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The Billion Dollar Club

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-05-09T09:43:03-07:00

There are only 13 directors in film history who's films have grossed more than $1 billion at the box office (domestically). Michael Bay did it in seven. So did James Cameron. The list follows: 1 Steven Spielberg $3,447.9 2 Robert Zemeckis $1,802.9 3 George Lucas $1,700.5 4 Ron Howard $1,606.3 5 Chris Columbus $1,567.9 6 Gore Verbinski $1,308.5 7 Tim Burton $1,289.3 8 Peter Jackson $1,271.7 9 Sam Raimi $1,249.7 10 James Cameron $1,146.9 11 Michael Bay $1,093.7 12 Clint Eastwood $1,002.4 13 Andrew Adamson $1,000.6 Stats courtesy of Boxofficemojo.com.

Indy 4 to really suck? ;)

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-05-08T00:44:45-07:00

SAG negotiations end with no deal

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-05-07T10:14:07-07:00

Nelson here... It appears that the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) negotiations with the AMPTP have resulted in no new contract. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hollywood producers on Tuesday temporarily broke off contract talks with the Screen Actors Guild, calling its demands regarding DVD sales and online content "unreasonable." "With SAG's continued adherence to unreasonable demands in both new and traditional media, continuing negotiations at this time does not make sense," the producers said in a statement. The guild responded in a statement by saying the producers' decision to end talks after 18 days was unfortunate. Both sides have said they sought to avoid a repeat of the 100-day writers strike that ended in February. The union's contract for films and prime-time TV shows expires June 30. Bay weighs in: SAG wants more than Directors and Writers? That's a smart tactic I guess. When are people going to understand, most importantly actors - we are at war - we are facing a major recession - our country is in dire need of being fixed - our country also has no money because we have given trillions to the Iraq war and we have NOT even started to pay for it - it is just paid right now by printing more money on presses - China owns our ass in every way. Why not strike on a business in a down fall. Just like the writer's they made pennies on the four extra months striking - when you do the real math and they are paying the price for it still - so many writer's out of work still!!! I want this business to thrive - I know the studio heads and they will punish those that defy them. Okay, be an idealist - but you will never get a better deal then the writer's or directors - only the same - the studio's will never allow it, don't kid yourself. The working actors don't want a strike - they have said so. Too many non working actors have a say which is crazy - maybe there are just too many actors?? Gosh I'm even a member of SAG, but I don't feel I've earned the right to vote in this guild. One hunch, the leaders of these guilds seem to like the limelight they get in the press, it becomes more about the ego in the room rather than something smart. Striking is not smart. Through the history in America, strikes in businesses have only gained the union worker 6% at the max - so take the emotion out of it and go for the 6%. A path to strike is not smart for the the hundreds of thousands of people in this business. Sanity needs to prevail here - talk real and talk the same talk as your union brothers - not more!

Transformers principal photography set to begin June 2

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-04-25T17:14:47-07:00

Nelson here... Spoke to Michael today and I was informed that Transformers 2 is set to begin shooting principal photography on Wednesday, June 2, 2008. Enjoy the weekend!

Awesome extended

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-03-16T08:33:47-04:00

Happy birthday Michael Bay

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-17T08:06:54-05:00

Click here to wish Michael a happy birthday.

And the fat lady sings!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-16T18:47:51-05:00

From the NYTimes: HD DVD, the beloved format of Toshiba and three Hollywood studios, died Friday after a brief illness. The cause of death was determined to be the decision by Wal-Mart to stock only high-definition DVDs and players using the Blu-ray format. The announcement by Wal-Mart Stores, the nation’s largest retailer of DVDs, that it would stop selling the discs and machines in June when supplies are depleted comes after decisions this week by Best Buy, the largest electronics retailer, to promote Blu-ray as its preferred format and Netflix, the DVD-rental service, to stock only Blu-ray movies, phasing out HD DVD by the end of this year. Last year, Target, one of the top sellers of electronics, discontinued selling HD DVD players in its stores, but continued to sell them online. “The fat lady has sung,” said Rob Enderle, a technology industry analyst in Silicon Valley. “Wal-Mart is the biggest player in the DVD market. If it says HD DVD is done, you can take that as a fact.” Michael at the beginning of this year: Blu ray is just better. HD will die a slow death. It's what I predicted a year ago. Now with Warner's down for the count with Blu Ray. That makes it easier for Wal-Mart to push Blu Ray. And whatever Wal-Mart pushes - wins.

Verizon FIOS: Awesome!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-14T20:49:45-05:00

Check here to see if Verizon Fios is available in your area. View FIOS pricing here.

Verizon Taps High-Octane Filmmaker Michael Bay for New FiOS Advertising Campaign

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-14T17:00:42-05:00

NEW YORK, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrated filmmaker Michael Bay will be the first celebrity featured in a new advertising campaign for Verizon FiOS TV and FiOS Internet services. Themed "This is FiOS; This is Big," the new campaign -- created for Verizon by McCann Erickson, New York -- showcases the groundbreaking services delivered over Verizon's advanced fiber-optic network straight to customers' homes. "Michael Bay is a larger-than-life figure because he's a powerful game-changer," said John Wimsatt, senior vice president of marketing for Verizon Telecom. "Verizon FiOS is the best and first choice for home entertainment because the power of our fiber-optic network delivers the best picture quality, fastest Internet and most-innovative interactive services. Michael Bay is the perfect choice to help portray the big, powerful experiences that FiOS creates in home entertainment and broadband." Bay -- who is famous for directing cutting-edge, high-octane blockbusters like "Transformers," "Pearl Harbor," "Bad Boys" and "Armageddon" -- stars in an action-packed, 30-second TV spot for Verizon FiOS Internet service that begins airing Sunday (Feb. 17). In the ad, Bay deftly spoofs his own super-charged Hollywood persona as he blows up things throughout a super-contemporary home to show how Verizon "blows away" cable Internet service with upload and download speeds that are up to 25 times faster. While a Verizon technician installs FiOS Internet service in the home, Bay uses a remote detonator to blow up a barbecue grill and swimming pool. He also shows off his pet cat -- a Bengal tiger -- and a 20-foot-tall Transformer to underscore how "awesome" -- a word he continuously repeats -- he finds the Verizon fiber-optic technology. Source: PRNewswire. View the ad here.

