First Look at Transformers: Age of Extinction Toys

Not sure where they got them but Chinese forum 78dm.net has provided the first look at three toys from the Transformers: Age of Extinction line. The three images are for the Power Attackers Bumblebee, Hound and Strafe. From the look at the simplistic design, my guess is the Power Attackers are either part of the Fast Action Battlers line or a new toddler subline. End result is the black and white pictures give us a general idea of their movie design but its difficult to get specifics. Still we do learn two new things: 1) Strafe is the new name for the Dinobot Swoop and 2) Strafe is an Autobot so therefore safe to assume that all Dinobots are/become Autobots in the course of the movie (as if there was any real doubt of that). I assume the name change is in part to inability to reclaim the Swoop copyright. (via TFW2005)

Bay: Transformers 4 will Have "No Goofiness", Set Visit Tease

In an interview with Yahoo Movies that seems to have been done when Transformers: Age of Extinction was filming at the Detroit Hong Kong set, Michael Bay discussed how he changed his approach compared to the previous three films. Also Entertainment Tonight Canada teases their own set report from the set that will air sometime next week.

“I wanted the first Transformers to be very suburban and less cool,” Bay told us from the Detroit set of this fourth chapter. “This is a much more cinematic one. I focused on keeping this one slick. There won’t be any goofiness in this one. We went a bit too goofy [on the last one].”

But despite Optimus’s updated design, Bay is quick to point out that this really is the fourth in an ongoing series – “reboot” is a dirty word here. “It feels like a new chapter, this movie,” he says. “But it’s not a reboot. This movie lives in the history of the 'Transformers' movies, and this one starts three years after the last. It feels fresh.”

Official Transformers: Age of Extinction Set Images, Plot Tidbits (Updated)

A few days ago Empire Magazine revealed their cover with Optimus Prime for their January 2014 issue. Now ComicBookMovie.com has posted what I assume are the images that accompied the article which UK stands today. No text, just the images. Not really seeing much in spoilers except that first image with Bay wielding a green prop that probably represents a Decepticon hand to be inserted later by ILM. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.

Update: Empire has posted clearer images of the same photos which I swapped out below. They also provide some more tidbits including full names for some of the characters and plot details.

This fourth film in the franchise is something of a fresh start, and sees an Earth scarred by the events of the last three films but moving on after the disappearance of all giant robots.

When Mark Wahlberg's inventor, Cade Yeager, discovers a buried Transformer, the stage is set for the return of the giant beasties. There will also be some business with Cade's daughter Tessa (Nicola Peltz); her secret racing driver boyfriend Shane; Stanley Tucci's Joshua; his geologist assistant Darcy (Sophia Myles); "the CEO of the Chinese Transformers", played by Li Bingbing; and Kelsey Grammer's Harold Attinger, the film's non-robot big bad.

Linkfest - Not Transformers The Movie

Transformers 4 movie news remains light but the toys keeps coming be it official or otherwise. In this edition we have a look at Transformers: The Movie concept art and inspired 3rd party toys, look at upcoming 3rd party Masterpiece no Dinobot Slag, more headmasters, new waves of official Hasbro toys and lots of reviews. Also of interest is a fan made transforming papercraft cigarette box, an $1000 Optimus Prime, new DVD set, and official Nikes.

Transformers: The Movie Concept Art - Hit the link for a look at some of the concept art created by animation supervisor Floro Dery for the G1 cartoon and the 1986 movie. It has lots of details that did and did not eventually get used such as am early Junkion spacecraft, Cybertron's robot mode and more. It is really beautiful and detailed art that shows that a lot of thought and care went into designing the world of Transformers. Maybe Botcon should consider him for entry into the TF Hall of Fame.

First Official Look at the Redesigned Transformers 4 Optimus Prime

Empire Magazine has posted their cover to their January 2014 issue which provides the first official look at the redesigned Optimus Prime for Transformers: Age of Extinction. Just like in previously leaked images, the character is sporting a sword and shield as the core cast of Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and Mark Wahlberg pose. The only other bit of "info" is the below set pic with unknown characters in the rigged vehicle. The new issue hits UK stores on Thursday so hopefully more info will leak then. Thanks to Feris Othman for the heads-up. So what do you think of the modified look for the Autobot leader?

