First Look at Transformers 4 Robot Head

A set of images posted by Andy on the Hot Fudge Detroit forums has revealed the first look at the head of one of the Transformers characters that will appear in Transformers 4. The pictures show a "bearded" pipe smoker that suggests Kup but could also fit for Hound since his vehicle has been on the set. The head on pole trick is used to give actors proper line of sight to the characters for when they are digitally added in post production. The head pics are part of an aerial view set that gives you great look of the action that seems to involve a wedding party. I thought the pics were from Wednesday based on the forum post date but it actually seems to be from today based on a new video from Jerry B. Below are some of the photos, the whole set can be found here. Thanks to Matt B. for the link.

Another Transformers 4 Prop Image

A few days ago pictures were posted of some large detailed prop as it was driving to an unknown destination in Michigan. Thanks to an image provided by Mark S. here is an image of a new prop that might have something to do with Transformers 4 that was taken at Design Concepts in Plymouth, Michigan.. At least it seems likely part of TF4 filming as not sure of what other movie in the state might use something like that. I can't tell if its the same ship prop from another angle, a completely different one or maybe another piece of the whole. We will likely find out for sure soon as production continues in the state for the next few weeks.

Huge Gallery and Two Videos From Today's Filming for Transformers 4

Yesterday we got a look at an explosive scene and pictures from the first day of filming at the Transformers 4 set in downtown Detroit. Today was extra's day as more explosions were set off. Only this time it seemed to involved the Asian-American extras panicking and running as explosives were going off. Thanks to Jerry B. and Mike Y., we have more video and a ton of pictures from the day. The images give you an idea of the scope of the production and how fully dressed as a China village the whole area is now. We get another look at the Cybertronian Sword thing, what seems like poles for CGI effects or to provide line of sight for Transformers' heads, camera prep and a bunch more. There are also pics of a bald male (Stanley Tucci, stunt double, not sure) and a young blonde that stand out from all the other extras around them. I am not sure if that means they serve a purpose story wise or what.

Transformers 4 China Set Prep, Actors Gallery

Once again thanks to Jerry B. and his friend Mike Y. below are a bunch more images from Transformers 4's China set in downtown Detroit. The images show details as the production prepped for the scene Jerry was able to film. The images at the end I think are of some of the explosives put into place for the scene. There are also pics of Michael Bay making the rounds, Bee & Hound, the various extras, set elements, the Cybertronian sword and actors Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, and Jack Reynor.

Transformers 4 Video of China Set Explosions and Sword (Updated)

Transformers 4 has invaded Detroit as filming has begun at the China set in downtown Detroit. Thanks to Jerry B. we have this interesting image of Mark Wahlberg carrying a Cybertronian sword (or Cybertronian key?). He also filmed the scene below that Jerry noted took about three hours to setup. The brief scene involves Bumblebee, Hound and some Bayhem as Mark runs through the set with sword as explosions go off. This is definitely not a US side scene as the cars are not something you normally see in the States. Michael Bay is the guy in the white shirt.

Jerry also said that the explosions were big enough to send debris to his location requiring him to duck. Also, somewhere in that chaos is Stanley Tucci and Jack Reynor each holding a strap on a large black bag that must be heavy since have to share the load with crew members carrying back for the reset between each practice take. Update: Added another video that shows same thing from a completely different angle.

Wahlberg Passes on Dinobots Question

In an interview with MTV to promote his latest movie, Transformers 4 lead Mark Wahlberg decided to duck the question on if the Dinobots are in the movie. It seems like he has been told to say nothing about the film because once again, the only thing he would describe is his role as a father in the film.

When MTV News' Josh Horowitz sat down with Wahlberg and Denzel Washington to talk about their new movie "2 Guns," the topic of Dinobots came up, and things got heated pretty quickly. "None of your business," Wahlberg said, responding to a question of whether he has encountered any Dinobots. "You don't want me to get replaced halfway through production for divulging secrets."