Mike speaks on Blu-ray

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-14T16:59:29-05:00

Michael Bay Relishes Blu-ray's Victories Author: FRED TOPEL TransformersWhen Paramount Home Entertainment decided to support HD DVD exclusively, Michael Bay was vocally opposed. Since the decision came just as his Transformers would debut on high-definition home video, Bay threatened to back out of the sequel. He took back his drastic comments and is hard at work developing Transformers 2, but now that Blu-ray is the format that is gaining momentum, Bay cannot help but remind us he told us so. “Blu-ray’s better, and I told everyone,” Bay said at the Visual Effects Society’s sixth annual award show, where he presented the award for animated character in a motion picture. “I was very vocal about it. I knew HD [DVD] was not going to make it.” With HD DVD being edged out of competition by sheer volume of product moving to Blu-ray, Bay is all but gloating. “Am I thrilled? It really wasn’t my fight, but remember what I said in the press? I was kind of saying HD [DVD]’s going to lose,” he said. “No one believed me.” Many of Bay’s films were produced by studios that have supported Blu-ray from the beginning. The Rock is already available on Blu-ray from Buena Vista Home Entertainment (now Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment), with Pearl Harbor and Armageddon possibly on the way. Sony’s Columbia owns the “Bad Boys” films. Bay personally supervises his Blu-ray transfers and says he loves his preferred format. “It’s just sharper,” he said. “It’s just [that] the tools are better. I just think it’s closer to what it should look like.” Should Armageddon make it to Blu-ray, there may be even more work in store. Original materials were destroyed. "Believe it or not, we have to remaster Armageddon,” he said. “The Armageddon [master] was burned in a fire apparently, so we’ve got to re-master the whole movie.” With many of Bay’s films 10 years old or more, it is possible that Blu-ray editions will reveal flaws just by bringing them into sharper focus. “I’m sure that’s going to be apparent, probably in Armageddon,” he said. The Rock, Bay’s second film after Bad Boys, was released in 1996. The Blu-ray edition appears grainy in certain shots, but Bay likes it that way. He uses it as an artistic choice, even in his more recent film. “Yeah, there’s some grain, pushing film, shooting at night,” he said. “There’s actually some grain in Transformers. We pushed it just a little too much. I don’t mind grain. Grain has a vibe.” Source: homemediamagazine.com

Bay Hosts Transformers Tech Show

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-14T07:20:33-05:00

Transformers director Michael Bay returned to the scene of the crime Thursday night at the Cary Grant mixing stage at the Sony lot to revisit the Oscar-nominated achievements in VFX and sound. The place was packed with filmmaking geeks eager to hear and see the behind-the-scenes machinations that go into a formidable FX epic like Transformers. It was tough for Bay to go back, he admitted after the show, as he's already deep into pre-production on Transformers 2, which is set to start filming on June 2. ... Transformers 2 will deepen the different robot characters as well as the humor, he said. ... If there's an actors strike we'll just stop and start again. ...After The Rock, Armageddon, and Pearl Harbor, Bay is tight with the Pentagon and thinks nothing of picking up the phone to get them to reroute a C130 gunship with Seals in it for a few hours. ... I told them what was happening, and that's what they said. ...Bay, who has a reputation for being tough on crews, endured some good-humored riffing during the show-and-tell, from star Shia LaBeouf as well as his sound designers, editors, and mixers and special FX and ILM VFX artists. Bay was proud that he made Transformers "for a price" he said, in California and New Mexico. ...For Bay, sound is "50 % of the movie, while the visual effects are a whole other movie unto itself." He shot as much of the film as possible in real locations with live (often dangerous) on-camera stunts and real FX supervised by the legendary John Frazier. In stark contrast to a Star Wars episode which boasts mostly blue screen shots, Transformers had only two days of blue-screen shooting (when the young leads climbed on the shoulders of the robots). Even the famous shot of the bus that is split apart by a giant robot was a live-action bus blown in two going 60 mph on the freeway with a 30-foot CG robot added six months later. "There's one million details these guys put in the movie," said Frazier, who tried to keep enormous spaces open in the shots for the CG animators to work in. For LaBeouf and the other actors, "acting without anything there is hard," said Bay. "It's so different when you don't have any environment to react to." LaBeouf described a P.A. holding a long big stick with a green ball on top and shaking it. ... ILM VFX supervisor Scott Farrar showed the actors a pre-vis--"a cartoon of what's going on in the scene," said Bay, adding, "I always like to put my actors under duress." According to LaBeouf, hanging from a building 20 feet in the air to talk to Megatron or being surrounded by explosions while the cameras wore protective gear was the norm. On the VFX side, "it's lighting," said Bay. "Everyone looks at light every day and when something looks fake it's not lit well to your brain. We worked on the light, that's why the robots look so real, these things sit next to humans." Bay flew up to ILM in San Francisco frequently, and communicated via satellite link with a pen pointer. ... "It was painstaking, like Pixar cartoons," he said, "a pain in the ass." Scott Benza, the animation supervisor, was there to "bring life to the robots," he said. He worked with 30 animators on 16 characters and 47 transformations--each one unique. "It encompasses everything from subtle acting to a full on action scene with brutal robots fighting each other. ... All the pieces had 4 to 16 layers of information: details, scratches, and metal flake paint with a clear coat finish. The robots were heavy and massive and athletic and nimble, all at the same time, like Ninja fighters. "They had to have weight and mass and be very cool," said Farrar. ... It would take brute force on each shot until it worked." The robots also had to act--with complicated facial rigs for the eyes, nose, and mouth-- and each one was different. They rebuilt Bumblebee's eyes three times, making the iris go up and down, until one day in dailies "we saw his soul," said Farrar. The VFX team took the live-action shots and created CG environments to match them. Said Farrar, "it's about how to make the big guys who are not there look real. You have to go way beyond--the metals look metallic, they look like part of a scene, they fit in with buildings. We are there to put things in the movie that can't be photographed or are difficult or too dangerous to shoot." ..."We'd go back and recreate in the computer Scorpinox jumping out of the sand," he said. "We'd copy the scene and use a CG version to match." Adding reflections and highlights and shadow are a big part of making the robots' 20-foot height look real. ...Bay has worked with the same sound crew for 12 years. He affectionately razzed sound mixer Kevin O'Connell as "the biggest loser in Academy history." ...O'Connell, supervising sound editors Ethan Van Der Ryn and Mike Hopkins, sound rerecording mixer Greg P. Russell and sound mixer Peter Devlin explained how they capture all the distinct sounds on set (dialogue, planes, guns, ricochets, explosions, 9 sets of sounds specific to the robots) and collect it all for the sound mixers to file and manipulate, along with the music. "We take hundreds of sounds," said O'Connell, and try to focus the energy." The goal is to key the audience into what's important in a given scene, and not wind up with "a train wreck of sound." The sound designers had to come up with characteristic personalities for the different robots, and make the large robot sounds work--partly by throwing the sound to all the speakers in a theater, not just the "dialogue" speaker in the center of the screen. The sound of Optimus Prime, voiced by Peter Cullen, is about air. ... The sound crew brought a volunteer up to a mike to record sound for Bumble Bee as he groans on the battlefield. The audience listened to the actor live, then heard the sound integrated through the Bumble Bee sound matrix on screen.