Bumblebee's Camaro Design Process and TF4 E-Jet Gallery

Long time site reader and bringer of news Feris has put together this collage that uses nearly identical angle to let you get a good look at how Bumbleebee's vehicle mode look as changed across the four movies as he has changed from 200X Chevy Camaro. My memory might be a little off but I think his year order was 2008 (TF1 top left) > 2010 (TF2 top right) > 2012 (TF3 bottom left) > 2014 (TF4 bottom right). While a little to early to be sure, the 2014 might be the best one so far.

Transformers 4 Crew Hoodie Reveals Grimlock's Robot Mode?

A Transformers: Age of Extinction crew hoodie posted on Transformers Cars Facebook page seems to have provided the first look at Grimlock's potential robot mode. It could be another robot but the spiky, bulky look does seem very Grimlock-like. Much like with Optimus Prime with his sword and shield, this one uses maces as weapons. This is the first report of a crew hoodie with TF image on the back (I would assume people around the set would have noticed it by now) so while it could be real, it could also be a fan mock-up. As usual time will tell.

ET On Transformers: Age of Extinction Hong Kong Set

Tuesday Entertainment Weekly posted a video from the set of Transformers: Age of Extinction in Detroit that was a proxy for Hong Kong. In this second set report, they are reporting from the actual city as production was on its final week of filming. More Bayhem was shown as cast discussed how they killed time on set. Michael Bay also dropped a cryptic (aka useless) hint about the movie saying "The world has progressed/modernized to a point it can almost cannibalize and kill itself."

Transformers: Age of Extinction Stunt Driver Photos

Transformers: Age of Extinction stunt driver Corey Eubanks has posted several set pictures on Transformers Cars Facebook page. Most of the pictures show him posing near the various Autobot vehicles including Bumblebee, the Pagini, and few more. It seems the photos were taken throughout the production process as show Arizona, Chicago, Detroit and other locations. (via TFW2005)

ET On Transformers: Age of Extinction Set Reveals TF Character Name

Entertainment Tonight has posted a report from the Detroit set of Transformers: Age of Extinction when the crew was filming on the "China set" built in the middle of Detroit, Michigan in first week of August (vids: here, here and here). The video has quick comments from Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, and Nicola Peltz (inexplicably asked her relationship status) with cameo from Michael Bay. The reporter, while sitting in the Pagani Huayra, (SPOILER) referred to it as Stinger which is a name that has popped up as a potential character name. I wouldn't call this official confirmation but darn close as I doubt the host (reporter is too strong a word) knows anything about Transformers except what is fed to her by the producer speaking in her earpiece.

Update: Correction to title, removed the reference to "Autobot". As pointed out in the comments, the faction remains unconfirmed. The toy list references "Stinger" of various classes but saw no faction reference but the vehicle has been mostly hanging with known Autobot vehicles during filming.

IDW February 2014 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for February 2014.
Three issues and surprising no trades are coming this month. The main series continues the Dark Cybertron arc while Regeneration One reaches its penultimate issue. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

Transformers 5 Depends on Four, Introducing Ji Pei-hui

Chinese website M1905.com as posted two new interviews in relation to Transformers: Age of Extinction. Normally I probably wouldn't bother posting about either since nothing of substance is shared but they are TF4 related and news has been very light so better than nothing (but barely). In the first article Paramount Executibe Rob Moore (who spoke about product placement) states that Paramount Pictures has not made a decision yet on Transformers 5 and 6 as they are waiting to see how well Transformers 4 does. This isn't actually big news as all studios "plan" on sequels by signing actors to three picture deals but with the rare exceptions, no sequel is guaranteed until after the studios have some hard sales numbers to work with when making a decision.

