Its Almost 8, Do You Have Your Ticket?

Its almost 8 here on the east coast and soon Transformers will dawn in the US. Reviews from fans have been positive. Reviews that focus mostly on entertainment value rather then the artsy fartsy has been postive. Basically where it matters, its all good. Suffice it to say I am very excited, hoping to see the movie later tonight. Do do you have a ticket yet?

Michael Bay Message

In a message from Michael Bay over at his forums, he talks about the hard work of doing Transformers, especially the robots. He always talks about the influence or rather the lack of influence that Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy had on the movie. The original post is here, or was rather as it seemed to have been pulled.

Update: Pulled text of post by request. Decided to out of fairness to respect the request.
Another update: It appears based on recent mentions of the Wrap Poem and posting of Bay's message on another site (Defamer) that if it becomes news I will repost the text.

Luckily someone over at Seibertron.com had already grabbed the entire message. This is the Hollywood behind the scene stuff I like, the politics and intrigue that goes on cause the public face is shiny happy people and with the money and egos involved there is no way that is the truth. Thanks to Chad for the info over at the blog forums.

The message:

The movie is over.

Wow that was a hard one, but I must tell you it was so much fun. The most difficult actors I’ve ever worked with, besides Bruce Willis, are Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. They took every single one of my days for a year. But they are well worth the work. I’ve just traveled 36,000 miles around the world (in two weeks) and had the most amazing premiere at the Taormina film festival in an ancient, Greek-built theatre that existed well before the birth of Christ. I loved seeing the reactions to the film from so many different cultures. This movie really travels around the world. I’m so excited for everyone to see it. Thanks to all you that supported me on this film.

Just so I set the story straight, my budget started a $145 Million it crept to $150 and some change – I’m very proud of that – the fact that we are half the cost of all these other summer blockbusters. I see people doubt that out on the net, but anyone want to challenge me I’ll put a ten thousand dollar bet down on the table right now.

Even when the studio tried to ship me out to Canada or shoot down with Aussies - I looked but I knew we were dead up there. I needed my crew that I have been loyal to for years, they are the best in the world. Besides I believe American movies that portray America, should be made in America. I cut my fee 30% so I could make this at home. I knew this was right for the movie so I asked the other producers to join – Ian and Lorenzo did, and the two others (that came attached to the project) Tom Desanto and Don Murphy did not. That was my introduction to them – they did not want any part of their fee going to make a better movie. Things like that don’t usually sit well with me.

Now that the movie is done I get strange questions from the press. Like “how did Tom control the set”? What? “ How did Tom and Don control you?” What the fuck. “How was it working with Tom and Don who knew Transformers so well?” “We heard Tom wrote the story – he had a 90 page treatment, right?” Okay stop. Let me take you back in time. Tom and Don are very nice guys, but let’s get some facts straight.

Tom had one creative meeting with me for one hour and ten minutes to be exact about a year ago. He told he was the über fan boy and was going to protect me from the minefields. The type of minefields on the Net like “Damn you Michael Bay” “You wrecked my childhood Michael Bay” and other various web death threats I received. Tom proceeded to tell me how much he had problems with the robot designs and script issues. I realized he was worlds apart in my vision. I said thank you very much, and then showed him my office door - I never really spoke to him again other then to mutter hello. He would occasionally come to the set with guests like it was some theme park. I never spoke creatively with Don. I read his notes kind of trashing the script and making me and the writers feel like a big shit pile. But during production Don was nice to me, he knew I was not going to talk creative with him.

One day not too long ago, the writers of our movie Alex and Bob called me in a panic saying all of a sudden after the movie was almost finished in post that Tom was applying for writer's or story credit. I was appalled because neither the writer’s nor I ever saw any treatment. Well, he applied for credit, but the Writer’s Guild shot him down, denied him.

