retractable so that his mouth would be visible. A concept art board for Prime later proved that this statement is true, and also features Prime with an arm cannon. The subjects most heavily stressed, however, were the advanced kinematics and realistic engineering of the Transformers themselves.

On August, 17, 2006, Paramountmovies.com stated that on Friday, August 18, the screenwriters Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman would announce the character names via a live webchat on Yahoo. At around eleven A.M. PST, the webcast began.

The webcast further confirmed that Soundwave would not be appearing, seemingly replaced by Frenzy. In addition it turns out that Brawl, who was previously thought to be a police car, is actually a tank (which was thought to have been Devastator). The name of the Mustang GT police car Decepticon is Barricade.[22][23] A full description of what they said can be found at http://www.tformers.com/article.php?sid=6374&mode=flat. Various L.A. set visits revealed information on the height of the characters.[24]

Autobots

  • Optimus Prime (Peterbilt semi-truck) - A long-nosed cab fashioned with red/black-flames artwork has been seen on set; discussion with Bay representatives seems to affirm this is indeed Optimus Prime's alternate form. On G4 channel's Attack of the Show, an interview with Lorenzo DiBonaventura confirmed that Optimus was scaled to be 32 feet in robot form, and definitely a semi in auto form, However, Michael Bay has said Optimus is 28 feet tall.[25] Orci described Optimus as a noble king, similar to King Arthur. A photo of what is alleged to be Optimus Prime in his vehicle mode was leaked onto the internet. His alternate form is a dark blue Peterbilt semi truck with red flames painted on the sides. This has also caused some controversy with both fans and critics from Ain't It Cool News and other sites expressing disapproval of the changes to the character's appearance from his Generation 1 incarnation[26]. It should be noted, however, that this color scheme closely matches one of the G2 Optimus Prime toys[27]. Indeed, a source has said Prime in alternate mode is similar to his G2 look but in robot mode is similar to G1. [28] Images of his robot mode have also become available. [29] [30] [31] He appears to have an arm cannon.
  • Bumblebee (Chevrolet Camaro, later reformatted as a Saleen-modified 2009 Chevrolet Camaro) - Bumblebee is the underdog character and a scout for the Autobots, as well as the Transformer most connected to humans. He ends up being purchased by Spike Witwicky, who was looking to buy his first car. In addition to the CGI model that is generally assumed to exist, Autobot Bumblebee's robot mode has been constructed as a physical prop as well[32]. A leaked picture briefly appeared on the net before being removed at the request of the studio, although mirrors of these image can be readily located. Some controversy has arisen as a result of the decision to change Bumblebee's alternate mode from a compact car to a muscle car. Bumblebee is 17 feet tall according to Bay.
  • Ironhide (GMC Topkick pickup truck) - Ironhide has apparently replaced the controversial choice of Arcee in the February 2006 draft of the script. He is believed to be a modified GMC Top Kick C4500 4WD Crew Cab.[33] A picture of Ironhide in this alternate form has surfaced on the internet.[34] Ironhide is described as being a classic cowboy type of character who is always the first to rush into battle. While Ironhide was a van in G1, he was a truck in the Transformers: Robots in Disguise series from Japan. The writers also note that he will be portrayed as being one of Optimus' oldest friends. Ironhide will be 26 feet tall.
  • Jazz (Pontiac Solstice[35]) - His robot form will have the following features: "Grey body. Visor over eyes. Claw[-}like fingers. Design is similar to Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in that it has exposed gears, similar feet. Front end of the car becomes his chest."[36] Kurtzman describes Jazz as a "rock-and-roll" type character who lives by his credo of "If you can’t do something with style, it’s not worth doing at all." He will be 15 feet tall. His robot mode is visible in a leaked pre-visualization picture, where he has pronounced antennae on his head, and is either holding a gun in his left hand, or has a gun barrel in place of his left hand. [37] Another picture of him has appeared, although this may be art for the IDW comic adaptation of the film [38].
  • Ratchet (Search & Rescue vehicle based on the Humvee design[39]) - An emergency response vehicle, Ratchet was mentioned during pre-production several times by producer Don Murphy. Recent leaked photos of the actual vehicle appear to be an emergency vehicle built from the Humvee. (AM General, who produced the original military Humvees, had many variants; it may be one of those variants or a custom-made truck for the movie). Ratchet's role in the movie is that of Autobot medic, and is 24 feet tall.