China To Enjoy Heavy Product Placement in Transformers 4

It seems that Hollywood's relationship with China will continue to bring a whole new level of product placement to the rest of the world. After Iron Man 3 China cut's extra four minutes turned out to just be four minutes of China product advertisements, the assumption was the bad press might discourage repeat behavior. However a new article from Shenzhen Daily suggests that is not the case.

Rob Moore, the vice chairman, told China Daily the latest movie features a variety of Chinese brands placed in the storyline.

“This certainly goes hand in hand with the amount of time that we were in Chinese locations,” Moore said.

“Having those products certainly reinforces the fact that this is Chinese culture and that there is a lot of story-telling happening there.”

He would not say how many Chinese brands are in the film, but sources have confirmed that the products include drinking water, a car and a duck-meat snack.

Transforming Lego Generation One Optimus Prime

This great creation from Alex Jones shows what Hasbro never quite figured out even with their Kre-O line which is how to create a Lego creation that actually transforms. As the video and gallery links show, this is a direct Lego-ized version of G1 Optimus Prime complete with Lego trailer and Lego accessories. All it needs is a G1 style box to complete the look. The complete gallery can be found on Jones' Orion Pax Designs that includes his other Lego creations. (via Gizmodo and Brothers Brick)

First Look at Grimlock's Dino Mode?

An image posted by JoBlo might be the first look at Grimlock's dinobot alt mode. In the picture it seems Optimus Prime is riding Grimlock like a horse while holding a sword and shield. The image, assuming inspired by movie plans, does look pretty awesome. The source is unknown so unable to confirm if its officially related to Transformers: Age of Extinction or just creative fan art. Thanks to Feris O. for the heads-up.

Trademark Application Reveals New Transformers 4 Logo

A video game trademark by Hasbro included a new logo for Transformers: Age of Extinction. The description of the trademark filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office is below. Probably not really a surprise that Hasbro is planning the same merchandising blitz they did for the previous games.

Description: Interactive entertainment software, namely, computer game software, computer game programs, computer game cartridges, computer game discs; interactive multimedia computer game programs; downloadable game software for use in connection with computers, communication devices and mobile telephones; pre-recorded laser and video disc featuring an animated cartoon series

(via TFW2005)

Transformers 4 Officially Wraps Principle Photography

This time its official per a tweet from Michael Bay.

It's a wrap on #transformers4 #michaelbay #tf4 #transformers
— Michael Bay Dot Com (@S4TE) November 5, 2013

Filming on Transformers: Age of Extinction may be complete but the work is only half done for Michael Bay and his crew as they enter the post-production phase. While the director has been editing the movie as he films and ILM has probably been working on the movie the entire time, at this point things shift into another gear as the June 27th deadline looms. Eight months seems like a lot but the more special effects a movie has, the more time it needs. On top of completing the CGI, there is recording the soundtrack, sound design, sound effects, voice recording, ADR, color correction and a whole lot more. All of which needs Bay's approval at every step of the way. The last time TF3 was complete the day of world premiere, I doubt Bay wants a repeat.

Congrats to the cast and crew. Also a big thanks to all the site readers who helped provides pictures, video, links and updates on the movie so we could follow along.

More Transformers 4 Hong Kong Galleries

No idea where in China Transformers: Age of Extinction is filming but over the weekend a few sites posted images from the Hong Kong filming that ended last week ago. Nothing new covered, shows Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Stanley Tucci and others at work on various scenes along with another look at the sword key thingie. Links: Business Insider | The Daily Mail | TFormers

Hasbro Website Update Reveals Transformers 4 Character Names (Updated)

Last night Hasbro updated their website with new entries for 2014 Generations and Constructbots toys. As TFW2005 members discovered, it turns out that update included an unexpected surprise of listing many of the toys planned for Transformers: Age of Extinction that reveals many of the names of the characters that might appear in the movie.

A few caveats on this however. One, the list has a lot of strange code names. Two, Hasbro doesn't release a toy without planning for at least one repaint so really every mold has two names. So are the code names hiding a movie character name or just an undecided repaint name? Are some of the listed names already decided repaint names? As the image shows, it literally just a listing, there are no pictures so unable to verify what the alt modes are for each new character. Spoiler Warning, summary of names after the break.