Transformers 4 Detroit Shoot Schedule, Giant Robot Gun Prop

Two pieces of news. While we thought that Transformers 4 production would start at the Detroit China set on Monday that seems to be incorrect. As previously posted pics and video indicated, the set is still be dressed for filming. However, thanks to Jerry B, we might have a potential schedule based on a Paramount letter he had read sent to local residents around the set. According to the letter the current schedule is July 31 to August 4 and August 7 to 8 with additional filming at the Rosa Parks Transit Center on August 4.

In addition, Shockya has posted these two images of a craft with single person cockpit that looks similar in design to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon ship. I assume the pictures were taken in Detroit. If the prop that big was built for Transformers 4, it means the human characters will be physically interacting in it some way. My theory is this is a human designed craft based on Decepticon technology that was left all over Chicago at the end of the last movie. To make it more of a threat in the story, it is probably specifically designed to destroy Transformer threats. Thanks to Martinus Prime for the link.

Mark Wahlberg Gives His Transformers 4 Routine

In an interview with Metro News Canada, Mark Wahlberg to promote his next movie 2 Guns, the actor briefly commented on Transformers 4. He provided no information about the film but did say what his daily routine is during the shoot.

But until he gets into “Ted 2″ later this year, he’s been deep in the throes of physically demanding roles, including “Transformers 4,” which he’s currently shooting. Featuring an all-new cast, Wahlberg says he plays “a single dad who’s trying to raise a very attractive teenage girl in the real world.”

“‘Transformers 4′ is as demanding a movie as I’ve ever done,” he says.

“I don’t go out at night anymore, so that makes it a lot easier. I go home, I’ll eat dinner, I’ll read the script and prepare for the next day’s work, and go to bed right away. I’ll wake up with a little bit of time to say my prayers, read my prayer book, maybe do a little workout, and then get back at it. And then steal a cat nap whenever I can during the work day — but (‘Transformers’ director) Michael (Bay), once he starts working, he doesn’t like to stop.”

More Pictures and Video from Transformers 4 China Set

Thanks to Jerry B. here are video and more pictures of the China set in downtown Detroit. The pictures show Transformers 4 crew adding elements to the set including Chinese vehicles and a Chicago subway car. The 1st video one provides a nice overview of the China village while the other shows how easily the crew can place the heavy subway car onto its side to appear as if knocked off the People Mover (or whatever the Chicago equivalent is). Michael Bay and company are supposed to start filming at the site today.

Video of Detroit's China Set for Transformers 4

Starting today Transformers 4 production hits Detroit, Michigan starting at the China set location that has been under construction for over a month Taking advantage of the People Mover that goes nearly through the set, below is a video that gives you a nice view of the set. I am not entirely sure but I think the location is really three or more sets combined. One section looks like a Chinese village, another like a shopping center (or mall facade, not really sure), and another might fit near shipping docks with a cave structure built out of cargo containers.

Transformers 4 Smoke Stack Explosion Images

Below are a few images take either on Wednesday or Thursday night as Transformers 4 production filmed on the decommissioned ferry ships the S.S. Columbia and S.S. Ste. Clair currently docked in River Rouge, Michigan. Part of that preparing the over 100 year old ships was adding a second smoke stack specifically to be destroyed as part of whatever scene they filmed. Starting Monday production will be hitting downtown Detroit for more Bayhem.

Transformers 4 Street Closure Timeline

Starting Monday, Transformers 4 production will be filming in downtown Detroit at the China Set from July 31 to August 10. Located on Washington Blvd near Grand Circus Park, that means that streets will have to be closed to accommodate the production. According to MLive.com, a letter sent from Paramount to residents in the area warns that "During our filming please expect to experience simulated gunfire, controlled pyrotechnic explosions, precision driving potentially involving squealing tires, controlled vehicle crashes and smoke." The Detroit People Mover will also be impacted with "occasional three- or four-minute delay due to 'pyrotechnic effects in close proximity'." Below is a summary of street closings.

