Description of LaSalle Filming Last Week

Last weekend, Transformers: Age of Extinction filmed in the LaSalle Street area for two days. Exactly what was filmed remains mostly unknown as it was closed off to the public much more effectively than normal. It seems part of that was because the usual Bayhem was in play as a description from the Chicago Tribune indicates lots of pyrotechnics and exploding vehicles was filmed. Thanks to Colin H. for the link.

Most spectators, however, had to settle for listening to much of the action rather than watching it due to the barricades set up to keep people blocks away. Explosions could be heard echoing through LaSalle, but it's unclear what exactly was exploding. One production assistant claimed a Bud Light delivery truck was blown up during one scene, sending beer flying out onto the streets, but the Chicago Film Office was unable to confirm it.

Those more interested in the cars than the explosions had better luck. Several vehicles — including the semi known as Optimus Prime, a blue Bugatti and green Corvette — raced down LaSalle at high speeds for one scene Saturday. During another scene that day, the yellow Camaro known as Bumblebee sped off as terrified extras ran for their lives. The extras continued to get a workout during Sunday's filming, which featured pyrotechnics.

Chicago was well represented on the set Saturday: Abandoned Chicago taxis and Chicago police cars were on hand, as was a CTA bus featuring a very visible Blue Cross Blue Shield ad (Transformers filmed at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower in the Near East Side neighborhood the previous two weekends). Also on the set was a crushed vehicle that was trapped under a robotic-looking hunk of metal.