Update: TFW2005 members did some further digging and discovered that the codename listings shared the same product IDs as named listing. Result is the code names do not signify a potential set of additional characters but those already listed in the summary. Revised toy listings here.

Happy Halloween With Life-Size Transformers Display

A huge Transformers fan in Cleveland, Ohio celebrates Halloween in an interesting way - with a life-size display of Transformers. The display, on its sixth year, is based on the first Transformers movie's Transformers characters with Optimus Prime (18' tall), Megatron (sitting on porch roof), Bumblebee (12' tall) and Barricade standing in his yard in robot mode. The four robots took around three months each to build and now takes about an hour and a half to assemble. Video below but if have problems can also find the news report, along with more pictures at NewsNet5. Thanks to Jeffrey M. for the link. Happy Halloween!

Michael Bay Discusses Filming TF4 in Hong Kong

Despite two failed blackmail attempts, Michael Bay has nothing but praise for Hong Kong after completing two weeks of filming in the city. In an interview with South China Morning Post, the director discussed some of the challenges filming in the city and a little bit of the story. Below is the major portions of the interview but you can find the full article, with videos, here.

As for the image, that was created by Jeffrey Marshall of Pixel Rally with inspiration from the Prime renders and the TF4 logo. His work was unintentionally highlighted by Age of Extinction's Sophia Myles in a recent tweet when the hotel she was at used his unofficial Autobot logo to dress up her food delivery.

“Hong Kong is a very visual city,” he said in an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post.

[In regards to the extortion attempts], “In the restaurants, in the hotel, I must have 30 people coming to me saying ‘I’m so sorry’. But it was such a silly incident,” Bay said. He was also surprised how the incidents got looped into international news reported on BBC and CNN.

Transformers 4 (Almost) Completes Principle Photography (Updated)

Update: It looks like a little jumping of the gun on my part as a tweet from Michael Bay indicates there is still a week to go.

Thanks #hongkong Now on to #China #Transformers4 #tf4 #transformers #michaelbay

Chances are the main cast, or at least Nicola, has wrapped but the crew still has various locations to visit to complete the look that much of the film takes place in various locations in China.
---------------------------------A tweet by Transformers: Age of Extinction's Nicola Peltz indicates that after five months of filming, principle photography on the movie is finished.

That's a wrap on Transformers 4! An amazing journey!!! #transformers4 http://instagram.com/p/f_iFW6NVis/

New Transformers 4 Clabberboard Images Shows Bumblebee

A new image found by TFW2005's Niv3k shows a new image of Bumblebee as revealed on a Transformers: Age of Extinction clapperboard. The image doesn't quite match the 'Bee render from earlier this week but to me there isn't enough detail in any of the images to reach conclusion if the renders are fake.

The Voice of Prime on Transformers 4 Hong Kong Set (Updated)

A video posted on Youtube from Transformers: Age of Extinction filming on October 25 at Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District provides a look at what might be the final scene of the movie. It shows Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor standing behind Mark Wahlberg as he talks up at a pole that represents Optimus Prime while Peter Cullen's voice booms from nearby speakers.

Below is my best guess of Cullen's lines which hint at some movie events so spoiler warning. After that moment other bits from filming at other locations are shown. This is from the same source, LF3258, that show posted video of other TF vehicles earlier in the week. The image on the left of Peltz, Tucci, and Wahlberg's stunt doubles is from a gallery of images you can find here. Great photos of mostly the vehicles on set but no clue what was being filmed.

Update Few more set images, with Walhberg carrying his sword and the cast running with their large bag can be found here.

Transformers 4 Render Art for Optimus Prime With Teases of Bumblebee and Grimlock

Render art posted on ACToys forums provides the first solid look at Optimus Prime along with bit of a tease of Grimlock's dino mode and Bumblebee. The art suggests that the designs for the robot modes maintain the movie line's complex look yet seems much more streamlined with larger plate pieces that remind me of Transformers Prime. It isn't enough detail to reach final conclusions but so far I am not hating it.