Transformers 4 Casts Its Boat Set

After passing on the USS Bramble, Transformers 4 production has found and already filmed its boat based scenes for the film. According to CBCNews, the S.S. Columbia and S.S. Ste. Clair have been chosen by the production. The two boats were used to ferry people across the Detroit River to Boblo Island from Amherstburg, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The amusement park there closed in 1993. The Columbia was in service from 1902 to 1991 while the Ste. Clair ran from 1910 to 1991.

The Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in the movie while the Columbia's appearance is "minor."

"When the movie folks are in town, they’re always looking for unique place to shoot so these boats came into play," Buchanan said. "They’re moving right along. They’ve been shooting primarily at night. I don’t know how much more is going to be going on there but they’re not nearly finished."

Transformers 4 Starts Filming at Detroit's China Set on Monday

After over a month of building, Transformers 4's China set is about to get used and abused as filming at the site begins on Monday. As the pictures from Jerry show, the set seems to be the aftermath of a battle that eventually be edited with actual footage filmed in Hong Kong. In an an interview with TF4 producer Ian Byrce to the Detroit Free Press, a little bit more info was provided on what the set will be used for.

“Next week, we begin in Detroit on the big set we’ve built underneath the monorail,” says “Transformers 4” producer Ian Bryce, referring to the Asian-style structures that have been constructed next to Grand Circus Park — near the People Mover.

Detroit will be portraying Hong Kong for the shoot, which is expected to run through the second week of August.

Transformers Prime Season Finale Tonight

Tonight brings an end to Transformers Prime with the series finale titled Deadlock. In the episode, "...the Autobots are finally able to foresee a resurgence of life on their home planet, they must, alongside their human compatriots, confront the determined Decepticons one last time in a battle for the ultimate future of civilization."

The last episodes left us with Ratchet captured, forced to rebuild the Omega Key to restore Cybertron in Megatron's image. Meanwhile, Predaking opened a butt whupping on both Megatron and Optimus Prime before being kicked off the Decepticon's ship. As the last episode ended, the Autobots were able to hone in on Megatron's flying base with Prime determined to make this their final battle. After this is the sort of movie Transformers Prime Predacons Rising that will be released on October 1st. Below is the promo and two clips from the finale.

Titus Welliver Joins Transformers 4 Cast

Transformers fans have known for about a month that Titus Welliver had probably joined the Transformers 4 cast. Deadline has caught up with an "exclusive" confirming the casting. Before it just seemed likely but nothing official to back it up but Deadline has the access to confirm things like this. While you may not be familiar with his name, you probably known his face from pretty much every procedure TV show on the air as he always pops up in a guest starring role on them at some point in their life span. Basically he is a solid addition to the cast and hopefully doing more than the movie equivalent of a cameo. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Transformers 4's Detroit China Set Nearly Complete

When we last got a look at the China set being built in Detroit for Transformers 4, a blue circular shape thing was being built. The use of blue suggested it was for CGI elements. As the new images taken today by Jerry B. show (below), it is really a piece of a building that broke off and crash landed on the ground, probably related to the battle-damage the set has built into many of its elements. In addition across the street they have re-dressed with Chinese store fronts and are bringing in a destroyed and damaged cars, some with Chinese writing on them, to help dress the set further once they complete construction. MLive.com has also posted their own gallery of the set that was probably taken last week as the roof thing was still blue. Thanks to Jerry for his great pictures and @mikewayland for the link.

Transformers at SDCC 2013

This weekend the San Diego Comic-Con was held. The 'Con is mostly a TV and movies promotional thing at this point (Superman/Batman movie, Avengers 2: Age of Ultron) but Hasbro did have panels for Transformers Prime and the toys. Most of the news was already covered at Botcon 2013 but a few new things were revealed like more of the Thrilling 30 line, Constructabots, the Fan Built Bot design, and more.