Michael Bay speaks about Transformers 2

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-11T19:55:42-05:00

Video courtesy of ISB.net.

Transformers wins 4 awards at the VES

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-02-11T19:54:07-05:00

Click here to view the complete list of winners at the Visual Effects Society awards. From the Hollywood Reporter: "Transformers" on Sunday won four Visual Effects Society Awards, including the top prize for outstanding visual effects in a visual effects-driven film. In addition to the top award, "Transformers" won trophies for single visual effect of the year, for its desert highway sequence; models and miniatures; and compositing. Collecting the top prize were Scott Farrar, Shari Hanson, Russell Earl and Scott Benza. Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Motion Picture "Transformers" Scott Farrar Shari Hanson Russell Earl Scott Benza Best Single Visual Effect of the Year "Transformers" (Desert highway sequence) Scott Farrar Shari Hanson Shawn Kelly Michael Jamieson Models or Miniatures in a Motion Picture "Transformers" Dave Fogler Ron Woodall Alex Jaeger Brian Gernand Compositing in a Motion Picture "Transformers" Pat Tubach Beth D'Amato Todd Vaziri Mike Conte

Michael Bay ad cameo

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-25T19:47:37-05:00

Transformers nominated for 3 Oscars

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-22T20:01:16-05:00

VISUAL EFFECTS "The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners) Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End" (Walt Disney) John Knoll, Hal Hickel, Charles Gibson and John Frazier "Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro) Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Russell Earl and John Frazier SOUND MIXING "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter Kurland "Ratatouille" (Walt Disney) Randy Thom, Michael Semanick and Doc Kane "3:10 to Yuma" (Lionsgate) Paul Massey, David Giammarco and Jim Stuebe "Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro) Kevin O’Connell, Greg P. Russell and Peter J. Devlin SOUND EDITING "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) Skip Lievsay "Ratatouille" (Walt Disney) Randy Thom and Michael Silvers "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax) Matthew Wood "Transformers" (DreamWorks and Paramount in association with Hasbro) Ethan Van der Ryn and Mike Hopkins

Michael Bay talks about the the DGA, the WGA strike, and the future of Transformers

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-18T07:26:10-05:00

From Variety: Director Michael Bay said he was cautiously optimistic, but that he has been preparing to get a "Transformers" sequel into production, strike or no strike. "We knew from early on that the writers strike could get ugly, and this has got to bring a little sanity to the situation," Bay said. "I can't do the movie without my writers, but I have been prepping. I'm not in the guild, but I've been writing every day. This strike (is) insane, and a director's responsibility is to the 50 crew members who depend on you for their livelihoods. We've got battle plans ready for the possibility of an actors strike. Somehow, you've got to keep the ball rolling."

