TF3 Detroit: Downtown with the Big Gun and Bayhem

The area around the Farwell Building in Detroit and the Clifford and Woodward area was invaded today by Transformers 3 production. Most of the Autobot vehicles showed up along with the gigantic gun/jet prop, and the cast. Part of the filming appears to be a continuation of the scene from last week with Shia and Rosie on the prop sharing a hug then later that night which brought some more Bayhem boom to the set (video below). Thanks to J1000 and Surge29 we have two galleries of pictures and videos to enjoy from the day. The set report, first set of pics and last videos are from J1000. The second set of pics and 1st video is from Surge29.

Lots of great stuff going on today; Shia and Rosie were filming on the TF Jet prop (which now appears to definitely not be an "arm" or anything like that, as it was sitting street-level as they climbed on and off of it in front of the deli/liquor store set on Clifford. They were also shooting at the Farwell building with probably close to 100 (maybe more) extras running to the center of the intersection, as they were preparing to blow out a store front there. Towards the end of the evening, as the guys that haul the Autobots around were packing them up for the night, they were very cool and gave me a chance to get some pics of my son with Bumblebee and Sideswipe; then, one of the guys gave my son a NEST logo sticker that they actually us on the vehicles! What a cool souvenir! As you can see in the pic, he's super excited about that! I also noticed the classic silver Mercedes in the hauler that has been seen on other sets. I had my wife and kids with me, and we even got a mention in the local paper (Detroit Free Press), who was there covering some of the goings-on.

J1000

TF3 Detroit: Transformers at Central Station

J1000 returns with more pictures and video of Transformers 3 production in Detroit. Today brought cast and crew, along with basically all of the Autobot Transformers vehicles including the Wreckers, Twins, Ironhide, Prime (with trailer), etc to Michigan Central Station. At same time the crew was putting the finishing touches on the Clifford and Woodward faked store front set while adding the huge Transformers jet thingy prop from last week. J1000's report, pictures and 9 videos below speak for themselves.

Things are full speed ahead in Detroit now! They were filming at Michigan Central Station most of the day, followed by a quick trip over to the Packard Plant in the late evening for some other shots. The downtown sets should be shooting tomorrow; the Deli/Liquor store they've been setting up at Clifford and Woodward now has the Transformer Jet prop assembled in front of it; they were putting it together around lunch time (the engines were still at Packard at that point), and had it assembled when I came back by around 5PM. At Central Station, they were filming Shia, and I think Duhamel and Tyrese and possibly Hardcore Eddie, as well.

The Wreckers were being filmed racing across the front of the Station, while Ratchet was positioned at the left side door, and tires could be heard squealing inside the station. They were shooting closeups of the NEST squad and Shia on the right side of the station. After they wrapped at Central for the day, I heard a crew member's radio say they had to rush over to Packard; I got some great HD video shots of them leaving, and then arriving at Packard. I caught a glimpse (and pic) of a second Optimus cab inside the gates (I've seen doubles of the other cars, but not Optimus yet). As they were filming at Packard, there were a few small explosions. Tyrese's Chevelle drove by, and a bit later, Ironhide and the Twins finally arrived on a car hauler! Exciting day here in Detroit! Stay Tuned!

J1000

Megan Comments, Shia in Detroit

Megan Fox briefly commented about Transformers 3 while promoting "Passion Play" at the Toronto International Film Festival. She apparently harbors no ill feeling about what occurred, calling the adjustment weird.

"I will see it," Fox said while promoting "Passion Play" at the Toronto International Film Festival. "I'm gonna see it."
The actress did admit that watching the battle of the 'bots continue on without her will be fairly odd. "I might be a little jealous when I see somebody kissing my Shia [LaBeouf], wearing my jeans that I ... already had been fit for," Fox conceded. "It's kind of weird, actually."

"[Rosie's] 6 feet tall also, so maybe they're not the exact same jeans," Fox quipped about the ad-campaign vet slated to play LaBeouf's love interest Carly. "But it will be strange."

On a somewhat related note, it seems that did return from promoting Wall Street 2 at that same festival in time to do some of his own stunts on that big gun thing on Tuesday. This is based on photos from Pop Sugar and Seibertron.com that clearly show his face. Those same pics make me think that the attractive blond filming with Shia is Rosie's stunt double as the face just doesn't match to me.

Shia Comments on Set Safety

While at the Toronto Film Festival to help promote Wall Street 2, Shia LaBeouf spoke briefly about set safety for Transformers 3. I am sure he is going to get asked this a lot in light of the serious injuries that occurred on September 1st to Gabriella Cedillo on the Indiana TF3 set.

"I got some scars, but I'm good," he explained. "They're hard movies to make...It's a very safe set. These are professionals. These are the best at what they do. Things happen all the time, but in life things happen all the time."