But what made my blood curl was something that was on the Net with Tom at the Saturn awards on IESB.net where they interviewed him about the movie – a movie I might add he had not seen yet. He acted very much like he did. Check it out as he vamps through the questions, and how Hugo put his “thumb print on it”. Give me a break the guy was lying through his teeth - he had seen nada, nothing until the press screening.

So that’s the real truth, I had to say it, cause I'm tired of answering these questions.

What these guys did do was stuck with a ‘silly toy movie’ and pushed it around town and kept the faith after everyone turned them down, always with the hope that maybe someone somewhere would make it. Now I commend them on that. Hats off to them, but trying to taking creative credit in the press let me just say it – irks me. Too many credits are given to too many people who had nothing to do with the movie. Hell even investment bankers with not the slightest idea of how to make a movie all of a sudden are big producers in town.

I guess that’s how it goes in Hollywood.

Bay

Update: I re-added the message because this letter is indication of a problem between Bay and Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto that ultimately removed those two form the Transformers II as producers.

USA Today's Transformers Articles

USA Today has posted several articles about Transformers that was actually interesting, informative and accurate. For instance I didn't know that then Marvel Comics Editor in Chief Jim Shooter was involved with the creation of Cybertron for the Transformers. Basically the articles are treated as straight up "here is some information about Transformers" rather then the usual eye roll tongue in cheek thing the media tends to for these kinds of things.

Transformers: From toy story to serious art? - Covers origins of the Transformerse line into development of the movie
Transforming 2007 into the summer of Shia - Piece about rising popularity of Shia LaBeouf
Evolution of the shape-changers, from Japanese toy to big screen - Overview timeline of Transformers

Wired Magazine Transformers Articles

Wired Magazine has posted multiple articles about Transformers that make for some interesting reads. Some are about the movie and others are just about the Transformers brand and its history.

- The Rebirth of Optimus Prime
- How an Obscure Collection of Japanese Action Figures Change the Way We Play
- Everything I Need to Know About (Real) Robots I Learned From Transformers
- Small Gallery

Fan Event In Hollywood, CA

FYI for those out in California from the producer of Bay's Touch (hilarious fan film)in regards to a fan event for the first screen of Transformers:

My name is Justin, producer of Bay's Touch

We are planning a great fan event at Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood, CA on Monday July 2. Producer Tom DeSanto will be greeting the fans, and bringing some of his TF friends along to say hi. Live Music, a TF costume contest, TF trivia contest, and appearance by Stan Bush are also in the works.

Please help get the word out: Arclight Cinemas Hollywood is the place to be on opening night! http://www.arclightcinemas.com

Cheers,
Justin Sewell
Slave Boy Films

No for Transformers at IMAX theatres?

Based on information or lack of, it doesn't appear that Transformers will not be available for IMAX which seems like a shame. Something about seeing massive robots on those huge screens seems suiting, espeically with the detail put into them. Nevermind the sound which is usually better then theatres. At least in my area anyway. Its far more suited for that then Spider-Man 3 to say the least.

Fandango Pre-Selling Transformers Tickets

Fandango is already selling tickets for Transformers, with the first showing being on 6/2/07 at 8:00 PM. Not all theaters may be participating so be sure to check in your area code. After selecting theate in area, change "Date of Show" to date interested in going. From what I can tell, so far just Regal is up for pre-sell but sure other chains will be added shortly.
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Variety Transformers Article

Variety has posted an article that can be summed up thusly from director Michael Bay, "I definitely didn't make a toy movie."

The entire article:

'Transformers' aims for broad audience
Movie being sold as more than toy knockoff
By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

"Transformers" conjures up images of kiddie playthings, ever-changing alien robots that first landed in toy boxes in the 1980s.
DreamWorks and Paramount think they have something more than a kiddie pic or a nostalgic tribute -- execs feel that the pic, which launches July 3, is a four-quadrant summer joyride. The question is how to market the film to those four groups.

As director Michael Bay deadpans, "I definitely didn't make a toy movie."

