Transformers 5 Heading To the Czech Republic?

The website expats.cz is reporting that Transformers 5 may film in the Czech Republic. While unnamed, supposedly producers for the film were seen location scouting. The country provides a 20% tax rebate so the idea isn't as absurd as you might think considering London's 25% tax rebate and transferring a Detroit tax rebate is a primary reason those two cities were chosen for film production. This comes with usual grain of salt warning, emphasized by the out of nowhere made up title the site gives for the film as "Transformers 5: Rise of Unicron". Don't get excited. That will never be the title even if Unicron were in the film (he isn't). Using that name in the title is only fan service and does nothing to sell the film for the many movie goers that would simply go "who? what? huh?". (via TFW005)

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Transformers 4 Wulong Karst Lawsuit Moves Forward

It took nearly two years from the initial filing but the Wulong Karst Tourism lawsuit against Paramount Pictures for Transformers: Age of Extinction is finally moving forward to be heard in a Chongqing city court. The Wulong Karst is the cannon and forest area that was used to introduce the Autobots in the film. For a fee of $750,000, the tourism company is saying Paramount agreed to show the logo "China Wulong" in the film for Chinese audiences to see. The logo was missing from the finished film. Paramount admits to the mistake but said they had Michael Bay shoot an advertisement and leave sets and props for the company to use. For failing to add the logo to the film, the tourist company is seeking $27 million. If this was an American court then the fear of an unpredictable jury would lead to both sides wanting to reach a settlement but I don't know how these things are decided in China. It is probably safe to assume that Wulong Karst Tourism has a very strong home field advantage and so little incentive to settle.

Ultimately this strikes me as American companies failing to understand their business partners. Product placement advertisements in most eastern countries are like advertisements use to be done in the 1950s to 1970s in America. Then that meant the show, host, actors, etc. would essentially stop, look to camera and advertise whatever the product was. It was in your face and impossible to miss. That style is alive and well in China and elsewhere and completely counter to how America does it currently (believe it or not). By those standards the logo "China Wulong" might seem subtle and small but what has not been indicated is how big and potentially distracting the logo may or may not have been and the on screen duration that was expected (pop up like a location identifier or stay on screen for entire scenes that were filmed in the Wulong Karst location?) In the end though it sounds like they made an agreement without really understanding what they were agreeing to and now may pay for it.

Michael Bay likes to revisit past locations for Transformers films but this time there has been zero indications of production returning to China. I can't help but wonder if this, an on set extortion attempt and no telling what else that didn't make it to the press might have influenced a decision to avoid filming there for Transformers 5 despite the financial boost Paramount enjoyed the last time.

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Jerrod Carmichael Joining Transformers 5?

A new casting rumor for Transformers 5 which is expected to start principle photography some time in June. The Wrap is reporting that Jerrod Carmichael (Neighbors, The Carmichael Show) may join the cast of the movie. Paramount has not confirmed or denied the rumor. No other information on the role itself or the size of the role. As of right now the only real confirmed casting information we have is that Mark Wahlberg and Peter Cullen are returning.

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Writer's Room Members for Hasbro Cinematic Universe Revealed

Hasbro has announced the members of its Hasbro Cinematic Universe Writer's Room that they hope will kick off a slate of non-Transformers movies based on their properties. The list is impressive with a diverse writing style group with backgrounds in movies, TV, and comic books. The goal is to create story ideas for a unified universe of movies for G.I. Joe, Micronauts, Visionaries, M.A.S.K. and ROM toy lines.

Members:
Akiva Goldsman - oversee the room (A Beautiful Mind)
Brian K. Vaughn (Ex Machina, Y: The Last Man [how is this not a TV series?], Saga, Under the Dome)
Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Spider-Man 2)
Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel)
Lindsey Beer (Kingkiller Chronicle)
Cheo Coker (Luke Cage)
John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
Joe Robert Cole (People vs OJ Simpson, Black Panther)
Jeff Pinkner (Fringe, The Dark Tower)
Nicole Riegel (Dogfight)
Geneva Robertson (Tomb Raider)

You may have noticed that this room has a higher female component then is normal for..well any Hollywood project really. That is because while these properties have traditionally been aimed at boys, Hasbro is hoping to avoid doing that this time around. “Female empowerment is a central theme through a lot of these properties and one of the reasons we wanted diverse voices,” [said Hasbro CCO Stephen Davis].