The 24-year-old actor said despite director Michael Bay's love of explosions, he's never felt at risk. "You've got the be weary and attentive to what's going on," he continued. "You're always informed of where the bomb is... or, you know, the mine field but, I never feel unsafe."

I have not seen or read any current updates on Mrs. Cedillo’s condition. As of early last week she remained in a medically induced coma after brain surgery. There also have not been any updates on what occurred that day with conflicting reports that she was involved in a stunt and reports that she wasn't.

More Video from Chicago and Sentinel Prime?

As Transformers 3 production winds down in Chicago, new video and images from the production have popped up online. The first set of images, including this rather odd choice in pajamas for Sam's father aka Kevin Dunn, were taken around Wednesday or so, at about the same times as the photos with John Turturro and Rosie's tight blue dress. The rest can be found here. Speaking of that, the first three videos below are from that same time period. The first is a look at John Turturro along with Alan Tudyk as they follow Shia and Rosie for a scene. The second video is the same moment but looking straight down, while the third video show Sam's parent in green outfits (at least I think its them). Thanks to Mike G. for the links.

After those videos are more from zztopeurope from a few weeks ago as the Transformers parking lot was packing up. Of note is the two black Decepeticon SUVs have been identified as Suburbans (but modified judging by the wheels). Also the security guard at the site (4th video) said the name of the Autobot fire truck is not Rodimus Prime but Sentinel Prime, as the father of Optimus. Sentinel Prime was a creation of the TF comics as the predecessor of Optimus Prime as leader of the Autobots. In War for Cybertron, he was leader when the Cybertronian civil war started and killed by Megatron leading to Prime's ascension. Like most of the TF names, this one will probably not be confirmed until next year. Thanks to zztopeurope and DJ BigTymeBeats for the links.

Detroit Pulls Out the Big Guns, Turturro in House and Street Closures

Three blurbs of Transformers 3 production news from Chicago and Detroit. To start, if had hopes that cast and crew were going to remain in Chicago past September 1st, might as well dash as Jalopnik has posted a small gallery of images that show that crew is in town prepping the Packard Plant for filming. If the big gun/jet engine/beats me is any indication, it looks like the site will be involved in more action pack filming. However, I think the site is considered private property so not expecting quite the view that we occasional got in Chicago. Click here to the other images from the plant.

Back in Chicago, it seems Shia LaBeouf continues to film at "work" as he was spotted yesterday on set in his suit again and flirting with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Carly for some scenes as she was wearing a tiny and tight blue dress. The more significant piece of news is John Turturro is finally spotted on set. Considering what is currently being filmed is probably closer to the beginning of the film then the end, it’s unclear if this proves he will be part of the big finale action sequences of the film or not. Click here for rest of the Daily Mail's gallery but ignore the text as it focuses on pointless gossip and identifies Turturro as "crew". Thanks to Phil for the link.

Last but not least, another street closure notice for today as filming returns to the Old Post Office Building along Van Buren Street.

The movie is using the Old Main Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren Street, for shooting today, and Van Buren is closed between Wacker Drive and Canal Street until 11 p.m. Lanes will be open during rush hour, however, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Meanwhile, parking restrictions are in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday to facilitate filming of 'Transformers 3" in the area near Wabash Avenue and Washington Street.

The restrictions are:

• Both sides of Wabash from Randolph to Monroe
• The north side of Randolph from Garland to Wabash
• The south side of Washington from Michigan to Wabash
• The north side of Madison from Michigan to Wabash

Set Report, Shia Dresses Up Again

Capone over at Ain't It Cool News was lucky enough to visit the Transformers 3 set at the Lake and Wabash parking lot while Michael Bay and company was flipping a bus last week. The article describes some of the action that was filmed, meeting the producers and crew that are involved in making the film and more. To compound the jealous rage I might be feeling, Capone was able to see a "sizzle reel" that shows off footage from the 1st three weeks in Chicago. Click here for the full article.

...the man knows how to make explosions and action look about as badass as anyone. And this sizzle reel was unstoppable, even without a single robot to be seen. Chicago hasn't looked this stunning on film, maybe ever. But watching it get totaled was just too wonderful for words. Bay showed me this reel personally and stood right next to me while we watched it. He knew it looked great, and it absolutely did. The footage also revealed a few things about plot and characters that I'm not going to spoil, and Bay was pretty open about story details that probably shouldn't be shared, including showing me the entire anamatic on his iPad for the sequence he was shooting that day.

Another, shorter sizzle reel Bay played for me later on a 3D monitor featured footage shot in 3D from the entirety of the shoot (not just Chicago scenes), and that looked insane. The man took the time and figured out how to use 3D to better this film.