Decepticons

  • Megatron (Cybertronian alternate mode confirmed in leaked photos to be an "Alien Jet") - Megatron will be presented personality-wise as an exact opposite to Optimus. An explanation as to why he started the war will also be at hand. He dwarfs the Autobots at 34 feet tall. Images of Megatron's original Cybertronian form were leaked on the 24 August 2006 [40]. It is unknown at this stage whether Megatron will assume an Earth alt-mode in the film. A post on Don Murphy's message board from Hasbro's CEO Brian Goldner suggests he might.
"Megatron is an early style board. Without revealing too much of the story, there is a very important reason for his look to have evolved from pure G1; although the final look is a work-in-progress--ILM has just recently begun all their CGI development. Megatron has a iconic personality, and approach that dates back to G1. Throughout time he has had a very big gun...."[41]
  • Starscream (F-22 Raptor) - Starscream is described as always looking to best Megatron; Orci and Kurtzman have confirmed that Megatron's traditional disdain for Starscream, and vice-versa, will remain intact.
  • Barricade (Saleen-modified Ford Mustang Police car) - Barricade is the Decepticon scout/hunter, hiding among the humans disguised as a symbol of authority. He does not appear to be based on any specific Generation 1 character, though there have been several Transformers characters bearing this name in the past, including a G1 Micromaster race car.
  • Bonecrusher (Buffalo) - Bonecrusher's name was confirmed early on when a photo of a military mine-clearing vehicle with the name tampographed onto it was leaked early on. Subservient to Megatron, he is described as being the closest to a Constructicon as they could get in the movie.
  • Brawl (Tank) Although original reports suggested that this character would be named "Devastator," it was specifically cited that this was an example of a character whose name was not finalized. He is now confirmed to be named "Brawl," a fitting choice, as his triple-barreled turret and what Orci describes as a "pissed off" personality evoke the Combaticon of the same name. Within the leaked pre-visualization picture containing Jazz, Brawl's robot mode can be seen on the right of Bumblebee. An on set video of him can be seen on YouTube. [42]
  • Scorponok (Mechanical Scorpion) - A mechanical scorpion appropriately named Scorponok (first mentioned in an interview with director Michael Bay on Ain’t It Cool News; a newspaper article in the Northwest Florida Daily News confirms a scene between the military and a large mechanical scorpion). Scorponok will be the closest to his Beast Wars incarnation, as well as an example of animal Transformers.
  • Frenzy (Alt. mode currently unknown; rumored to be a boombox) - Originally scripted to be Soundwave, he was supposed to be a boombox that transformed into a human-sized robot; the character was later renamed and Soundwave was held over until a sequel, where Murphy said "...we can get him right." The character was renamed Frenzy in homage to the G1 character who was a minion of Soundwave. His role in the film is that of a spy among humans for the Decepticons, using his alternate mode as a disguise.
  • Blackout (MH-53 Pave Low) - A Special Ops helicopter. Originally to be Soundwave after early CG cinematics were shown at San Diego Comic Con in 2005, but this was changed to become another character after Hasbro allegedly made it known that they wanted Soundwave to have a musical device mode. In early drafts of the script this character was named Grimlock, then according to Murphy was named Vortex (after the helicopter-mode Combaticon). His name has now been confirmed as Blackout (a name used by a helicopter Decepticon in the recent Transformers: Energon toyline--though the name also has G1 roots), and he can disable enemies with EMP-like blasts.

References

  1. ^ Goldwasser, Dan (2006-06-17). "Steve Jablonsky scores a teaser for Transformers". Soundtrack.net. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "Quint's interview with TRANSFORMERS star Shia LaBeouf!!!". Ain't It Cool News. 2006-09-04. Retrieved 2006-09-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Stax (2003-07-21). "Transformers Talk". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Stax (2004-10-25). "Transformers Rumor Control". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Stax (2004-03-26). "Transformers Buzz". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Stax (2004-11-03). "Rogers Writing Transformers". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Stax (2005-02-18). "EXCLUSIVE: New Transformers Writers". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Stax (2005-04-29). "Bay Confirms Transformers". IGN. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Spoke to Bay... 8/18/06". Shoot for the edit. 2006-08-18. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Adams, Ronnie (2006-08-29). "Exclusive: Transformers Set Pics, Video, & Mini Report!". LatinoReview.com. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ Murphy, Don. "And in the End, The Love You Take Is Equal to the Love, You Make (Sun Posting)" (Message Board). Retrieved 2006-10-04.
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  16. ^ "Voight Is A Transformers Man". Empireonline.com. 2006-05-03. Retrieved 2006-07-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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  19. ^ Carroll, Larry (2006-06-08). "Movie File: Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Alba, Hayden Christensen, 'Transformers' & More". MTV News. Retrieved 2006-07-09. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "T'formers: the quickening". JoBlo.com. 2006-06-12. Retrieved 2006-07-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Mark Ryan Casted As Transformers Voice Actor". TFW2005.com. 2006-07-09. Retrieved 2006-07-20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Fowler, Brant W. (2006-08-16). "Transformers Named for 2007 Movie - UPDATED". Silver Bullet Comics. Retrieved 2006-09-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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