Thrilling 30
Hasbro issued a press release revealing a total of 11 of the 30 toys that make up this 30th Anniversary series. This line is definitely geared towards the die hard older collector as the members of the line are entirely made up of exclusives in the US and asian markets. So far we just have official images for a few of them. The list so far:

Sophia Myles Pinching Self Over Joining Transformers 4

In what I think is her first published interview since joining Transformers 4 cast, actress Sophia Miles commented to the Belfast Telegraph about how excited she is to be part of the film. Sadly, info wise she revealed nothing except that her part seems tied into Stanley Tucci's part of which we also know nothing about. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

"We've been on it for a couple of months now. It's so exciting and so thrilling. I love working with the whole cast and Michael Bay is just an incredible director. I feel so privileged, I'm still pinching myself," she said.

"We're still shooting right now. We've been all over the world: we've been in Detroit, Chicago, Washington, Texas and a lot of it in Hong Kong and maybe parts in China."

"I haven't actually worked with Mark [Wahlberg] yet but I have lunch with him and his entourage whenever we're on set. They're the most hilarious people I've ever met," she continued.

"A lot of my work is with Stanley Tucci and he's just so funny. He's so talented and I have to not laugh at him being incredible, and that's one of the hardest things I've had to do on the film."

"I think it's going to be even better than the last ones and they were pretty great," she said, adding: "We've all been sworn to secrecy. I'd love to tell you more but I can't."

Transformers 4 Filming at US Steel Site, Bramble Update, Story Tidbit

Preparation continues in Chicago for Transformers 4 which plans to film in the city from August 18 to September 27. With those plans comes choosing site locations and bureaucratic hurdles to clear. A potential new location is a US Steel site in the Southeast Side of Chicago.

"They want to do some takeoffs and landings at the former U.S. Steel" site, said Ald. John Pope, 10th, who in true Chicago tradition is asking for some consideration in return for his permission. That would take the form of some sort of "community benefits" or perhaps an opportunity for local kids to be allowed to get a close-up of the filmmaking, he said.

Transformers Prime Predacon Rising Movie Details

Now available for pre-order is the Transformers Prime: Predacons Rising movie set for release in October. The movie will be released as a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for release on October 1st or wait a week to October 8th for just the DVD version. To pre-order from Amazon hit these links: Predacons Rising Blu-Ray | Predacons Rising DVD

Now to the description and a clip from the movie that was shown at the San Diego Comic-Con. Definite SPOILER WARNING as it will reveal some of the details on the finale of Transformers Prime.

Transformers Prime 3.12 Synthesis Promo and Clip

Today the penultimate episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters airs on The Hub at 7:30pm. In the episode, titled "Synthesis", the "Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking a Decepticon warship." The series finale airs next week and then in October the Predacons Rising movie will be released that kind of caps the whole thing. In regards to the finale episode called Deadlock, Hasbro provided a teaser clip as part of their San Diego Comic Con panel that finally gives Bumblebee a voice. You can find a clip, promo and the 'Bee scene below.

Upcoming Episodes:
07/26 - Deadlock (3.13) - Just as the Autobots are finally able to foresee a resurgence of life on their home planet, they must, alongside their human compatriots, confront the determined Decepticons one last time in a battle for the ultimate future of civilization.

IDW Signs Up for Motion Comics

Madefire has announced that it has closed deals with IDW, Top Cow, and Boom! comic companies to create digital only "Motion Books" on their various properties. For IDW the plan is to create the motion comics for Transformers, Star Trek, and My Little Pony. From what I can tell this isn't the same as the Motion Comics movies Marvel created with Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men and Warren Ellis' Iron Man Extremis arc a few years ago but a much cheaper, shorter alternative. Various comic companies have explored something along this lines with Marvel's Infinite Comics and Mark Waid's Thrillbent Comics but the "animation" is done with almost old school style of flipping pages. Hit up the Thrillbent link to see what I mean. Madefire's implementation though takes a full page comic page and adds animation within panels or entire page. Currently it seems the experience is limited to iPad and iPhone with the average comic issue price at $1.99. The first video below is the companies "Launch Film" with a few samples of animating IDW art while the second video shows off a little bit more of the implementation.