Pop Sugar also posted the right image from the set, this time from yesterday with Shia LaBeouf wearing a suit so it seems the street closures along with Sam's parents visiting probably has something to do with his job (I guess at Hotchkiss Gould Investments). So it seems the next day or two may be low key filming as establish his non-Transformers life for the film.

TF3 Chicago: Sam Flies with A Friend

Yesterday was the last day for Transformers 3 production at the Wabash and Lake Parking Lot. Yesterday, Sam flew along and today he brought a friend. As the new images and a video from Jeff at Pixel Rally show, it was an exciting day with Shia LaBeouf and Josh Duhamel's stunt doubles flying through the air while NEST troops defend them as pyrotechnics go off around them. Overall, an exciting looking sequence even without the probable CGI Transformers to explain the flying rig. Hit the links below to view the rest of Jeff's gallery and the video.

In addition Colin Hinkle provides more behind the scenes photos from the location as the crew prepped for filming on August 18th along with a new video of the action from Jeff's friend billyripkin.

TF3 Chicago: Sam Goes Flying

Transformers 3 production is winding down in the Chicago but that doesn't mean the hard work is over. Wednesday at the Lake and Wabash Parking Lot involved a busy day for Shia LaBeouf's stunt double who was flung all over the set by his arm. My best guess is maybe captured by a Decepticon or something to do with the power glove but really I can't figure it out. They also filmed a brief firefight involving Josh Duhamel and NEST as things went boom. It should be interesting to see what the flinging around becomes once the editors and ILM have a go with the footage.

The pic to the left and first four pictures below are thanks to Colin Hinkle. The next five are a small sampling of pictures from Jeff at Pixel Rally's huge 326 photos that he has posted on flickr. Along with the photos, Jeff also posted 10 videos that show off the various stunt work that was filmed. Hit the links below for both.

Update: Jeff created a third gallery, not new images but if you don't have time or inclination to flip through 300+ pictures, then hit the "Selects" link for 52 pics that give you the highlights from the larger gallery.

Pixel Rally Gallery | Pixel Rally Videos | Pixel Rally Selects

TF3 Chicago: Bus, Cars Experience Some Bayhem

Transformers 3 production continues at the Wabash and Lake Parking Lot. The current Bayhem includes a bus getting flopped over from an explosion and a few cars tumbling off the top desk. To the left is another picture from Jeff at Pixel Rally of Sam's power glove with Bay assisted broom power to clean up after the Decepticons. As for the bus and top deck cars, thanks to Colin Hinkle we have a great look at the action including confirmation that Josh Duhamel's character shows up to help Shia and Rosie in some form or fashion.

Also below are two videos, both from Tuesday but not 100% sure. The first one shows the Bus flip that Jeff's friend Bill W. recorded and below that is a video found by Mauricio of the cars going off the top deck. If those pics are not enough, Chiphoto has a sky high view of the carnage on the set that is worth checking out. Thanks to John for the link. No idea if today was the last day at the site or not.

Sam Is Now Playing With Power

It took three movies but Sam finally got his upgrade weapon in the form of a Power Glove, at least judging by these pictures that show him using something on his hand. Don't have a clue how it fits into the movie but I am sure the results will lead to some Bayhem. The pictures and more are thanks to Jeff at Pixel Rally and Colin Hinkle who took them at the Wabash and Lake Parking Deck where Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley where taking directions from Michael Bay. If the glove isn't exciting enough there are also pics of Bay's lunch box, using his iPad to show off stuff and defeating Shia in exercise battle. Also below is a video found by Colin that shows some of the action that was being filmed.

Mad Max, Boom, and Bee

More pictures and videos from Transformers 3 production in Chicago. To start with, images taken near the Transformers 3 parking lot of a Mad Max like fuel truck. No clue what it is for but don't think it’s a Transformer or at least it has no faction insignia anywhere. I believe the pics are just from the last day or two so the vehicle may be popping up soon near a set. Thanks to Jeff of Pixel Rally for the images.

After that are two videos, both I think taken in front of Hotel 71 about a week or so ago. The first involves the Nascar vehicles as they drive through a series of explosions and a shootout. The second video is another angle on the Bumblebee intersection firefight with the huge explosions and NEST soldiers defending Bumblebee only now get a look at it from one end of the road to the next. The video shows the practice run followed by the real run. Thanks to Mauricio for the links.

Last is a new gallery from TFW2005 that shows a little behind the scenes prep involving Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Josh Duhamel. Not sure where filmed or what’s involved. Click here for the entire gallery.

LaSalle Street Bridge Set Gallery

LaSalle Street Bridge is the location of the Transformers 3 ending lip lock between Sam and Carly but it also seems to be the location of some action too as the new gallery of images from Pixel Rally show. The images show at least the appearance of Bumblebee and Megatron in robot modes along with the usual street destruction dressing. It also shows a little bit of Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Michael Bay and crew as they prepare. Below are a few images from the 51 picture gallery which can be found here.