Official Directors Have A New Deal!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-17T20:08:47-05:00

Great News!!! Michael ****** From Variety: The DGA’s reached a tentative three-year deal with the AMPTP with key advances in jurisdiction and payment for programming on the Internet. “Two words describe this agreement -- groundbreaking and substantial,” said Gil Cates, chair of the DGA’s Negotiations Committee. “The gains in this contract for directors and their teams are extraordinary -- and there are no rollbacks of any kind.” The was announced Thursday afternoon following six days of negotiations at AMPTP amid widespread expectations that the helmers would quickly reach an agreement with the majors. Deal, if ratified by the 13,500 DGA members, will take effect on July 1. DGA touted a trio of new-media gains: ▪ Establishing DGA jurisdiction over programs produced for distribution on the Internet; ▪ Boosting the residuals formula for paid Internet downloads (electronic sell-through) by double the current rate; ▪ And establishing residual rates for ad-supported streaming and use of clips on the Internet. Source: Variety

Transformers: The Top-Selling DVD of 2007

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-08T21:35:21-05:00

Top-selling DVDs of 2007 1. Transformers (Paramount/DreamWorks): 13.74 million units 2. Happy Feet (Warner): 13.48 3. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Disney): 13.20 4. 300 (Warner): 12.91 5. Ratatouille (Disney): 12.06 6. Shrek the Third (Paramount/DreamWorks): 11.84 7. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Warner): 10.14 8. The Departed (Warner): 8.94 9. Night at the Museum (Fox): 8.66 10. The Bourne Ultimatum (Universal): 7.36 Source: Redhill group via USA Today

Blu-ray Bay

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2008-01-05T10:35:26-05:00

Nelson here...happy new year! And what a way to start the new year. It appears that Michael Bay was right. Variety reports the details on Warner Bros. decision to got Blu-ray exclusively. Warner Bros. will throw all its weight behind Blu-ray later this year, a decision that could serve as a death blow to the rival HD DVD format. Studio, which had hinted it might drop one format after the holidays, said it decided to back Blu-ray to try and reduce confusion brought on by the high-def format war and better drive mainstream adoption. Warner made the decision heading into the annual Consumer Electronics Show confab in Las Vegas, where it had been skedded to participate in activities promoting the rival HD DVD format on Sunday evening. Warner execs cited Blu-ray's domestic and international sales as the tipping point in its favor. From the start, the Sony developed format enjoys has had an advantage in greater studio support and the PlayStation 3 console, which plays high-def movies and, at least in the early going, was much more affordable than Blu-ray decks, which have tended to carry a higher price tag than HD DVD counterparts.

Happy New Year

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-31T18:38:37-05:00

I want to thank Nelson for running such a good site! For the millions of viewers that logged on this year I want to thank you for the support. Transformers 2 will be coming soon. The new robots are really really unique and there are a lot of them this time. I WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A GREAT HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR. Your friend, Michael

Transformers most popular trailer on Yahoo.com for 2007

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-29T10:53:58-05:00

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/top10trailersof2007.html

Academy considers Transformers for Best VFX

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-17T19:19:23-05:00

From Variety: The Motion Picture Academy’s visual effects branch made an unprecedented statement in support of visual effects in animated films as it narrowed the contenders for the vfx Oscar to 15 films that will be considered for the January “bake-off.”

Michael Bay on AMC's Shootout (Part 1)

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-16T19:15:34-05:00

Nelson herre... Bay appeared today on AMC's Shootout with Peter Guber and Peter Bart. This clip, "Michael Bay on mentoring" refers to Mark Palansky, who use to work for Bay. IIRC, Palansky shot the Super 8 footage in Pearl Harbor. His first feature film is set to release on February 29th, 2008. It's called "Penelope" starring Christina Ricci. You can view the trailer in HD.

Transformers: Behind the scenes

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-15T08:53:32-05:00

Digital Domain Plans to Go Public

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-11T21:35:30-05:00

From the AP: Digital Domain, a visual effects and animation company affiliated with Hollywood film producer Michael Bay, said Tuesday it plans an initial public offering of its common stock, but did not disclose any terms.

Bay to receive award from the MPSE

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-12-01T09:10:28-05:00

From Variety: The Motion Picture Sound Editors will present Michael Bay with the Golden Reel Filmmaker Award at the 55th Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards to be held in February.

Transformers DVD and HD-DVD sales are top sellers this year

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-22T21:43:52-04:00

HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The blockbuster hit from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, TRANSFORMERS, is the year’s top-selling week one DVD with North American sales reaching 8.3 million units since the title’s debut on October 16, it was announced today by Paramount Home Entertainment. The biggest original film of the year from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, Inc., is also the best-selling DVD day one for the year with over 4.5 million units sold on Tuesday. Additionally, the smash hit has exploded into the high definition market, selling over 100,000 HD DVDs its first day of release, rocketing past previous releases to become the best-selling day one high definition title on either format since their inceptions. TRANSFORMERS has sold over 190,000 HD DVDs in its first week making it the fastest and best-selling week one release on either high definition format as well as the best selling HD DVD ever. The TRANSFORMERS DVD is also the top-selling October DVD release in the history of the home entertainment industry. “The performance of the TRANSFORMERS DVD and HD DVD has demonstrated the phenomenal success of this global franchise,” said Kelley Avery, president, Worldwide Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures. “We’re happy to be kicking off the fourth quarter with a title that clearly shows home entertainment releases are still an event that drives consumers into stores—which is a win for both content providers and retailers.” Earning over $700 million at the global box office, the live-action feature film TRANSFORMERS is the latest success in a worldwide franchise that has emerged as one of the most successful properties in action figure history, spawning numerous television series and comic books and a wealth of toys, games and other licensed merchandise. In 2007, TRANSFORMERS has become one of the hottest properties for boys in a variety of categories, including toys, publishing, video games, apparel and back-to-school. Hasbro’s licensing arm, HPG, has signed more than 250 licensees in 70 countries around the world. The first live-action film based on the enduringly popular “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE”, TRANSFORMERS features the ultimate battle between good and evil, as the peace-loving AUTOBOTS seek to protect humanity from the evil forces of the DECEPTICONS. The TRANSFORMERS Special Edition two-disc DVD and HD DVD sets provide an incredible experience with an arsenal of bonus material that delivers excitement and fun for long-time fans, as well as for viewers who are new to the TRANSFORMERS universe. Further, the HD DVD includes a host of highly advanced web-enabled features that will continue to roll-out through the rest of the year. Source: Businesswire

Bay: Transformers DVD could have been better...