Clearly Akiva Goldsman took his Transformers experience and learned from it. The dozen writers blow what was assembled for the Transformers Writers Room out of the water. Brian K. Vaughn's writing history alone is responsible for most of the boom but still. This group has a very strong emphasis on imagination with most of the writers previously displaying a strong sense of story structure and character development. By contrast the TF writer's room had a very strong emphasis on spectacle with a dash of story structure and character development skill. Sounds overly critical and unimportant but that reverse and incorrect emphasis is how you get something like Batman v Superman. To put it more bluntly, spectacle is easy. Story and character is hard. This group makes the hard stuff look easy. Considering the properties they are tackling have languished for nearly 30 years (and often for good reason), it is going to be interesting to see what comes from their ideas over the next few years. The first meeting of the group will occur on Monday.

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Screenshots, Story Hint for Machinima's Combiner Wars Web Series

While it is still months out from its July release, Machinima teased a little bit of their upcoming Transformers: Combiner Wars web series along with a screenshot of Cybertron.

Lastly but not leastly is passion platform Transformers, which you undoubtedly recognise if you were ever a child. There’s 10bn views of Transformers content on YouTube, not to mention four theatrical films, which saw $3.7bn in global revenues.

Machinima’s contribution to the canon, Transformers Combiner Wars, is 40 years removed from previous events. It’s a time of peace. Cybertron is ruled by a triumvirate … but an ancient technology has emerged, enabling a new threat to take the stage. As in the case of Robocops, there is no trailer we can share for this, but it was worked on by “some of the world’s leading creative minds”: Eric Calderon, FJ Desanto, and George Krstic. It is directed by Kenji Nakamura. License partners are welcome.

Here is some glorious artwork. This is the planet Cybertron, in which you get a sense of the film-like cinematography (“This is not a children’s cartoon!” exclaimed Gutstein).

No context was provided to determine what "previous events" are being referred to (the movies? comics? one of the cartoon series?) so can't tell if they mean 40 years before or 40 years after said events. Hopefully will get the context as the promotion of the series kicks up probably sometime in June or July.

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IDW July 2016 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for July 2016. Four floppies and two trades are coming that month. This month will conclude the All Hail Optimus and Dying of the Light storylines and the series moves into Titan Returns story arc that will run in advance of the planned fall release of the next wave of Titan Master centric toy line (the catch-all name for weapon masters, power masters, headmaster, etc.). For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.
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Transformers 5 Scouting Begins at Stonehenge

In a new post on his Instragram account, Michael Bay writes "Scouting, it begins" with an image of him in front of Stonehenge. Production will be filming in London, England so few scenes in front of the famous historical artifact wouldn't be much a stretch. Or it could just be Bay taking a tourist moment. As always time will tell. (via TFW2005)

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Frank Welker To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Daytime Emmys

Congratulations to Frank Welker as he is being honored by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his decades long voice work. While Transformers fans consider him the definitive voice of Megatron, he list of work is very long. Below is the press release about the honor.

New York, NY – April 12, 2016 – The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) today announced that Frank Welker, legendary performer of the voices of Scooby-Doo and many others will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Annual Daytime Creative Arts Emmy® Awards on Friday, April 29th, 2016 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites in downtown Los Angeles.

“Every child in America has grown up listening to Frank Welker bring the adventures of Freddy Jones and Scooby-Doo to life,” said Bob Mauro, President, NATAS. “Frank is an audible magician. He has made an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of us all with his ability to bring these and so many other characters into our lives and make them real. It is with great pleasure that the National Academy bestows the prestigious Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement to him for his great body of work.”

