More Images, Videos from Transformers 4 in Chicago (Updated)

Transformers 4 finished its first weekend of filming in Chicago and by all appearances it was an exciting one with most of the core cast showing up, explosives set off, the Autobot vehicles on display, and more. Most of the Saturday and Sunday filming involved filming inside of buildings so not as much for the public to see but there are still some photos. The pics show the first time Kelsey Grammer has been seen on a Transformers 4 set.

They also give us a look at the Autobot vehicles, Stanley Tucci, his character's 3 assistants (Melanie Specht, Abigail Klein, and Victoria Summer), Kelsey Grammar, and Mark Wahlberg. To view the full galleries of images from this weekend, click the links below. Also below is a video found by Feris O. of the Autobot vehicles when they were in Detroit. Its a few weeks old but gives you a nice long look at the cars.

Update: Another gallery link has been added along with videos (via Seibertron) below that include an up close look at "Propaganda Wall" on Columbus Drive.
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More Videos, Propaganda Posters from Transformers 4 In Chicago

Filming continues this weekend in Chicago for Transformers 4. Friday started off with some big bangs with Saturday shifting to coverage of the Autobot vehicles in action. The Chicago Tribune has posted a nice close-up of the same Friday stunts along with a report from the day. The report confirms that current filming is using McCormick Place as a stand-in for Hong Kong. A segment from the video is below but the rest (mostly showing extras running) can be found here (warning it autoplays).

The next three videos are of five Transformers vehicles (Bumblebee, green C7 Corvette Stingray, red Pagani Huayra, blue Bugatti, black Lamborghini Aventador) on the road and on display for the public from Collecticon. Last is the above image of a wall of propaganda posters from TFW2005 that indicates that humanity may be divided on their trust of the Autobots. Some posters show the Chicago skyline with the phrase "Remember Chicago. Report Alien Contact", others are in the 2008 multiple color Obama poster but with the heads of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee with messages of "Hope" or "Hate" and others show robot-like silhouettes with message "It's watching you". Dark of the Moon had something similiar that turned out to play no part in the movie's story so difficult to know if should read to much into it.
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Transformers 4 Call Sheet Reveals Character Names, Story Spoilers

An image of a Transformers 4 call sheet has been posted on Reddit that reveals the first names of most of the key cast, names of several Transformers and story tidbits including confirming a long time rumor. The image is a bit tiny as a screenshot from an iPhone but has enough detail to read the entire call sheet which breaks down which characters, vehicles, and scenes that are being filmed on the day and the days ahead.

Suffice it to say - SPOILER WARNING. Clicking the image or reading summary below are definite spoilers. Thanks to KennyD for the link.

Update: Call sheet image pulled at request of Paramount Pictures publicity and legal departments (which has the unintended side effect of verifying its authenticity).
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New Sports Car and Spaceship Riding from Transformers 4 Sets

A yellow Saleen S7 was spotted on one of the Transformers 4 sets in the Detroit area. So far we just have the one image so hard to tell if its part of the movie, a background prop or maybe could even just be a rental for a higher up attached to the film.

In addition, below is a video of maybe Mark Wahlberg piloting what looks look like a Cybertronian vehicle similar to those in Dark of the Moon and photographed earlier this month. Again, no clue what is being filmed but the green screen indicates it will be composited in later by ILM into a bigger scene. Thanks to Kenny.D for the links.

Update: Video pulled due to takedown notice by Paramount. Considering the video was taken from a public location, Paramount has no legal claim (otherwise the paparazzi and showbiz shows and sites would be out of business). Sadly the Google bots do not know this and I guess the video poster chose to not contest it.

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Transformers 4 Warehouse Explosion Video and Set Pics from Bazaar (Update 2)

Earlier Brian K. reported that Transformers 4 production was filming at Detroit's Russell Bazaar and across the street. He has now provided more info, pictures of the cast and a video of a big pyrotechnic explosion that was set off in front of a warehouse that looks sweet live so will be amazing once Bay and his editors do their magic. My guess is the scenes being filmed are a continuation of the chase sequence shot in Taylor, Texas.

Update: Thanks to Brian we have more pictures and another video. The pictures are from this afternoon from filming with the Rally Fighter (description below). The video shows Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz and TJ Miller running from the smoking Sonic Racer.

Update 2: The warehouse location has been ID'ed as the Fisher Body Plant. To view another video of the explosions set off by "explosives hung on ropes diagonally across the front of the building" then click here.
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Transformers 4 Filming at Russell Bazaar in Detroit

Site reader Brian K. reports, with picture, that Transformers 4 production was filming this afternoon at the Russell Bazaar location in Detroit. He spotted a helicopter mounted with a camera, the Rally Fighter vehicle, Sonic RS Rally Car and two Cadillac Escalades. Later they changed their location across I-75 from the the Bazaar to the intersection of Harper and St. Antoine with the crew and copper. Exactly what is being filming is unknown.

