Linkfest - Happy New Year Edition

The end of 2013 is here with final toy linkfest of the year. Its been a good year in toys with Generations line, Takara's new additions to the Masterpiece line and most of the 3rd party makers knocking out some outstanding Transformers that often put Hasbro's and Takara's offerings to shame. As the the galleries show, 2014 is going to be the same, especially as Hasbro shifts to the Transformers 4 toyline. In 3rd party news we have a look at not Galvatron, not Menasor, not Ratch, and not IDW Fortress Maximus. Hasbro abd Takara are doing another repaint of MP Prime, more Generations coming, and few other official products. Other topics include Botcon 2014 has a location and time, Gingerbread Prime, new The Touch video, and movie statues. Per usual also have a bunch of new video reviews including look at latest Masterpiece Prowl, not Motormaster, not Brainstorm, new not Throttlebot, not Swoop and more.

3rd Party Galleries
Unique Toys Mania King - This 3rd party figure recreates the original G1 Galvatron but with a whole lot more detail and color scheme while keeping his Cybertronian alt mode. No estimated release date or price.
FansProject not Menasor - After a bit of a delay, the final piece of Fansproject's Intimidator combiner is coming next month. Diesel (aka not Motormaster) is set for release by the end of January for $150. Hit the link for the look at their final combiner and head below for a preview review of Diesel and Intimidator. Another gallery is here.
iGear not Ratchet - Hit the link for a re-release of iGear's not Ratchet release from early last year. This version is about $30 cheaper as they eliminated most of the unnecessary accessories that came with the figure. I got the first version and do recommend getting as it is a faithful re-creation of the G1 Ratchet robot and vehicle modes that fits with the Masterpiece line. Out now for $100.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!
For the third year in a row ('11, '12) the voice of Beast Wars Megatron David Kaye wishes all a Megatron Christmas.

New Transformers 4 Licensed Products Tease 'Bee, Prime and Grimlock

It isn't much but at least its something. Entertainment Earth posted the below three licensed products for Transformers: Age of Extinction that show off a touch of new the design for Bumblebee and Optimus Prime along with a look at the head of Grimlock. Hopefully this is the start of more reveals via toy s and more.

Wahlberg Provides Little TF4 Character Backstory

Finally a little bit of "new" Transformers: Age of Extinction news. The quotes are new are intentional as the info being provided was already revealed as part interviews on a Chinese website but still its something. In an interview with The Daily Beast to discuss his next movie "Lone Survivor", he talked a little bit about his TF4 character Cade Yeager.

With Transformers: Age of Extinction, did you agree to do that one for your kids?
Well, it was exciting because it was the first time my kids were really interested in a movie I was doing. Any time they see me with a gun, like Contraband or Pain & Gain, they want to see that, too, but they can’t because of the language and all that stuff. But I loved working with Michael Bay, and I thought he had a really interesting way to make it new, different, and fresh. Plus, being in movies that have the potential to be hugely successful allows me to make smaller movies that I’m really passionate about.

What’s going to make this Transformers different? The first one was OK, but then the sequels were a total mess.
It was a tighter script, and its own stand-alone thing. I think the emotional core of it, the human element, is going to be extremely powerful. It’s an ordinary man trying to do extraordinary things to save his daughter and keep her alive—and this boyfriend he didn’t know anything about. He’d had a child when he was in high school and his wife passed away, and the promise he’d made to her was that she wouldn’t date any boys until she graduated and that she’d be at the graduation—because we weren’t due to the pregnancy. So there’s an anchor to it and a realness to it that I like a lot.

[Then, an assistant comes in and places a brace around Wahlberg’s neck.]
I hurt my neck in Hong Kong, and it hasn’t gotten better yet. I just woke up in the morning and couldn’t move, but still had to shoot 10 days of crazy action.