I wonder if streamlining means less complex CGI transformations resulting in budget savings. This isn't to mean the viewer would be cheated visually. For example Optimus Prime in TF1 to 3 was made up of over 10,000 fully realized CGI 3D pieces put together and rendered even those most of those parts are invisible to the viewer. If Prime were "just" made up of 7,000 pieces (or whatever the final number is), I doubt anyone would notice since most of that detail is hidden. Of course this assumes that streamlining means less when require even more parts. So what do you think of the new designs?

Image, Video of New Vehicles on Transformers 4 Hong Kong Set

Despite Triad extortion attempts, filming continues in Hong Kong for Transformers: Age of Extinction. In the video and image, it shows what has identified as an Aston Martin DBS, McLaren MP4-12C, the Pagani Huayra, Argosy Freightliner and a garbage truck rolling together down the street as extras run down a sidewalk looking up. Since rolling with other very expensive cars as Autobots, could the garbage truck be an alt mode? If so my guess would be Bulkhead. As pointed out in the comments, the vehicles could be Decepticons (Stunticons?). While I assume they are Autobots because car makers (especially US ones) tend to dislike having their vehicles be bad guys, the success of previous TF movies may have got most of them to reconsider their thinking on that.

Bay Writes About Positive Hong Kong Experience for TF4 Filming

Michael Bay has added a note to his website to "set the record straight" about his experience with shooting Transformers: Age of Extinction in Hong Kong. The note is a response to the bad press China has been getting for two failed extortion attempts.

I’m here to set the record straight again . . . my crew and I have been having a great time in Hong Kong despite what you may have read about us being “rocked by a second extortion attempt.” Totally untrue. A few bad dudes have definitely not ruined the experience. We shoot from sun up to sun down, and the local HK crew have become part of our on-set family. We’re in the middle of busy streets, in businesses, and even in people’s homes, and everyone we’ve met has been very accommodating and generous. It’s been a once in a lifetime experience we’d all consider doing again.

Michael Bay

Another Extortion Attempt Made On Transformers 4 Production

Once again Hong Kong, China shows its ugly side as a crew of four attempted to extort money from Transformers: Age of Extinction production. This sounds like a repeat of last week's attempt. One of the four involved have been arrested with police looking for the other three. No violence or injuries reported. From Hong Kong's The Standard:

Police are searching for three men in connection with a second blackmail attempt on the production crew of Transformers: Age of Extinction.

One of the suspects was arrested while three others fled when police were called on Tuesday.

A week ago several men roughed up US director Michael Bay and some crew members. There are fears the incidents may tarnish the image of Hong Kong in the movie world.

IDW January 2014 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for January 2014. Three issues, a trade, crossover with X-Files and one trade is part of the January slate for Transformers. The two main ongoings reach the mid-way point of the 12 part Dark Cybertron story arc. Regeneration One is in its home stretch as it reaches its final 100th issue (bit glad as the story has been moving at a glacier pace). The X-Files begins its crossover with IDW's various media licences with 1st issue of Conspiracy which introduces the concept before the one-shot issue with Transformers next month. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

Videos of Filming Transformers 4 in Hong Kong

Transformers: Age of Extinction had a productive weekend as filming continued in Kong Kong as bunch of videos found by TFormers.com show. The first video shows the entire core cast as they filmed a sequence that involved Stanley Tucci and Mark Wahlberg carrying a body bag like shape (maybe filled with those Cybertronian swords/keys?) with Sophia Myles, Nicola Peltz and Jack Reynor following close behind. The 2nd video is Bay prepping for a vehicle sequence and the actors killing time during steups. The 3rd video is the Freightliner being chased by three different colored SUVs, next is quick video of 'Bee turning a corner. Fifth video is extra's running around a corner as pyrotechnic sounds are heard and a piece of building lands in the street. After that is essentially a smoke bomb going off on top of a bus going over a curved overpass, the 7th is more of Bay prepping a scene and the last video is a slideshow of images from filming. Speaking of images, click here for another gallery images of the actors filming the body bag scene and other things.