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Nickelodeon's Isabela Moner Rumored to Star In Transformers 5

Nickelodeon star Isabela Moner is rumored to be in running as the lead female character in Transformers 5 according to The Wrap. The 14 year old actress had performed on multiple Nick TV programs including "Dora and Friends: Into the City" and "100 Things To Do Before High School". The role is described as "Izabella, a street-smart tomboy who grew up an orphan and was raised in foster care. She counts a small Transformer as her only friend… until she meets Wahlberg’s heroic inventor Cade Yeager." There has been zero talk of Nicola Peltz returning as Cade's daughter. Without her character, it probably seemed pointless to try to add the now very busy Jack Reynor (Shane) into the film.

Considering Bay likes to sex things up with the ladies in his films, the potential underage casting is a bit strange but maybe its a directive from Hasbro whose Transformers toy line does not do well with girls and has been dropping in sales volume for the last few years among teens and pre-teens. As is typical of Hollywood and high level corporate execs, the solution is just throw children into the film of the proper demographic. While it rarely works in reality, on paper its comes across as a good solution. I don't have a problem with the idea of a 14 year old being a major cast member of the film as long as the story treats her as her age. By that I mean doesn't treat her as 18 (yuck) or use youth/inexperience to kick off an overall pointless action beat or move plot to next story point because "kids are stupid" type thinking. Neither does shoehorning an underage character into an otherwise adult character work out well. Also bit surprised this rumor even exists considering child labor laws kick in which would strictly limit how much Bay could film with the actress each day. As always, nothing confirmed officially so usual grain of salt warnings.

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Transformers 5 Production Starts In Mid-June

In a post on Acting Auditions, it has been revealed that Transformers 5 principle photography will begin on June 15, 2016 in Detroit Michigan and continue to October 15th, 2016. Additional filming will also occur in London, England during that time period but no specifics on when. Nor were locations in Detroit revealed. So far the only casting that has been confirmed is Mark Wahlberg returning as Cade Yeager and Peter Cullen as the voice of Optimus Prime. Michael Bay has said this will be his last Transformers film. With TF5 set for release on June 23, 2017 and TF6 penciled in for a June 8, 2018 release, it doesn't seem possible he could direct the 6th film even if he wanted to.

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Botcon 2016

This last weekend the last official Botcon occurred in Louisville, Kentucky. This doesn't necessarily mean it will be the last Botcon. Earlier this year Hasbro made the decision to withdraw its official support from Fun Productions, the owner of Botcon and the Transformers' Collectors Club (which ends it subscription service at the end of the year). No replacement plans have been announced by Hasbro nor has Fun Productions indicated what its future plans are. Considering Botcon, since its founding in 1994, went a decade without Hasbro's official stamp (but also without it siccing their lawyers on it causing it to die an early death), I do not see why losing the "official" status would prevent it from being held next year.

All it means is that Hasbro is unlikely to participate or send representatives but that is normal for most fan conventions, TF focused or otherwise. On the bright side, it means that 3rd party companies can participate once again after Hasbro had them officially banned from the convention a few years ago (and thus why no news or images below). Of course this speculation assumes Botcon is profitable enough with enough convention goers to continue it (I have never been so no clue on actual numbers). So next year's unknowns aside, below is a summation of news and galleries of Titan Wars toys that Hasbro revealed for release sometime last in 2016.
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IDW June 2016 Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for June 2016. Four floppies and two trades are coming that month. This month IDW starts a third Transformers ongoing called "Till All Are One" that focuses on Starscream's government and the Council of Worlds. This essentially will replace Transformers vs GI Joe which ends its run this month. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, and more click here.
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Transformers Nominated for Three Emmy Awards (Updated)

While the "main" Emmy Awards nominations are months out for a ceremony that will not occur until after the summer, the daytime ones follow a different schedule. While the show will no longer be televised (due to cost being too high compared to the low ratings it gets), the nominations were announced this week and Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Transformers: Rescue bots each received nominations in three categories total. The winners will be announced on April 29th. For those not aware, the Emmy's are TV's version of the Oscars in the United States so those in the television business do covet the nominations and hoped for wins. The full list of nominations are here.