IDW March 2014 Transformers Comics

Yep, the TF4 news front remains as quiet as a mouse. Until then on the comic front. IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for March 2014. The Transformation: Regeneration comic ends its planned run, closing out the TF Marvel-verse for now while the Dark Cybertron story also concludes with a promise of a major character death. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.

In relation to Dark Cybertron, senior editor John Barber spoke with Newsarama about the relationship between IDW and Hasbro that resulted in unexpected story point yet to be revealed. "Working with the Transformers team and getting these comics out in the toy packages, all while building to an epic story that’s satisfying to existing fans. I think that’s a big moment for us—and there’s this amazing thing happening near the end of “Dark Cybertron” that I couldn’t believe it was going to make the jump to the toys,” teased Barber. “But I can’t talk about it yet, which is a lame answer but it’s really a fun twist on a well-known premise. It was something that originated—I think, if I remember right—with Mark Weber on Transformers brand team, and More Than Meets The Eye writer James Roberts and I couldn’t believe it was an idea on the table, let alone that it would be reflected in the toys. Sorry to have to be really vague about it."

Transformers 4 Super Bowl Teaser Set for 30 Seconds

While Michael Bay has confirmed that the first teaser trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction is coming on Super Bowl Sunday (2/2/14), Deadline has now provided the length. At a record $4 million price tag, Paramount as bought a single 30 second slot. In the past, after a commercial airs on during the game it becomes available online so see little reason that would change here, especially since the goal is to announce the movie to the widest audience possible in the States (last year's game audience was 108 million).

Story Tidbits, Video from Transformers 4 Hong Kong Sets

Chinese website M1905 has posted a bunch of video from the various Hong Kong sets of Transformers: Age of Extinction. Sprinkled in the set are interviews with some of the cast. Most of the videos are in Mandarin but you can catch a lot of behind the scenes stuff as Michael Bay, Jack Reynor (Shane Dyson), Mark Wahlberg (Cade Yeager), Nicola Peltz (Tessa Yeager), Stanley Tucci and the crew work. TFW2005 was able to gleam a few story tidbits (below). The full set of videos is here. As for the sword image to the left, that was found by GabrielPrime and seems to an image of the Cybertronian sword that Mark Wahlberg's been carting around on many of the film's sets.

- Reynor: Shane is secret Irish race car driving boyfriend of Tessa's due to dad's no dating rule. Gains trust of Cade by saving Tess and Cade's life early in the movie.
- Tessa's mother is dead, result is Cade being over protective of her.
- Cade and Optimus become friends due to their (similar) code of ethics.
- Prime forced into situation of choose doing the right thing over his own life while Cade must choose between himself or his daughter (guessing translation problem because choice is always obvious for hero characters, Prime especially)
- Li Bingbing's character is owner of a factory in China (guessing something to do with the rumored Chinese Transformers)
- One Cybertronian speaks Mandarin only.
- The movie's third act takes place entirely in Hong Kong.

ET Canada's Transformers: Age of Extinction Set Reports

As teased last week, Entertainment Tonight Canada as aired their report from the set of Transformers: Age of Extinction. The two videos are thanks to YouTuber jedz316. It likes like the ET Canada visit was back around June 16th when the cast and crew were in Taylor, Texas filming. They added some footage from ET USA's Chicago visit but I am just going by the background and the like when the host was talking to Mark Wahlberg and Nicola Peltz. Unlike ET USA nincompoop of a reporter, it seems Canada's host came to the set a bit more informed as she asked relevant questions including try to draw information from Wahlberg about the Dinobots (he refused to answer). (via Seibertron)

Bay Doesn't Apologize for Transformers, Confirms Super Bowl Trailer

After a long absence, Michael Bay took to his official website to post a response to recent articles covering his comments about Transformers: Age of Extinction. Apparently he didn't like what was written. My best guess is he is referring to the recent Yahoo article where he suggested the difference between TF4 and previous entries is it will have less goofiness and appear more cinematic. Personally I just thought it was a typical sequel question with an expected "raise the stakes" type answer with nothing negative intended by his responses. My best guess is the more mainstream movie sites decided to go the other way on interpreting his answers. Any way from a fan perspective the key piece of news is he officially confirms the first trailer for the movie will arrive for the Super Bowl on February 2, 2014.