Images from Transformers 4 Hong Kong Set (Updated)

Transformers: Age of Extinction continues to film in Hong Kong, China. Information remains light but TFW2005 forum members did manage to get a few pictures. It seems that Titus Welliver has joined the rest of the main cast so the only ones missing at this point is Stanley Tucci and Kelsey Grammer. A few new cars were also spotted but as usual its unclear if these are TF alt modes or serve some other purpose. The identified new vehicles are a blue Kawasaki, two Audi S6, Cadillac CTS, white Lamborghini Gallardo, black Ferrari and maybe a Bentley. As for what is being filmed, that remains unknown but Titus being on the set indicates it ties into whatever was filmed in the Lockhart, Texas back in June. The full gallery of images are at TFW2005.

Update: Another set of images have been posted that shows the actors, including Tucci, on set along with more vehicles including 'Bee. That set is here.

Halloween Costumes Tease Transformers 4 Bumblebee, Prime Look

Two images found on China's version of twitter called Weibo provides a hint on what the Transformers 4 version of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime may look like in robot mode. While the labels on the image indicate Transformers: Prime, if you look at face mask and costume details, they are clearly of the movie aesthetic. Since these are costumes, you can't really leap to a conclusion on what the final result will but it does indicate that their designs have been mostly tweaked rather than completely changed.

Michael Bay and Crew Attacked on Transformers 4 Set (Updated)

The final leg of principle photography for Transformers: Age of Extinction has begun in Hong Kong, China. Unfortunately, the first day did not go smoothly. Hong Kong newspaper, Sharp Daily, is reporting that three men attacked the crew for not receiving part of the rent fee for using the location the production was at. Seibertron's translation indicates the altercation ended up involving the three suspects, three policemen and Michael Bay. I can't say surprised Bay got involved as I suspect he has a trait that (good) bosses should have - he can berate his team but beware anyone else that does it. It ended with the three under arrest and no one injured.

Transformers 4 Arrives in China With New Alt Mode Vehicle? (Updated)

Transformers 4 production is on the verge of starting back up in China. New images show various Transformer cars, including a maybe new one, showing up in the country to prep for around a month's worth of filming. The cars spotted in China are Bumblebee (2014 Camaro), Hound, Corvette Stingray, Bugatti, Pagani Huayra and a new red vehicle identified as a 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia Speciale (left pic).

In Dark of the Moon, the Transformers called "Dino" (or Mirage) was also a 458 Italia but I would be surprised if that character returned considering his near non-existent part in the last film. Also the car looks too much like the Pagani (right pic) to a non-car aficionado like me and most movie goers. The range in vehicle colors is no accident as it is a design choice to make it so requires only a glance for viewers to know what character they are looking at regardless of the make and model of the alt mode. The addition breaks that formula so guessing it serves some other purpose than a TF alt mode. It is also possible the car arrived on the same ship (or plane) as the other vehicles but has nothing to do with TF4 production.

Linkfest - New Masterpieces, Album, Comic and More

With Transformers: Age of Extinction filming news going mostly quiet as production heads to Chian, time for another link fest. In this addition we get an update on the fantastic masterpiece line (sadly all being repaints), news of a new Transformers comic, album, commercial spook and homage video. Of course this also means lots of links to video reviews of the latest Transformers including 3rd party releases of not Blackarachnia, not Brainstorm, not Uranos along with a look at the latest Masterpiece figure with MP-17 Prowl.

Masterpiece
MP-12G G2 Sideswipe - Another repaint of the MP-12 figure, but in the G2 style in new head mold and accessories. Release date is February, 2014 with average import price of $80.
MP-13B Soundblaster with Ratbat - Look at the Masterpiece Soundwave repaint with new MP version of Ratbat. While Hasbro has released MP Soundwave stateside, even though finding it in Toys R Us has been difficult, it doesn't come with Ratbat. The foy is set for release in March 2014, average import price is around $160.
MP-18 Bluestreak and MP-19 Smokescreen - Repaints of MP-17 Prowl (out now and review below), these two additions to the line will becoming out in the next two months for average price of $80 each. As a G1 fan and abiding love of the MP line, despite being repaints, definitely going to get both.