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-22T21:41:55-04:00

By Mike Snider, USA TODAY Most directors diplomatically go to bat for DVDs of their films. Filmmaker Michael Bay (Armageddon, Bad Boys, The Rock) is just as likely to drop verbal bombs while talking about his DVDs as when he is directing. Bay's take on the new Transformers DVD, which has sold 8.3 million copies since its release last week: "It's a good DVD. But not as good as it could have been," he says. That sales total made Transformers the year's fastest-selling DVD in North America, according to Paramount Home Entertainment. Despite setting a record, Bay, 42, says a hectic studio schedule prevented him from being as personally involved in the DVD as he was back in the days of Pearl Harbor. His 2002 four-disc director's cut of that film set the standard for buffed-up special editions. "I was traveling promoting (Transformers) while they were doing the DVD," he says. "You try to guide people as to what to do (in making it), but ultimately if you rush your date, you are not going to get the DVD as good as it could be. … Studios want to pump this stuff out, and my job is to care about it and try to put the right people on it. They just see it as a show they are selling, and I see it as a movie. That's how your movie lives on, in the DVD format." An aspect of the DVD that Bay says he personally fought for was having the film be on a disc by itself, with just a commentary. He won that battle in the $20 single-disc version that hit shelves last week along with a deluxe, two-disc $40 version. Source: USA TODAY

Michael Bay Planet LA interview

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-16T06:29:51-04:00

This is one great interview in which Michael talks about the entertainmnet industry and the LA of yesterday.

'Transformers II' update

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-10T20:25:06-04:00

By Jay A. Fernandez, Special to The Times October 10, 2007 Well, DreamWorks and Paramount are finally moving forward with their inevitable "Transformers" sequel, and they've done it by putting an enormous down payment on a unique, blockbuster screenwriting crew. In a deal that could ultimately pay out more than $8 million, the studios have hired Ehren Kruger ("The Ring," "Scream 3") to write the film's screenplay with original "Transformers" scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, whose four credited films have produced $1.4 billion in worldwide box office. DreamWorks' willingness to agree to a combined team of A-listers, especially at such lofty rates, speaks to the studio's faith in the writers' ability to deliver (it also, one insider notes, effectively discourages the studio from spending more money to hire someone to rewrite their work). Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura and DreamWorks executives had been inviting writers to propose takes on the sequel as early as May, two months before the first film's Independence Day opening. The studio has been looking at the "Transformers" property as an extended saga, with an expansive mythology built into at least two more films. But Kurtzman and Orci have been jammed with high-profile writing and producing assignments ("Star Trek," "Eagle Eye") and originally passed on writing the sequel to avoid overextending themselves. With returning director Michael Bay looking to keep them involved and no killer pitches forthcoming, last month the studio finally persuaded them by suggesting they team with another writer (for the second film only; Bay has not committed to a third either.) As producers, Kurtzman and Orci had hired Kruger to pen another DreamWorks project, "Nightlife," and apparently enjoyed the relationship enough to collaborate with him as writers. (Kruger had recently adapted Stephen King's "The Talisman" for Steven Spielberg, a "Transformers" executive producer.) Even with the added partner, the logistics should prove complicated. The new "Star Trek," which Kurtzman and Orci are producing and writing for Paramount, and "Eagle Eye," which they're producing for DreamWorks, start shooting on the same day next month. And "Fringe," the sci-fi series Kurtzman and Orci sold to Fox TV last week, starts shooting by year's end. So Kurtzman and Orci will somehow be writing their part of the "Transformers" script while bouncing around three sets. (At least "Fringe" is co-written and co-executive-produced by "Trek" director J.J. Abrams, so lunch breaks on the "Trek" set should prove productive.) No deadline has been set for the screenplay, though the film does have a release date: June 26, 2009. So the hiring of several writers was less about trying to complete a script before the potential Writers Guild walkout on Nov. 1 than about having access to numerous voices to address the inevitable changes as this behemoth progresses through its years-long development and production process. Just the same, the three writers are already pooling their ideas to nail down the detailed story line while Bay has begun pulling together some digital pre-visualization robot designs that didn't make it into the first film. An added benefit lost on no one is that with a CGI-heavy film like this, the preliminary work provides an effective cushion if the writers (or directors and actors next summer) do strike -- effects crews can work ahead and compile action sequences during any stoppage. Source: LATimes