The PG-13 movie is this summer's only big-budget live-action pic that is not a sequel, and boasts the imprint of action-megapic director Bay and exec producer Steven Spielberg.

The studio marketing execs are selling the movie as much more than a toy knockoff, talking up spectacular special effects, a fast-moving plot and humor.

"The push has been to defy people's expectations," says Christine Birch, DreamWorks president of marketing. "When they hear 'Transformers,' they think 'toy movie.' They think little kids. The movie is family-friendly, but that doesn't make it juvenile."

One studio exec says: "You need to get young males, which Bay can. But you also need to get younger kids, which could be more Steven. The challenge comes in trying to tell parents it's OK to bring their younger children without alienating teenagers. It still needs a 'Terminator' toughness."

Rob Moore, Paramount's president of worldwide marketing and distribution, says the movie has just that. "It has signature Michael Bay action that is visually spectacular. But the movie also has a great sense of humor. You really have a combination."

In testing, DreamWorks and Par skedded two screenings: One for kids and parents, the other for all audiences. The scores were almost identical.

Starring Shia LaBeouf and Josh Duhamel, "Transformers" would give DreamWorks and Paramount a much-needed live-action franchise.

Even before Par acquired DreamWorks, the two entities agreed to collaborate on a "Transformers" project. It's said to be a passion project for Spielberg, who was intrigued by its alien themes, and he thought Bay would be perfect to direct.

After a string of box office hits, Bay stumbled with DreamWorks' "The Island" ($36 million domestically and $125 million overseas). If "Transformers" clicks, it will be a rebound for the director and the action is said to be quintessential Bay, mirroring such pics as "Armageddon," "The Rock" and "Bad Boys."

And, at least partly due to Spielberg's mark, it's being hyped as featuring the same kind of special effects that made "Jurassic Park" work in the 1990s.

Script was penned by the team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who also wrote Par's upcoming "Star Trek" installment.

"Transformers" was produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Don Murphy and Tom DeSanto, who secured the film rights from Hasbro.

(source)

US Release Date Time: July 2nd at 8:00PM

Superhero Hype is reporting the release time on July 2nd for Transformers is 8:00PM copying the Pirates 3 release plan. How many screenings after that is up to your local theatre.

Stern Turns Down Role In Transformers

According to Howard Stern on his radio show Monday, he turned down an offer to "voice" Frenzy since the role would just be his voice coming from the radio.

Stern: “They contracted me like a week ago. My agent said they wanted my voice on the radio, and the letter sucks me in, it goes: We feel you represent America’s icon of radio, and when that radio turns on just for a couple seconds, the audience gets to hear your voice. The crowd will go insane. And I’m like, YEAH! Then my agent gets a hold of me. It’s almost like he shakes me up and smacks me. I said to him: This movie, The Transformers, it could be a really big movie. And he goes 'So, it won't be because of you, because your f'n voice is on the radio. I thought it might be kinda cool but my agent said 'you don't want to be in the movie as an f'n voice on the radio. And I said, you know, you're right."

So there you go, everyone say thank you to Howard Stern's manager. The idea sounds fine on the surface but I am thinking in execution it would have distracted from the scene.
(source)

Transfomers Premiere Now Night of July 2nd

I posted yesterday that the premiere date was moved to July 3rd. Now the date is kind of sorta July 2nd. First full day is July 3rd. Taking a page from Pirates 3, according to Michael Bay's blog "Just spoke to Michael and he confirmed that Transformers will open in theaters on July 3 with a special showing on the night of July 2." At what time is not mentioned. Pirates did a 10PM showtime so guessing the same will be done here. Personally I prefer a 12:01AM. Its usually the best audiences then. Anycase, check with your local theatres (in about a week or so) to find out the details. Thanks to Chad T for the info.

Transformers U.S. Release Date Now July 3rd

According to Superherohype the U.S. release date of Transformers has been moved to July 3rd. Now one less day to wait but not sure what the move means for theatre scheduling. If places where planning a midnight showing, will they still? Or does it mean its starts July 3rd but 10:00pm like Pirates 3 did? Guess have to ask your local theatre for details, but wait a week or two as they probably don't even know yet.