I Do Not Apologize For Any Transformers Movies

It is a drag talking to reporters on sets. Why? Because often times they take your words and skew things to their liking. Then the crazy, lazy game of reporting on what other writers story’s reported me saying and suddenly it becomes skewed Internet truth. So I waste my time to restate exactly what I did say, again.

First Look at Transformers: Age of Extinction Optimus Prime Toy

A new image with found by TFW2005's yizhi521 provides the first look at the toy version of Transformers: Age of Extinction Optimus Prime. The class is hard to determine but the level of detail makes me think its either voyager or leader class. The look closely matches the official image of Prime.

Transformers 4 First Film In Full Digital IMAX 3D

In an interview with /Film, IMAX SVP Hugh Murray discussed the use of IMAX in filming including Transformers: Age of Extinction. In the interview /Slash provides a bit of a laymen perspective on the question along with the VP's comments. I admit that most of it doesn't mean much to me (cost and "worthiness" of the film factors in to my IMAX decision more then "how" it was filmed) but in regards to TF4 it seems it a tiny bit of film history by being the first to film in digital IMAX 3D. I think before it had to be filmed on much bulkier "traditional" 70mm film stock. Assuming Trnasformers 4 proves worthy of its bigger size, it could lead to more films using the new camera technology. Which could be good if the studios learned the lessons of the 3D debacle and recognize that not every single film deserves the IMAX treatment. Any case, the TF4 segment below, full interview here.

What are the different IMAX cameras?
Up until now, every feature film shot in full IMAX (of which there have been only a handful – The Dark Knight, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, The Dark Knight Rises, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, Star Trek Into Darkness and now The Hunger Games Catching Fire) has filmed with a 65mm 2D IMAX film camera. IMAX has a 3D film camera available, but most filmmakers find it too big and loud to actually use. (Star Trek Into Darkness is the only of those films to be exhibited in IMAX 3D, but it was post-converted.) It wasn’t until recently that IMAX created a 3D digital camera, which will allow 3D capture in full IMAX. The first filmmaker to use that is Michael Bay on Transformers: Age of Extinction. That camera is much smaller and lighter than the other IMAX 3D cameras and will be used quite a bit in the future. There is no 2D digital IMAX camera, but one is being developed. Murray explains some more:

[The 3D digital camera] offers the full height aspect ratio. Our camera is based on a digital camera called Phantom. It’s a 3D camera, so we used two of their sensors and the reason we picked them was they were the closest sensor size to IMAX film frames. They’re not quite as big as IMAX film frames, but they are very close. They allow us to use the same lenses that we developed for our 3D film camera, which is much bigger and heavier.  This 3D digital camera is very light and compact and easy to use.

Linkin Park's Steve Aoki Part of Transformers 4 Soundtrack?

Grammy nominated Steve Aoki may be working with Michael Bay on Transformers: Age of Extinction soundtrack. He tweeted, with image, "Discussing war politics between the autobots & decepticons over dinner w/ #michaelbay s4te #transformers4" The musician worked with Linkin Park on their recent album "Recharged". Considering the band has provided a single for the three previous Transformers films, probably not a reach to assume Bay was discussing possibilities for Aoki to team up with the group again to create a track for Transformers 4. (via TFW2005)

Transformers: Age of Extinction Trailer During Super Bowl?

A tag that came with the Nike's new Megatron sneakers says to "Look for big news at the game 2014". About the only major game that comes early enough is Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2nd. For the previous films a Super Bowl trailer was showing during the game. Not a big leap to assume that the same advertising playbook will be used for the first Transformers: Age of Extinction trailer. (via Seibertron)

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.