"Transformers 2" writers

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-04T06:58:01-04:00

By Borys Kit Scribe Ehren Kruger and the writing team of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are in negotiations to team to write the screenplay for DreamWorks/Paramount's "Transformers 2." Director Michael Bay, star Shia LaBeouf and producers Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Don Murphy are back in their respective chairs, as is exec producer Steven Spielberg. The teaming of A-listers to write such a huge project might be an industry first and could have been necessary because Kurtzman and Orci -- who wrote the $315 million-grossing first "Transformers" movie -- also are busy writing J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" movie for Paramount and producing "Eagle Eye" for DreamWorks. But the teaming will not be a case of complete strangers being thrust together, as the three writers are working together on "Nightlife," a DreamWorks serial-killer project that sees Kruger adapting a Thomas Perry novel, with Kurtzman and Orci producing along with Neal Moritz. Kruger also adapted the Stephen King tome "The Talisman," which Spielberg is exec producing for TNT. Sources are pegging the writing deal, which is not yet closed, in the $5 million-$7 million range, which also might be an industry high for a nonoriginal screenplay. Reflected in the price is the pressure to perform: With the studio hoping to make the movie before a potential talent strike, the writers are going to have to type fast. Kruger met with Bay and Hasbro president Brian Goldner and impressed the duo with his knowledge of the "Transformers" mythology. Kruger also has "Torso," a graphic novel adaptation that has David Fincher directing, set up at Paramount. He is repped by Paradigm and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern. Orci and Kurtzman are repped at CAA. Source: THR

Bay pumps news blood into "Friday the 13th"

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-10-02T05:28:52-04:00

By Borys Kit LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Transformers" director Michael Bay is reviving the "Friday the 13th" franchise through his low-budget production company. The remake of the original 1980 horror classic, which turned the villainous Jason into a cultural icon, is being produced for New Line Cinema by Bay's Platinum Dunes banner. Platinum Dunes was also behind the revival of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "The Hitcher." In the original "Friday the 13th," the serial killer made only a brief appearance in the final frames and never killed anyone. Jason didn't even don the famous mask until the third movie. The remake, however, will focus on Jason -- who will wear the mask and kill -- and keep the famous setting of Crystal Lake. Damian Shannon and Mark Swift will write the script. They wrote 2003's "Freddy vs. Jason," the killer's last big-screen appearance. That film grossed more than $82 million domestically. Source: Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Transformers behind the scenes DVD clip: Inside the Allspark

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-28T19:25:42-04:00

Check out the video clip.

Transformers 2 scheduled for summer 2009

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-21T22:09:24-04:00

Nelson here.... According to the LATimes, Transformers 2 is scheduled for the summer of 2009. ... He and director Michael Bay have signed on to make "Transformers 2," scheduled to hit theaters in the summer of 2009. Stay tuned for more details.

Transformers in IMAX!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-21T07:18:58-04:00

Click here to purchase your Transformers IMAX tickets for this limited time engagement.

The NYTimes interviews Bay in 1996

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-20T07:39:19-04:00

Nelson here.... Now that the New York Times has opened their vault without charging, I found this little gem of an interview of Michael around the premeire of The Rock. It's an interesting piece. One of the quotes: "Optimism is what being a photographer is about," he said. "You look through the lens at the ugliness in this world, and there's always some beauty to find." Read the entire article here.

IMAX and the DVD

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-18T07:39:25-04:00

I saw the IMAX print and it is awesome! It is the future of cinema to see movies in this format. I'm going to see Tranformers one last time and get ready to gear up for Transformers 2. I added two minutes of stuff for IMAX that will never make into any DVD's. There will never be an extended edition. About the DVD. I like the two disc set. I has all the extras that the others don't have. It is the definitive edition of Transformers. It really breaks down how we made the movie. Anyway hope you like the IMAX print! Bay

Michael Bay on Japanese TV

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-10T20:20:23-04:00

Pre-order Transformers on HD-DVD

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-10T19:59:18-04:00

Pre-order the Transformers (Two-Disc Special Edition) [HD DVD]

Transformers IMAX release to include additional footage

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-05T15:10:55-04:00

Nelson here... I contacted Michael to verify if the IMAX release of Transformers will include additional footage not seen in the first theatrical release, and he has confirmed that there will be about 2 extra minutes.