From the site:

Fans will get to see DreamWorks/Paramount's Transformers a day earlier than was originally planned. The studio has moved up director Michael Bay's sci-fi action-adventure a day, from July 4 to July 3.

Just a few days ago, Warner Bros. moved Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix up two days from July 13 to July 11. Now Transformers gets the additional Tuesday to rake in more sales before the popular J.K. Rowling franchise returns to theaters.

On the other hand, the July 3rd release cuts into Fox's Live Free or Die Hard, which is set to open on June 27, just six days before Transformers.

Transformers U.S. Premiere Is June 27th

According to Comming Soon, the U.S. premiere date for Transformers is June 27 in Los Angeles.

From the article:

Director Michael Bay's Transformers will hold its Los Angeles premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 27.

The DreamWorks/Paramount release, set for a July 4 domestic debut, will screen simultaneously at The Landmark Regent, the Mann National, the Mann Bruin and the Mann Village, where the main premiere will take place.

The premiere will be followed by a party on the Festival Promenade on Broxton Avenue.

Paramount Picturers International has also set international premieres for June 20 in Sitges, Spain, and the next day at the Taormina Film Fest in Italy.

Probably be a fun event to attend with lots of red carpet eye candy.

Transformers World Premiere June 21st

In a bit of news haven't found yet on another TF related website, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the world premiere of Transformers will occur June 21st in Taormina, Italy during the 53rd Taorminia Film Fest. Michael Bay and unspecified cast members will fly in by helicopter for a ceremony before the screening.

The article:

'Transformers' to conquer Taormina first
By Eric J. Lyman

ROME -- "Transformers," the big-budget summer action flick from Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, will have its world premiere at the Taormina Film Fest, Deborah Young, the event's artistic director, said Tuesday.

Young said the premiere would represent the first time a major U.S. film of that stature premiered at the 53-year-old Taormina event.

Bay, several cast members and executives from distributor Paramount Pictures will arrive by helicopter in an elaborate ceremony before the June 21 screening.

The science fiction film about an invasion of Earth by transformer robot armies will open elsewhere on the planet July 4.

"We think the decision to premiere 'Transformers' in Taormina shows a renewed interest in the festival, and it illustrates the strong ties between this Mediterranean festival and American cinema," Young, in her first year as artistic director, said in an interview.

Taormina, located on the Italian island of Sicily, will host the festival June 16-22.

A week after that, June 28th, the movie takes its bow in several countries around the world including Korea, Australia, Taiwan, and (just learned) Malaysia. Check the site title at the top for all the premiere dates currently aware of. The picture above is a Malaysian advertisement for the film courtesy of Asri.

Fan Created Transformers Wallpaper

A transfan has put together some sweet looking desktop wallpaper for each of the Transformer character pics that was released on the internets last week. All is pretty good looking and come at various sizes.

If interested, click here to find the one that suits you. I decided to go with Ironhide. Thanks to Kevin for the link.

Transformers 2 Hours In Length

Rotten Tomatoes had a brief interview with TF producer Tom DeSanto who revealed that the final cut of the movie will be about 2 hours long, has 20 set pieces (which Shia previously revealed), and has scored higher with test audiences then any previous Bay movie.

Just to brag, I called that movie length. Shia had said it was going to be 2.5 hours long but that length would have prevented at least one showing of the film per theatre playing in. So lets say a theatre typically plays a 2 hour film about 6 times a day per screen, the extra 30 minutes would reduce that number to 5 per day. With the movie probably going to about 3000 screens in just the US, thats 3000 less plays, which is 3000 x total seats in each screening x $cost per seat, not potentially sold each day. For a $150 million dollar movie with goal to become a franchise and what will probably be an additional $50 million spent on marketing....well that per screen hit is to high a cost.