Update: The winners were announced on May 1st and Transformers: Rescue Bots Feff Bennett won for best performance in an animated program. Complete list of winners here.

Outstanding Special Class Animated Program
Miles from Tomorrowland
Peter Rabbit
Transformers Robots in Disguise

Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program
Danny Jacobs (King Julien) All Hail King Julien
Carlos Alazraqui (Mr. Crocker) The Fairly OddParents
Eric Bauza (Puss in Boots) The Adventures of Puss in Boots
Jeff Bennett (Mayor Luskey) Transformers Rescue Bots <- winner Reid Scott (Turbo) Turbo FAST Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program
All Hail King Julien - Mitch Watson <- winner
Dragon: Race to the Edge - Art Brown, Douglas Sloan
Nature Cat - Adam Rudman, David Rudman
Transformers: Robots in Disguise - Nicole Dubuc, Brian Hohlfeld, Greg Johnson
Wild Kratts - Chriss Kratt, Martin Kratt

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Kirkman Out of Transformers Writers Room

It turns out the baker's dozen that was the Transformers Writers Room last year was really just an actual dozen. From The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman while at SXSW 2016: “I have to say, I was only in that room for a day before I found out that I was having my throat surgery that kept me out of Comic Con.”

Not really major news since his Walking Dead, Outcast and likely future TV responsibilities would have prevented him from writing a Transformers script anyway. This just puts a nail in that particular hope. About the only negative as I see it is Kirkman was one of the few writers in the room that could consistently keep a focus on characterization and story while incorporating spectacle. Based on current info the 12 writers whose two week cram session will influence the next dozen or so years of the Transformers Cinematic Universe are Art Marcum & Matt Holloway (Iron Man, Transformers 5), Zak Penn (Pacific Rim 2) and Jeff Pinkner (Lost, Amazing Spider-Man 2), Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down, Transformers 5), Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Steven S. DeKnight (Daredevil, Spartacus), Andrew Barrer & Gabriel Ferrari (Ant-Man, next animated Transformers movie), Akiva Goldsman, Christina Hodson (no released movies yet) and Lindsey Beer (no released movies yet).

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Transformers 5 Officially Filming in Detroit

With the assist of $21 million in tax incentives from Michigan, Paramount has agreed to film "major portions" of Transformers 5 in Detroit. It is estimated $80 million will be used to film the movie (so my rough guesstimate means about 70% or so the movie will be filmed there) that will including hiring around 450 Michigan residents (for essentially part time work) and 700 extras.

“Michigan has been so welcoming of Michael Bay and the ‘Transformers’ movies over the years and we are thrilled to be returning for this next incredible installment,” said Lee Rosenthal, president of physical production at Paramount Pictures.

“Having one of the highest-profile film franchises created in Michigan is a major economic boost and a testament to the talent of the state’s production community,” said Jenell Leonard, commissioner of the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. “The production and economic investment is now happening sooner rather than later, and obviously, the project is a certainty rather than merely a possibility.”

According to Deadline, Michigan ended the film incentive program in July 2015 but Paramount was already approved for $42 million tax refunds for "Looking for Alaska" and "Beverly Hills Cop IV" which the studio is no longer planning on making. The remaining $21 million goes back to the state. TF5 is slated for release on June 23, 2017 so I suspect Michael Bay will start filming sometime around May.

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Transformers 5 Casting Call, Filming In Detroit and London

Transformers 5 is starting to rev up its engines to begin principle photography. With it comes news about possible filming locations and that means calls for extras. CBS Detroit (via TFW2005) is reporting that Transformers 5 (using code E75, where TF4 was E74, TF3 was E73, etc) has started its extra search in Detroit. The plan apparently is to start filming in London, England around June 2016 and also in Detroit.