Also possible spoiler warning. Thanks to borrissey who spoke with a PA who verified that the lip lock is the last scene of the film and that Megatron dies, "this time it's final." Take from that what you will but it does seem this movie will have a hefty Transformers body count.

Sam and Carly Together Again

Transformers 3 production continues in Chicago, this time spending the weekend at the LaSalle Street Bridge. It seems this is the site of the near ending of the film, at least judging by the pictures and video below as Shia LaBeouf (Sam) and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (Carly) enjoy a moment of peace as tired NEST soldiers walk by.

The photos of below are once again thanks to Colin Hinkle as they show off more divested street debris and destruction along with the magic moment. Below that is a video found by TFW2005 that is the scene being filmed. Seems sweet, maybe a little over the top with the literal jumping in Sam's arms but this is a Bay film.

If there isn't enough explosion love for you, then Mail Online has a few pictures of NEST soldiers attempting to avoid an explosion while Josh Duhamel protects Shia's stunt double. The scenes were shot near the Old Post Office Building on Wednesday. Notice the stunt double his wearing the suit costume from scenes involving Hotchkiss Gould Investment scenes shot in Milwaukee and Chicago. Thanks to AiC Hokie for the link.

Teaser Poster, More Explosions, and Galleries from Weekend

Transformers 3 production continued this weekend in Chicago, most of it focused on State Street and Wacker Drive. Before get to that, here is a much better look at the Transformer 3 teaser poster made for the convention circuit that debut back in June. The image was tweeted by EleOcho but not sure from what convention. Info found via TFormers.

Back to the filming, Pixel Rally has posted more images from the Shia vs. Patrick fight sequence that is being filmed at Wabash and Wacker Drive. Below are sample images that from the set that has Sam wielding a steel rod with clear intent to use it indicating a vicious, mean fight for survival. The full gallery of images can be found here. PopSugar also has a gallery from the same scene filming.



This brings us to the weekend action at State Street and Wacker Drive that has a bus exploding and most of the male cast apparently involved in a firefight. The image to the right is an ornamental spire on a building at the location. This seems to match the debris that Shia and Patrick are fighting on. That image along with the 1st video below comes from a set report posted on Seibertron.com that provides a little first witness testimony along with pictures of Josh, Tyrese and Bay at work.

The second video shows a bus exploding into two halves as soldiers open fire on a probable Decepticon. Another video of the sounds of the firefight and images can be found at the Movie Chronicles. If you need a Transformers vehicle fix, the last two videos below), also found by the site gives you a nice close up look at The Wreckers and Optimus Prime as they leave their storage location.

Dempsey Has Gun, Will Travel (Update)

Just in case a video of a fight between the two characters of Patrick Dempsey and Shia LaBeouf isn't enough proof that "Dylan" (rumored name) isn't on the side of angels, how about pictures of him pointing a gun at the character thanks to Johnny T. This is a guess but I think the gun is what leads to the fight as nothing like Transformers attacking to distract you from a target.

Behind the Scenes Videos Confirms A Decepticon, New Enemy and Locations

Another day of news coming from Transformers 3 production. For the last few weeks a security truck was spotted, including in a news report, that looked liked the Decepticon logo. Thanks to the first video below, that can now be confirmed (Shockwave's alt mode?). The end of the video might shows some of the planning that goes into making sure a scene goes off without incident or injury for a scene that will be filmed at "Hotchkiss Gould Investments" aka the local 7/11 and the Milwaukee Art Museum (the magic of movies). The scene involves Rosie (Carly), Patrick (Dylan), Megatron and a "new Autobot". It seems the scene is a continuation of scenes shot back in Milwaukee based on the participants the use of the same armored truck that was used at the Museum. A source has indicated that Chicago is the setting of a battle between a large new Autobot, 9 new human characters (probably the NEST team) and Transformers: The Movie level of death. Which doesn't sound like things go well for Ironhide.

The 7/11 location is also the same location of the pictures with Patrick Dempsey looking dangerous with a gun. As the second video shows, he is not a friend of Shia's Sam Witwicky since the two seem to be duking it out on top of the debris which matches with the other pictures of the two climbing on roof debris as Shia lays out on the ground and Dempsey looks into the air. The last video is what any video set for Transformers 3 needs - an explosion. That was filmed at The Park at Lakeshore East a day or so ago.

The last bit of news is info on where to find TF3 production which is scheduled to end on August 19th. According to the On Location Vacation an upcoming location is "at 35 E. Wacker Drive (the old Jewelers' Building) and will close portions of Wabash and Wacker on July 31 and August 1st." The site also provides a few details on Ron Howard's The Dilemma which will be filming in the city. Thanks to Sam for armored car link, Chris for the fight video link and Ray for the explosion and location links.