Transformers 4 Extras Casting Call in Chicago (Updated)

Transformers 4 is scheduled to start filming in Chicago on August 18th. That means extras are needed the various planned scenes. According to Red Eye Chicago, the production is looking for "clean-cut business, FBI and military-type males and females age 18 and older. Asian citizens, age 9 and older, are also needed for a Hong Kong scene." Auditions are scheduled for this Friday and Saturday at the Skokie Holiday Inn. The details are here. The main thing is it seems a continuation of previous extra calls in Texas and Michigan asking for that FBI and military looks along with what sounds like more China related scenes to be filmed in the city. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Update: Another post for the casting call indicates that the Chicago filming will be from August 18 to September 27, 2013. Its the same as above casting call but the detail is a lot more clear and more reader friendly so recommend clicking here if considering trying out for an extra's role in the Chicago area. (via Seibertron)

Han Geng Joins Transformers 4 Cast

MichaelBay.com has revealed that China's Han Geng has joined the cast of Transformers 4. According to the site:

He’s one of Asia’s top stars in the worlds of music, television and movies and has become one of the most influential entertainers in China.

Now he’ll also be known for Transformers 4. Welcome Han Geng to the cast of Transformers 4. – Michael Bay

The question of exactly how much of a role China and these actors will play in the movie remains unknown. Thanks to Wynton R. for the info.

IDW October 2013 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for October 2013. Four ongoing comics and two trades are coming. The Art of Prime is really the Art of Transformers Prime cartoon series with interviews, concept art and more behind the series. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers 4 China Set Gets Interesting Addition

In a new update from the China set being built in downtown Detroit for Transformers 4, Jerry B. discovered a new addition to the set (his previous pics here and here). A blue styrofoam cylindrical contraction is being constructed on a large wooden base. Usually a blue prop is a signal that visual effects will be used to fill out the rest of the piece but it is needed as the actors will be interacting with it physically in some way. In the past that include a blue portion of Prime's shoulder being built or a blue mock-up of the Decepticon ship that Shia LaBeouf rode on in Dark of the Moon.

So what do you think? A new space ship? Portion of a Transformer and if so what character? Maybe a portion of a building for when TF4 production moves to China? I doubt the film stars will be sent to China so maybe it is a means of filming those scenes without actually setting foot in the country. It will be interesting to find out. Thanks to Jerry below are more pictures of the blue prop along with a good look at some of the built in damage to the set as well as subway car that apparently plays a part in whatever the set is for.

Transformers Prime 3.11 Persuasion Promo and Clip

Transformers Prime is nearing the end of its run as episode 10 "Persuasion" airs on The Hub Friday at 7:30pm. In the episode Megatron interrogates Ratchet, captured in the previous episode by Soundwave as Optimus Prime takes on Predaking. The promo and clip from the episode is below.



Upcoming Episodes:
07/19 - Synthesis (3.12) - Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking a Decepticon warship.
07/26 - Deadlock (3.13) - The Autobots face the Decepticons for a last showdown.

Transformers 4 Vehicles At Adrian, MI

Yesterday Transformers 4 production returned to M-52 outside of Adrian, MI where most of the vehicle cast was spotted. On Location Vacations has posted pictures of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee (2014 Camaro), Corvette Stingray, Bugatti Vitesse, Lamborghini Aventador, and the Freightliner Argosy in some holding area for the vehicles. Videos filmed along M-52 showed the Argosy either following or chasing Prime but no telling what part the area has for the movie.

More Progress on Transformers 4 China Set

It seems the China set that Transformers 4 is starting to come together based on new images from MLive.com. The set, located near United Artist Theater on Bagley at Clifford Street, has been under construction for over a month now. The last update showed some of the details coming together, now a lot more detailing has been added clearly showing a mini replica of some Chinese location coming together. No idea on when filming will start at the location. The full gallery of the set can be found here.