It seems a bit early to start looking for extras and crew if Detroit is after England so suspect the shooting schedule is still being ironed out. Filming in England doesn't come as much of a surprise as the country offers tax breaks for movies (they almost snagged The Hobbit films with those breaks until New Zealand passed a 11th hour sweetheart deal) and is also a reason the Marvel movies (and Walking Dead) have been filming in south Georgia (which actually is a bit of surprise Paramount isn't pushing to film there for additional tax refunds). Any case if in the Detroit area click here to find out about auditioning for the movie and here if want to try to join the movie crew. There is also a rumor TF5 may film some in Iceland but no confirmation.

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Paramount Confirms Cheaper Bumblebee Movie

Paramount pictures has confirmed that they plan to release a Bumblebee spin-off movie on June 8 2018 and they plan to produce it a cheaper cost than the Transformers films. The need to clarify was due to the initial announcement from Paramount that simply said they were releasing three Transformers films in the next three years. Its unclear if they referred to them as Transformers 5, 6, and 7 or if media outlets just assumed it. About half a hour later during their investor conference call Hasbro re-iterated the news only they were more specific saying it would be Transformers 5, a Bumblebee movie, then Transformers 6. It was interesting to read the news that day as could see which outlets re-wrote what Deadline, THR, etc had (incorrectly) reported versus which outlets verified and correctly combined the news reports. Deadline, etc just went the route of doing a separate news story about the 'Bee movie.

"There are characters in the Transformers universe that can be and should be made into their own movies,” Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad Grey told The Hollywood Reporter. “We will make the first movie with Michael and go right into a Bumblebee movie, which will be at a lower cost.”

Which other characters are up for spin-offs was not mentioned nor what "cheaper" means. The Transformers films have been landing in between $150 to $200 million each so my best guess is they are hoping for $100 million or less cost. CGI is expensive so simply having Bumblebee as the only TF in robot mode in the movie would drop the cost significantly as would keeping him in vehicle mode as much as possible. I suspect a road movie mixed with Furious 7 vibe will be the script's goal. If this formula of key movie > spin-off > key movie sounds familiar, it is the same formula that Star Wars has committed to starting with The Force Awakens. Clearly Paramount is hoping to replicate to same box office success.

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2016 New York Toy Fair Transformers Toys

Over this weekend the 2016 New York Toy Fair was held to announce a planned slate of toys for at least some of 2016. Hasbro was on hand to reveal their planned first wave releases of Transformers: Titan Wars and Robots in Disguise season 2 figures. For Titans War, the main gimmick was Titan Masters which is the catch all name for G1s Head Masters, Target Masters, and Power Masters. The signature figure was Fortress Maximus whose retains the G1 gimmick of his head transforming into Deluxe scaled Cerebros and his head in also a Titan Master called Emissary. Below is a link to the official pictures (really computer renders) and show room galleries for these upcoming Transformers. No release dates but presentation suggested Fall 2016 for Titan Wars (which makes me wonder what the next 8 or so months of TF toys will be).

Hasbro Presentation
- Most of presentation was to reveal the toys below but here are a few additional nuggets
- IDW Robots in Disguise comics (the cartoon) will return in the Fall.
- Fan choice Trypticon still in the design phase but little shorter then Metroplex due to hunch
- Transformers: Robots in Disguise season two begins February 20th, season two trailer here.

Titan Wars
Fortress Maximus - Two feet tall with light and sound effects, comes with Cerebros and Emissary.
Platinum Edition - Sweeps Three pack with Cyclonus, Scourge, and Sweep (modified repaints of previous Generation releases)
Deluxe - Blurr (w/ Hyperfire), Scourge (w/ Fracas), Mindwipe (w/ Vorath), and Chromedome (w/ Stylor)
Legends - Laserbeak, Rumble, and Wheelie. Alt modes no longer a cassette but something new but similar.
Leader - Soundwave (w/ Soundblaster)
Showroom Galleries: One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six
Video - A look at the showroom floor via Seibertron.com.