First Look at Transformers 4 Optimus Prime Toy

At the New York Comic-Con going on this weekend, Hasbro provided the first public look at a figure from next year's Transformers: Age of Extinction toy line. The leader class Optimus Prime toy does seem to indicate that Hasbro is keeping with their intent to simplify the transformation sequence, similar to the recent waves of Beast Hunters and Generations toys. It also seems to show that the "new" approach to the look of the movie version of the characters is very close to the previous three films. Still one figure is not a pattern so too early to draw concrete conclusions about the movie design approach. Here are the images and description from Hasbro's press release from Hasbro while a gallery of images from the 'Con floor of the toy is here.

Transformers 4 Casting Call in Seattle

Transformers 4 may be finished in Chicago but production continues. Currently near Elma, Washington, the production had put out an "urgent casting call" for extras for filming on Wednesday and Thursday. The call was seeking 18+ male and female "clean cut, athletic, military, business types." If in the Elma area, it might not be too late to apply. Sadly not a whole lot of info to gleam from that as many of the extra notices had similar descriptions. Thanks to Wynton R. for the link.

Making of Transformers: The Ride

With Transformers 4 news going quiet as filming went to unknown locations, here is something TF related to watch. It turns out I completely missed this 22 minute making of / advertisement for Transformers: The Ride back when it opened in Universal Studios Hollywood in 2011. The length suggests it had been made as something to air on TV but guess those plans fell through. Any case you might find it interesting with a look at ILM creating the effects, interviews with Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg and more. Thanks to Feris O. for the find.

Set Visit Reveals Sources for Transformers 4 Vehicles

In a post on the Shoot For the Edit forums, Nelson wrote about his visit to the set of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Since he works for Bay he left off all the juicy story details but he did drop some information on the origin of the various vehicles in the film. Also posted the pics of Michael Bay at work on the set.

As some of you know, I visited the TF4 set in Chicago a couple of weeks ago. I won't bore you with the details, but here are some things I noticed and discovered.

Transformers 4 Final Day in Chicago Goes Out With a Boom

As promised, the final day of Transformers: Age of Extinction in Chicago went out with a large boom. Not "the mother of all bombs", but still a big boom that will look great once its slowed down and edited together. The set, not opened to the public, was the South Damen Avenue abandoned silo that was dressed as an unknown Chinese location. As the great images and video thanks to Colin Hinkle show, the site was dressed with China related items, silo itself was rigged with pyrotechnics, and the action was filmed from the air with a helicopter. His video was also used in local news report about the filming.

The second set of pictures near the site are from cmraseye that provides another angle on the explosion. He wrote, "The blast was concentrated at the front of the corrugated out building. Lots of debris blown into the air, bamboo sticks, 55 gal drums ...all kinds of things in the air, will probably look cool on film. ...you can see the pyro/dust bags ignited, blowing out the dust, and several barrels being launched into the air. Contrary to the captions on the Tribune photos online, there were no cameras mounted in the baskets of those lifts. It appears the lifts were cabled to support the frame of the outbuilding to keep it from collapsing on itself when they blew the roof panels off." You can find Chicago Tribune's pics of the boom here. Thanks Jeffrey Marshall for the link.

Transformers 4 Character Hints

Nelson, the admin for MichaelBay.com, has provided a few Transformers character tidbits. One of them suggests that the robot face photographed a few months ago might be Hound. He also wrote that after Chicago filming ends on Wednesday, next is filming in Washington state followed by China.

I like how Bumblebee looks like in robot form this time around. He looks badass and sleek.

The Stingray is one of my favorite looking robots.

So is the Bugatti. Wait til you see this guy in action. He will blow your mind!!

And Hound reminds me of the bearded chubby fellow in Braveheart. He might take the cake when it comes to personality.

Its not much to go on but better than nothing. Feel free to add what you think in the comments. (via TFW2005)