I just hope they release a "director's cut" of the film on DVD, preferably not a year later as kind of sick of there being multiple editions of the same movie on DVD. Its was nice at first because market was new and the studios where learning. Now they know, now they can plan, so now its just insulting.

From the article:

"[It tested] higher than any other of Michael [Bay]'s movies," said DeSanto. "It's good, everybody's excited. It's a great time right now because in a summer of sequels, we're going to be bringing something new to the table."

Nobody said they had to change the ending, which is good. "It's one ending. It's one story. It's a beginning, middle and end. The ending works. It's great too because yeah, there's going to be giant robots but there's romance in there and Shia has a real emotional storyline that at the end, you're really rooting for him."

DeSanto confirmed star LaBeouf's estimate that the film had 20 set pieces. "I would say he's probably right on target. You know when you go to Six Flags and there's the new roller coaster that outdoes every other roller coaster? That's going to be 'Transformers.' We're doing things, and the fun this is it hasn't been done before. It's all new stuff."

The running time even came in shorter than previous estimates. "The picture was just about two [hours]."

King Kong Sound Effects

According to the Shoot for the Edit blogs, the sound crew of King Kong is doing the work for Transformers. If they did King Kong they must be good.

From "Nelson":

I spoke to Mike about Weaving the other day and he said he's doing an awesome job,plus they have the guys that did th esound for King Kong doing their magic.

Spider-Man 3 Boffo Weekend

The numbers are in and Spider-Man 3 made $135 million US and $375 worldwide in just three days pretty much destroying any previous box office records. Marvel and Sony are probably dancing as we speak as by Wednesday the film and marketing will be paid off and the rest is just profits.

So what does this have to do with Transformers? Just to highlight why studios are looking for franchises and why Transformers was "modified" from their G1 origins. The goal is simply to make a movie that sells so well its like printing money. Bay and co would love for the movie to do this well so can claim king of the Summer '07.

Now that isn't likely to happen because Spider-Man 3 could only be this successful because 1 and 2 had done so well and was well received. Spider-Man is also proof that if you treat the source material with respect, try to weave a good story with good characters consistently, the audience will reward you for it.

However, having seen Spider-Man 3, I am thinking that this boffo weekend is going to take a dramatic nosedive starting next week. At least 65% due to mixed reviews and so-so fan reaction. The reality is 3 is just not as good as 1 and 2 and the audience will react accordingly. The bread and butter of big bank - repeat business and excellent word of mouth, will not have apply here which will damage the over all take but making close to a billion dollars off a movie is a success no matter what.

Transformers is already planned to be at least a trilogy, assuming the audience is there to support it. I personally hope it succeeds. Just remember the lessons of Spider-Man. Consistent quality characters told around a consistent good story from a cast and crew that believes in the universe they are playing in. The early bits of Transformers show that things are off to a get start. The final reviews will come in 2 months.

Spielberg Intervenes on R Rating for Transformers

IESB.net posted an interview with Shia LaBeouf (Spike) where he indicated that the MPAA gave Transformers a R-rating due to intense action and violence. After an intervention from Spielberg it was changed to PG-13. Ironic though if you ever got the chance to watch the documentary "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" (consider it an R so not for children) which showed how the MPAA tends to be more lenient and open for big name directors and the studio films but indifferent or downright belligerent to independent films.

Regardless, it is good news for Transfans and it shows that its always good to have a big name producer helping with a film to provide that extra grease you need at the right time. Since Spielberg related films rarely have a commentary track for DVDs, I hope this one will be exception as I wouldn't mind knowing what scenes where considered enough for an 'R' rating. Sadly the MPAA discourages any transparency so not holding my breath on that happening.

Australia Getting Transformers Early Too

Based on a theatre website, Australia will also be getting Transformers a week before the US on 6/29/06. I am still curious what the business motivations are for releasing the movie elsewhere in the world before the major movie markets of the US and Japan.
(source)