Robots In Disguise
Platinum Edition Two Pack - Contains Warrior class Bumblebee with Vouager class Grimlock where Grimlock is modified from a Japanese mold for Fall of Cybertron Grimlock.
Power Surge Optimus Prime - A pretty slick take on RID Prime with lights and sounds. Comes with mini-con Aerobolt.
Warrior - Look at really deluxe scale of Windblade, Scorponok and smaller version of Power Surge Prime.
Showroom Galleries: One | Two |
Videos - Two videos from the showroom floor RID toys via Seibertron.com

Misc
Kids Logic Devastator - These are mini-figures with gigantic heads. I don't believe these transform or combine but are really 7 extra figures, six for the Combaticons and 1 bigger one for Devastator. Additional Galleries: One | Two
Comicave - A look at 1/22 scale Age of Extinction Prime and Bumblebee poseable, not transformable action figures (think Hot Toys). Additional gallery.

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Paramount: A Transformers Film Per Year Scheduled

Today Paramount announced the planned release dates for the next Transformers films.

Transformers 5 - June 23, 2017
Bumblebee Movie - June 8, 2018
Transformers 6 - June 28, 2019

Michael Bay is set to direct Transformers 5 with Mark Wahlberg as the star. To maintain that ambitious release schedule, where each film needs about 18 to 24 months each to make, Paramount has pretty much guaranteed Bay will not be directing Transformers 6 (but nothing stopping him from doing TF 7) as Bay seems to like a year break from the TF franchise. This may explain why Transformers: Robots in Disguise is ending after only two seasons. At this point the cartoons exists to fill in the gap between movies and there will be no gap for three years (at least).

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Transformers: Earth Wars Mobile Game Announced

Hasbro with Backflip Studios and Space Ape Games have announced a new "free" mobile game that is designed to be a real-time combat strategy game (like Clash of Clans) that is designed to inspire you to made in game purchases to level up. In general you use Autobot and Decepticon "Hero" characters (in the G1/Combiner Wars style) to create and defend bases while trying to take down your enemy. According to USA Today, the story line is from long time Transformers comics writer Simon Furman and its suggested in the press release (below) that this is based on the third "Wars" trilogy that Hasbro had planned following Combiners Wars and Titan Wars. TF cartoon (and now movie) veterans Frank Welker and Peter Cullen will supply voices for Prime and Megatron. It is set for release sometime in the Spring 2016. You can pre-register for the game at Transformers: Earth Wars. An interview with Space Ape executives pitching the game can be found at Games Industry.


Press Release:

Hasbro, Backflip Studios and Space Ape Games Bring The Fight Home with TRANSFORMERS: EARTH WARS; Game Coming To iOS And Android in Select Markets Spring 2016

Battle as AUTOBOTS or DECEPTICONS and Fight Against Live Opponents Around the World
In First TRANSFORMERS Real-Time Combat Strategy Game

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Transformers Inspired Album Announced By Hasbro

In a out of left field moment, Hasbro Studios has announced that a new 10 track collection called "Transformers Roll Out" will be released on April 15 via digital music sellers with a limited edition CD and vinyl release for FYE stores. The music is from 10 rock, alternative and indie acts that were inspired by the Transformers franchise. Below are two tracks from the album, Gigantik and Roll Out which are also available to purchase as singles.

Track List:

• Mount Holly (“Roll Out”)
• Bush (“This House is on Fire”)
• Crash Kings (“Gigantik”)
• MEW (“Count to Ten”)
• Elle Rae (“Into the Fire”)
• SPURS (“Exiled”)
• Jameson Burt (“Just a Spark”)
• Ours (“Stronger”)
• Darby™ (“Modern Man”)
• Born Cages (“Our Revolution”)

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Transformers: Robots In Disguise Season 1 DVD Set Announced

Shout! Factory has announced they are releasing Transformers: Robots in Disguise Season 1 on 4 disc DVD set on May 10th. No word if there will be a Blu-ray release but doubtful as Shout! Factory tends to focus on DVDs for most of their releases including all the previous Transformers cartoons. The retail price is $29.93 with $5 off if pre-ordered from the company directory. Likely it will also be available on Amazon and few other retailers too. As for when Robots in Disguise season 2 will start, still no word on when except sometime in the next few months.