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Sideswipe Vehicle Spotted in Lansing?

It seems Sideswipe returns for Transformers 4. At least judging by these pictures, taken by RenaissanceWade, of a maybe 2014 Chevy Concept Corvette were taken near the GM Delta Township Plant in Lansing, MI where TF4 was filming over the weekend. I assume Corvette and Sideswipe since it looks like an updated version of the 2012 Chevy Corvette Centennial convertible that was his alt mode in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. A sweet ride that goes with the other ultra expensive sports cars that make up most of the Autobot fleet. Thanks to @joshc167 for the link.

Update: From the comments and twitter, readers are saying the car is either a 2002 Cadillac Cien Concept, a car that Michael Bay used in The Island. Others are saying its 2014 Cadillac Cien Concept. Which year could be important as I doubt Sideswipe would be a 2002 but could see him as a 2014. Of course neither always remains a strong option. Its just hard to ignore it being a near identical shape and color as DOTM vehicle. It would fit the character the same way the other vehicle changes still match the overall expected look for the character's vehicle mode.

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More Videos of Transformers 4 Filming Over the Weekend

A few more videos have popped up from Transformers 4 filming in downtown Detroit. The first video goes hand in hand with the pictures from yesterday as the cast discussed the scene with Michael Bay. It also goes with a scene description that was being filmed on Wednesday with Stanley Tucci and Jack Reynor running across the set carrying a large black bag. From there Tucci moves forward to have a conversation with a Transformer (the pole a crewmember is holding). Judging by the pole height and Mark Wahlberg's casual pose, probably an Autobot like Bumblebee.

The second video shows a Subway car (the Chicago one?) being dropped a little bit above the height of the People mover as "panicked" extras run screaming down the street. The last video goes with the image above from Jerry B. as the giant pagoda has some sizable explosions go off inside it and the street outside.
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Sophia Myles on Detroit Set, More Videos Filming TF4

Saturday was another day of filming on the downtown Detroit set for Transformers 4. It seems security was beefed up around the Hong Kong, China set but Jerry B. did manage to snap a few images. I think his pics are the first I have seen of Sophia Myles on a Transformers 4 set since she joined the cast. Whatever was being filmed today seemed to involved the core actors as Michael Bay is seen discussing a scene with Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Myles and Stanley Tucci. Myles outfit matches the outfit the unknown blonde girl from Thursday was wearing so safe to assume the pair that day are the stunt doubles (or stand-ins) for Myles and Tucci. Also below are a few videos. The first is from Friday and the other two are from Wednesday I think.

On a related note, Matt B. reports that Optimus Prime and the other vehicles are due to arrive on the set on Monday and that he was told the 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coup is the alt mode of Sideswipe.

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First Look at Transformers 4 Robot Head

A set of images posted by Andy on the Hot Fudge Detroit forums has revealed the first look at the head of one of the Transformers characters that will appear in Transformers 4. The pictures show a "bearded" pipe smoker that suggests Kup but could also fit for Hound since his vehicle has been on the set. The head on pole trick is used to give actors proper line of sight to the characters for when they are digitally added in post production. The head pics are part of an aerial view set that gives you great look of the action that seems to involve a wedding party. I thought the pics were from Wednesday based on the forum post date but it actually seems to be from today based on a new video from Jerry B. Below are some of the photos, the whole set can be found here. Thanks to Matt B. for the link.

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Another Transformers 4 Prop Image

A few days ago pictures were posted of some large detailed prop as it was driving to an unknown destination in Michigan. Thanks to an image provided by Mark S. here is an image of a new prop that might have something to do with Transformers 4 that was taken at Design Concepts in Plymouth, Michigan.. At least it seems likely part of TF4 filming as not sure of what other movie in the state might use something like that. I can't tell if its the same ship prop from another angle, a completely different one or maybe another piece of the whole. We will likely find out for sure soon as production continues in the state for the next few weeks.

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Huge Gallery and Two Videos From Today's Filming for Transformers 4

Yesterday we got a look at an explosive scene and pictures from the first day of filming at the Transformers 4 set in downtown Detroit. Today was extra's day as more explosions were set off. Only this time it seemed to involved the Asian-American extras panicking and running as explosives were going off. Thanks to Jerry B. and Mike Y., we have more video and a ton of pictures from the day. The images give you an idea of the scope of the production and how fully dressed as a China village the whole area is now. We get another look at the Cybertronian Sword thing, what seems like poles for CGI effects or to provide line of sight for Transformers' heads, camera prep and a bunch more. There are also pics of a bald male (Stanley Tucci, stunt double, not sure) and a young blonde that stand out from all the other extras around them. I am not sure if that means they serve a purpose story wise or what.


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Transformers 4 China Set Prep, Actors Gallery

Once again thanks to Jerry B. and his friend Mike Y. below are a bunch more images from Transformers 4's China set in downtown Detroit. The images show details as the production prepped for the scene Jerry was able to film. The images at the end I think are of some of the explosives put into place for the scene. There are also pics of Michael Bay making the rounds, Bee & Hound, the various extras, set elements, the Cybertronian sword and actors Mark Wahlberg, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, and Jack Reynor.

