Transformers 2 Writers Signed

The LATimes is reporting that Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Ehren Kruger have officially been signed on as the screenwriters for Transformers 2. It was previously reported that they where in negotiations but now the contracts have been signed to an estimated paycheck of $8 million payday for each.

According to the article, "Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and DreamWorks executives had been inviting writers to propose takes on the sequel as early as May, two months before the first film's Independence Day opening. The studio has been looking at the "Transformers" property as an extended saga, with an expansive mythology built into at least two more films." This may explain the treatment that leaked online as one submitted version from an unknown writer.

Exactly when the scripts will be written and how hands-on Orci and Kurtzman will be is anyone's guess as they have a full plate with shooting for Star Trek XI (which they wrote and one assumes be on set for) starting next month. Also Eagle Eye, a film they are producing, begins at the same time. After that, the pilot for Fringe, which they wrote and exec produce, will begin shooting by year's end. How they can bounced between all those sets and write indicates to me that at least for the early drafts, most of the detail work will come from Kruger with the other two just providing the "big" ideas.

The article notes that Bay has already begun digital pre-visualization for the film from designs not used in the last film (and probably coming up with new ones along the way). In theory, strike or no strike next June, visual effects work would continue but I have my doubts.