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Transformers 5 Filming to Begin In May

According to My Entertainment World, Transformers 5 will begin principle photography sometime in May. Not sure really sure about the accuracy of the site's info but that date is pretty predictable considering the last three films all started filming in late April or mid May the year before intended release date of the movie and continued filming through the summer at a variety of locations. So in this case the plan is probably start filming from May to August or September and then post production through to May or June 2017.

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Hasbro Signs Deal for Transformers Attraction in China

Deadline is reporting that Hasbro has signed a deal with China's DMG Entertainment for "Transformers Live" attraction in an unspecified city in China by 2017. One of the executives involved said "Transformers Live will be a cross between an action-adventure spectacle, a theme park attraction and a theatrical show. Fans will experience intense action, beautiful visual moments, an emotionally engaging story, lots of humor and rousing music." Disney, Dreamworks Animation and Universal are all planning to open theme parks in China over the next few years so things like this will probably continue with Hasbro and other Hollywood franchises, especially since China is estimated to surpass the United States in box office revenue by 2017.

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Transformers 5 Returning to Chicago

In a radio interview with WGN to promote his latest film 13 Hours, Transformers 5 director Michael Bay indicated that Transformers 5 would film in Chicago once again. He did not indicate the scale of the filming so it could just be a brief week or two shoot (like Age of Extinction) or for a majority of the film (Dark of the Moon). If Bay sticks to his same general schedule as previous films then principle photography will crank up sometime in April or May. (via TFW2005)

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Michael Bay Comments on Transformers Writers Room

In an interview with Collider for 13 Hours, Michael Bay briefly commented on the Transformers Writers Room. As far as giving any info on Transformers 5 he said "I can't tease shit. I am going to be like J.J. Abrams". Important part below, TF stuff starts at the 7:27 point in the video below.

Collider: They are aiming to do a lot more. They had these story groups. Where people came in. What can you tease people about where you want to take your last installment of the franchise and maybe anything you can reveal from those story meetings that really resonated with you.
Bay: They did a really good job of going back in time and connecting things in history and how it relates. Different spin-offs. They are a very talented group of writers. They came up with a lot of clever ideas. Steven [Spielberg] and I are going to break out some smaller ones to do. I guess this will be my last one.

Collider: You have said that before.
Bay: Yeah, I know. That is all they want to do is this franchise. That is all they want to do. I had to beg to get to get to make [13 Hours].

All he really did was confirm what we already knew - that the Writers Room generated multiple story ideas that Hasbro, Paramount, etc are considering. Michael Bay, regardless if Transformers 5 is the last TF film he directs, is likely contractually locked in for Executive Producer credit for all future Transformers films which means he has input on at least some of the decisions for the franchise's future.
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Michael Bay Directing Transformers 5

In a new interview with Rolling Stone to promote his upcoming movie 13 Hours, Michael Bay revealed "I'm doing Transformers ... 5, is it?" Exactly when he signed on wasn't revealed but apparently pre-production is well under way as the interview partly occured during an interview with ILM as they went over effects for 13 Hours, TMNT 2 (a look at Krang and oddly making directing decisions on a film he didn't direct) and Transformers 5 where "They show Bay an underwater rendering of a crash-landed alien spaceship, then a new dump-truck Transformer with a cloak. Neither are up to snuff."

He has directed all five of the films and just like the last two times he also said "But it's time to move on. One more." Chances are Hasbro and Paramount backed up the money truck as he is rumored to have made close to $100 million for each of the last few films so can't really blame him for not wanting to say no to that. I also can't help but wonder if this time the action scenes are being driven by the script developed from the Transformers' Writing Room or if once again he comes up with the action scenes and the script is created to move the story from one action beat to the next as has been the case for the last three films.

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