Transformers 4 Filming Locations Update

On Locations Vacations has provided an update on Transformers 4 filming schedule for the Michigan areas. Starting Monday from June 8 to 9th production returns to M-52 outside of Adrian, Michigan to finish filming the scenes they were not able to get a few weeks due to bad weather. Meanwhile in Detroit, filming on the town set at Washington Blvd near Grand Circus Park in downtown Detroit continues with the site being used for filming in early August and prep continues at the Michigan Motion Picture Studio in Pontiac. Potentially added to the filming slate for sometime in the next month or so is the Nicholson terminal on the Detroit river but not confirmed and no specific filming dates.

Botcon 2013

Last weekend Botcon 2013 was held in Austin, Texas. On the whole no major news. Hasbro was on hand to hint at their toy line-up for the next few months and used the panels to to tease future plans like Generations 2014 and 30th Anniversary collection. IDW spoke about their already solicited comics but no major revelations. Hasbro bans 3rd party makers from the convention but that didn't stop a few from showing off their wares. Transformers 4 wasn't covered at all so nothing new to report on the toy front. Hasbro did show off their Beast Hunters line up but as the links below indicate, "repaint" is the norm rather than exception but the Generations line is looking awesome. Below are summaries of info and links to lots of galleries put together by other Transformers sites that were able to attend the convention.

Update: Some TF4 toy news thanks to an interview with Hasbro's Joshua Lamb (starting at 24:05 point) from TF reviewer Vangulus indicates that discussions with Michael Bay on toy design indicates a goal of trying to simplify for faster transformations to try and mimic the movies (and cartoons) where characters transform and "engage to the action fast." The scaling of legion class Beast Hunters to deluxe size is an experiment towards simplification but TF4 toys deluxe are being designed from scratch. The interviews with two Hasbro managers discussing the toys and Hasbro's future approach can be found here.

Vote for Favorite New Transformers 4 Vehicle

If you are bored, MichaelBay.com has posted a quick poll thats asks "Which is your favorite Transformers so far?". Considering we don't know the character names for most of the new vehicles being used in Transformers 4, I decided to interpret the question as "what is your favorite new alt mode vehicle?". The vehicle line-up is here. You can vote here. If voting on favorite TF from the list, Optimus Prime is an easy win but if choosing favorite vehicle from list then my choice is the Bugatti. What is yours?

Transformers Prime 3.10 Evolution Promo and Clip

Tonight is a new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters on The Hub at 7:30pm EST. Called "Minus One" where "Soundwave is captured by the Autobots; Megatron revives an old plan." After this there are only three new ones left with the series finale now scheduled for July 26. The promo and clip from the episode is below.

Upcoming Episodes:
07/12 - Persuasion (3.11) - Megatron appeals to Ratchet; Optimus takes on the Predacon.
07/19 - Synthesis (3.12) - Autobots attempt to rescue one of their own by tracking a Decepticon warship.
07/26 - Deadlock (3.13) - The Autobots face the Decepticons for a last showdown.

Bumblebee's Other Alt Mode for Transformers 4 (Updated)

It looks like Optimus Prime isn't the only character with two vehicle alt modes. The 1967 Chevy Camaro SS is not Bumbleebee's only vehicle alt mode for Transformers 4. Today MichaelBay.com has posted his other more modern look.

"Trumpets please . . . Bumblebee, a 2014 Concept Camaro! . . . the final jewel in the Transformers 4 crown. High resolution image: http://bayhem.com/18tH0jv"

The reveal is well timed as the vehicle has already been spotted filming at the General Motors proving grounds facility in Michigan. Based on the above notes and select pictures from Autoblog.com, it seems the core Autobot characters are Optimus Prime (Western Star truck), Bumblebee (2014 Camaro), 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray, 2013 Bugatti Vitesse, and Hound ( Oshkosh Tactical Vehicle). The rest of the photo set is here. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Update: Added the video that the pictures were taken from.