Transformers DVD goes on sale October 16

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-05T13:29:37-04:00

From Director Michael Bay and Executive Producer Steven Spielberg Comes the BIGGEST Original Blockbuster of the Year, TRANSFORMERS $650+ Million Smash Hit from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Rolls out on DVD and HD DVD October 16 in Two-Disc Sets Bursting with a Universe of Bonus Features to Immerse Fans of All Ages in the World of the Legendary ROBOTS IN DISGUISE ...--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The armies of CYBERTRON invaded theaters with a juggernaut fury that shook the summer of 2007, but on October 16, 2007 fans of all ages will discover that there is far “More Than Meets The Eye” to the massive mechanical behemoths when TRANSFORMERS arrives on Earth in spectacular DVD and HD DVD two-disc Special Edition sets as well as on a single disc from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures; distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment. Earning over $650 million at the global box office to date, the massive production exploded onto screens from the creative minds of director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg, in association with Hasbro, taking audiences by storm and becoming the biggest original film of the year. The first live-action film based on the enduringly popular “robots in disguise”, TRANSFORMERS features the ultimate battle between good and evil, as the peace-loving AUTOBOTS seek to protect humanity from the evil forces of the DECEPTICONS. The action-packed film stars a hot young cast of up-and-coming actors including Shia LaBeouf (Disturbia), Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), Tyrese Gibson (Four Brothers) and Megan Fox (Hope & Faith), as well as seasoned performers such as Jon Voight (National Treasure) and John Turturro (The Good Shepherd). But the biggest stars are the TRANSFORMERS robots themselves – including fan favorites OPTIMUS PRIME, MEGATRON, BUMBLEBEE, RATCHET, JAZZ and more – brought to life by revolutionary new VFX techniques developed by the innovative digital wizards at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The TRANSFORMERS Special Edition two-disc sets provide an incredible experience with an arsenal of bonus material that delivers excitement and fun for long-time fans, as well as for viewers who are new to the TRANSFORMERS universe. The extensive special features include commentary by Michael Bay and two multi-part in-depth documentaries exploring the human elements of the film as well as the phenomenal robot stars. Presented in multiple parts, “Our World” and “Their War” include segments with Steven Spielberg discussing his love for the franchise and the early concept for the movie, the extensive casting process, the training, consultants and real-world weapons provided by the military to lend authenticity to the film, the evolution of the robots from Hasbro’s iconic toy line to big-screen stars, the unique vehicles created for the movie, a discussion with ILM’s legendary digital artists and much more. The discs go even further behind-the-scenes with early sketch concepts of the robots and an in-depth look at the making of the SKORPONOK attack from writing and conceptualization through the creation of the stunning visual effects. Out-Of-This World High-Def Content: In addition to superior picture and sound and all of the above bonus material presented in high definition, the HD DVD presentation provides consumers with a host of web-enabled features, which are accessible through all connected HD DVD players. The web-enabled features take advantage of technology that allows the studio to present the content in a new way. These cutting-edge, online features can be updated, providing consumers with an evolving entertainment experience months, or even years, after the disc is physically produced. Initial features include a TRANSFORMERS Intelligence Mode in which an on-screen dashboard over the film provides information about the robots and weapons, their strength levels, character updates and more. Plus, a GPS Locator that can access a map and GPS coordinates. Paramount’s TRANSFORMERS HD DVD connectivity capabilities will reveal additional HD DVD exclusive features at street date and at various time periods in the future. The HD DVD also includes a TRANSFORMERS H.U.D. (Heads Up Display) that lets viewers access running text commentary while watching the film and even view relevant behind-the-scenes footage in a picture-in-picture window. Additionally, viewers can explore the main robots’ individual details in high definition with the TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector. ...The TRANSFORMERS DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround, French 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround with English, French and Spanish subtitles. ...TRANSFORMERS Special Edition DVD bonus features include: ... ▪ The Story Sparks - Steven Spielberg discusses his love for the franchise and early concept art for the film. Explores how the writers adapted the cartoon into a live action movie and why Michael Bay is the perfect director for the film. ▪ Human Allies - A look at how the actors were selected and their experiences on the set. ▪ Fight Giant Robots - An exploration of the military training that Josh Duhamel and Tyrese Gibson underwent for their roles and the various stunts that the actors were asked to perform. ▪ Battleground - A piece on the senior officials from the Department of Defense and Air Force who consulted on the film to give it authenticity and the key locations that the U.S. government provided access to. ... ▪ Rise of the Robots - Explores the interaction between Hasbro designers and Michael Bay to bring the toy line roaring to life. ▪ AUTOBOTS Roll Out - Michael Bay discusses working with Chevy and its designers and the modifications that were made to the cars seen in the film. ▪ DECEPTICONS Strike - The film's military advisors discuss the "toys" they allowed the production to borrow: F-22 Raptors, Ospreys and A-10 Warthogs. ▪ Inside the AllSpark - ILM's digital artists discuss the challenges of bringing the TRANSFORMERS to life. ... ▪ From Script to Sand: The SKORPONOK Desert Attack - An in-depth look at the making of this particularly epic and challenging scene from initial storyboarding through production and visual effects. ...The HD DVD is presented in 1080p High Definition with English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus and English, English SDH+, French, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese subtitles. In addition to the above features that will be presented in high definition, the TRANSFORMERS HD DVD will also offer the following exclusive content: ...(Heads Up Display)--In this mode, viewers can access running text-based behind-the-scenes background information on the production during the feature. Users can also watch relevant picture-in-picture b-roll and video with Bay, Spielberg and other filmmakers during select sequences. ... ▪ TRANSFORMERS Tech Inspector - Gives viewers an unprecedented look at the TRANSFORMERS robots through the exquisitely detailed models created by ILM artists. Users can zoom in on each detail for a closer examination and pause and change the rotation of the models. ...Paramount Home Entertainment will support the home video debut of TRANSFORMERS with one of the biggest media campaigns in the division’s history. The multi-million dollar blitz will include television, print, radio and online advertising reaching a four quadrant audience. The expansive campaign also will include a viral marketing program in which fans can go online to customize a message for their friends from OPTIMUS PRIME and send it via telephone or email. In addition, an array of high-impact displays will be deployed to retail locations across the country. Promotional partners including Chevrolet and Hostess will also extend the TRANSFORMERS message to millions of people. Each TRANSFORMERS DVD will include an insert alerting consumers to Chevrolet's "The Bumblebee Camaro Sweepstakes". Beginning October 17, 2007, fans can enter to win one of three customized Chevy Camaro cars styled after the TRANSFORMERS AUTOBOT BUMBLEBEE at chevy.com/camaro. The sweepstakes also will be promoted with a wide-reaching television, print and online advertising campaign that will further extend the DVD messaging and excitement. This October, Hostess, the maker of America’s most iconic snack cakes, will be launching a national consumer promotion on approximately 17 million TRANSFORMERS themed packages at convenience and grocery/mass merchandiser retail stores. Consumers will be directed via www.hostesscakes.com to a Hostess micro-site where they can play an instant-win game for a chance to win a 50” Plasma TV and Home Entertainment system, portable DVD players and other prizes. The HD DVD version and two-disc standard-def special edition will both be priced at $39.99, with the standard-def single-disc at $19.95 MAP.