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Transformers 4 Video of China Set Explosions and Sword (Updated)

Transformers 4 has invaded Detroit as filming has begun at the China set in downtown Detroit. Thanks to Jerry B. we have this interesting image of Mark Wahlberg carrying a Cybertronian sword (or Cybertronian key?). He also filmed the scene below that Jerry noted took about three hours to setup. The brief scene involves Bumblebee, Hound and some Bayhem as Mark runs through the set with sword as explosions go off. This is definitely not a US side scene as the cars are not something you normally see in the States. Michael Bay is the guy in the white shirt.

Jerry also said that the explosions were big enough to send debris to his location requiring him to duck. Also, somewhere in that chaos is Stanley Tucci and Jack Reynor each holding a strap on a large black bag that must be heavy since have to share the load with crew members carrying back for the reset between each practice take. Update: Added another video that shows same thing from a completely different angle.
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More Pictures and Video from Transformers 4 China Set

Thanks to Jerry B. here are video and more pictures of the China set in downtown Detroit. The pictures show Transformers 4 crew adding elements to the set including Chinese vehicles and a Chicago subway car. The 1st video one provides a nice overview of the China village while the other shows how easily the crew can place the heavy subway car onto its side to appear as if knocked off the People Mover (or whatever the Chicago equivalent is). Michael Bay and company are supposed to start filming at the site today.

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Transformers 4 Smoke Stack Explosion Images

Below are a few images take either on Wednesday or Thursday night as Transformers 4 production filmed on the decommissioned ferry ships the S.S. Columbia and S.S. Ste. Clair currently docked in River Rouge, Michigan. Part of that preparing the over 100 year old ships was adding a second smoke stack specifically to be destroyed as part of whatever scene they filmed. Starting Monday production will be hitting downtown Detroit for more Bayhem.

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Transformers 4 Casts Its Boat Set

After passing on the USS Bramble, Transformers 4 production has found and already filmed its boat based scenes for the film. According to CBCNews, the S.S. Columbia and S.S. Ste. Clair have been chosen by the production. The two boats were used to ferry people across the Detroit River to Boblo Island from Amherstburg, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. The amusement park there closed in 1993. The Columbia was in service from 1902 to 1991 while the Ste. Clair ran from 1910 to 1991.

The Columbia's ship keeper, Sam Buchanan, said the St. Clair has "a prominent role" in the movie while the Columbia's appearance is "minor."

"When the movie folks are in town, they’re always looking for unique place to shoot so these boats came into play," Buchanan said. "They’re moving right along. They’ve been shooting primarily at night. I don’t know how much more is going to be going on there but they’re not nearly finished."

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Transformers 4's Detroit China Set Nearly Complete

When we last got a look at the China set being built in Detroit for Transformers 4, a blue circular shape thing was being built. The use of blue suggested it was for CGI elements. As the new images taken today by Jerry B. show (below), it is really a piece of a building that broke off and crash landed on the ground, probably related to the battle-damage the set has built into many of its elements. In addition across the street they have re-dressed with Chinese store fronts and are bringing in a destroyed and damaged cars, some with Chinese writing on them, to help dress the set further once they complete construction. MLive.com has also posted their own gallery of the set that was probably taken last week as the roof thing was still blue. Thanks to Jerry for his great pictures and @mikewayland for the link.
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Transformers 4 China Set Gets Interesting Addition

In a new update from the China set being built in downtown Detroit for Transformers 4, Jerry B. discovered a new addition to the set (his previous pics here and here). A blue styrofoam cylindrical contraction is being constructed on a large wooden base. Usually a blue prop is a signal that visual effects will be used to fill out the rest of the piece but it is needed as the actors will be interacting with it physically in some way. In the past that include a blue portion of Prime's shoulder being built or a blue mock-up of the Decepticon ship that Shia LaBeouf rode on in Dark of the Moon.

So what do you think? A new space ship? Portion of a Transformer and if so what character? Maybe a portion of a building for when TF4 production moves to China? I doubt the film stars will be sent to China so maybe it is a means of filming those scenes without actually setting foot in the country. It will be interesting to find out. Thanks to Jerry below are more pictures of the blue prop along with a good look at some of the built in damage to the set as well as subway car that apparently plays a part in whatever the set is for.
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Transformers 4 Vehicles At Adrian, MI

Yesterday Transformers 4 production returned to M-52 outside of Adrian, MI where most of the vehicle cast was spotted. On Location Vacations has posted pictures of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee (2014 Camaro), Corvette Stingray, Bugatti Vitesse, Lamborghini Aventador, and the Freightliner Argosy in some holding area for the vehicles. Videos filmed along M-52 showed the Argosy either following or chasing Prime but no telling what part the area has for the movie.

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