Transformers score coming October 9, 2007

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-03T12:39:06-04:00

Pre-order the Transformers score CD at Amazon.com Track listing below. 1. Autobots 2. Decepticons 3. All Spark 4. Deciphering the Signal 5. Frenzy 6. Optimus 7. Bumblebee 8. Soccent Attack 9. Sam at the Lake 10. Skorpinok 11. Cybertron 12. Arrival to Earth 13. Whitwicky 14. Downtown Battle 15. Sector 7 16. Bumblebee Captured 17. You're a Soldier Now 18. Sam on the Roof 19. Optimus vs. Megatron 20. No Sacrifice, No Victory

Transformers IMAX poster

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-09-01T05:35:31-04:00

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New design and new forum

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-31T23:27:09-04:00

Nelson here... As you can see, we have a new look. If you catch any broken links or broken image links, please email me at webmaster@michaelbay.com. As for the forums, you will have to re-register. Once, you do, I will update your post count to match that of the old boards when they close (please register with your OLD USERNAME so I can easily track and assign you your correct post count).

10 years and running...

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-30T07:07:21-04:00

Nelson here... Ten years ago I started this site using Adobe Pagemill 1.0 and a cracked version of Photoshop running on a Cyrix 286 system operated by Windows 95. The page had a image of Michael, a bio, and the list of his films (Bad Boys and The Rock). A lot has happened since then. On behalf of Michael, I would like to thank all of you who have visited and supported the site over the years. Thank you.

Sacred Emotion

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-30T07:06:31-04:00

Back in 1988, Michael was given the opportunity to direct his first music video. It was a comeback song titled "Sacred Emotion" for Donny Osmond. Enjoy.

Michael Bay HD-DVD post

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-21T19:51:27-04:00

Last night at dinner I was having dinner with three Blu-Ray owners, they were pissed about no Transformers Blu-Ray and I drank the kool aid hook line and sinker. So at 1:30 in the morning I posted - nothing good ever comes out of early am posts mind you - I over reacted. I heard where Paramount is coming from and the future of HD and players that will be close to the $200 mark which is the magic number. I like what I heard. As a director, I'm all about people seeing films in the best quality possible, and I saw and heard firsthand people upset about a corporate decision. So today I saw 300 on HD-DVD, it rocks! So I think I might be back on to do Transformers 2! Michael Bay

Transformers goes IMAX on September 21

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-21T19:50:07-04:00

One of the Biggest Movies of 2007 Gets Digitally Enhanced into The IMAX LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation, DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures announced today that "TRANSFORMERS," one of the highest grossing movies of the year, will be digitally re-mastered into IMAX's immersive format and released to IMAX(R) theatres on September 21. The Michael Bay-directed movie, which has already generated $310 million in gross box office receipts domestically since its premiere in conventional theaters on July 3, will be enhanced into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) through IMAX's DMR(R) (Digital Re-Mastering) technology. "IMAX's all-encompassing format takes 'TRANSFORMERS' to a whole new level of detail and intensity," said Michael Bay, the film's director. "I am very excited to work with the team at IMAX to create this turbo-charged version." "As fans of 'TRANSFORMERS' await the release of the DVD in the fall, they will have a brand new way to experience the adventure -- as if they are actually part of the movie," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The images and sound in 'TRANSFORMERS' are perfectly suited to The IMAX Experience and we are very excited to share the IMAX version with the film's present and future fans." "When you combine Michael Bay's action packed brand of filmmaking with The IMAX Experience, you get a movie that plays to the elusive and extremely valuable tech-savvy demographic," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "We are very excited to offer moviegoers a chance to experience one of the highest grossing and most popular films of the year in a premium way that cannot be replicated anywhere else, and we are delighted to once again work with the talented team at Paramount Pictures to make this happen." Source: Imax

Transformers to be released on standard definition DVD and HD-DVD only

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-20T15:57:40-04:00

Nelson here... It appears that Transformers will be released on on regular DVD & HD-DVD only and not Blu-Ray. Paramount/Dreamworks has decided to drop it's support for Blu-Ray. That means you must either own a Toshiba HD-DVD player or have the HD-DVD add-on for the xBox 360 to view Transformers in HD. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. and DreamWorks Animation SKG , each announced today that they will exclusively support the next-generation HD DVD format on a worldwide basis. The exclusive HD DVD commitment will include all movies distributed by Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Nickelodeon Movies and MTV Films, as well as movies from DreamWorks Animation, which are distributed exclusively by Paramount Home Entertainment. The companies each said that the decision to distribute exclusively in the HD DVD format resulted from an extensive evaluation of current market offerings, which confirmed the clear benefits of HD DVD, particularly its market-ready technology and lower manufacturing costs. Paramount Home Entertainment will launch its exclusive HD DVD program with the release of the blockbuster comedy hit "Blades of Glory" on August 28th and follow with two of the biggest grossing movies of the year "Transformers" and "Shrek the Third". These three titles alone represent more than $1.5 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide. Source: CNN

Giant Fuckin' Robots are Coming to IMAX!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-18T06:39:01-04:00

Nelson here... I contacted Michael and he has confirmed that Transformers will be arriving on IMAX theaters. Stay tuned for details.

Shortpacked....

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-18T06:38:30-04:00

Nelson here... Shortpacked had come up with another brilliant strip, enjoy!' You can visit their site here.

Michael interviewed at the NYSE

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-10T21:45:22-04:00

Nelson here... This interview took place back in June when Michael and Hasbro rang the opening bell at the NYSE.

'Transformers' beats 'Harry' in Japan

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-09T06:46:24-04:00

Bay film takes in $5.35 million By MARK SCHILLING Opening Saturday on 617 screens, helmer Michael Bay's "Transformers" jumped straight to the top of the Japanese weekend box office with a two-day total of ¥631.3 million ($5.35 million). That spelled more than "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," which took in $4.04 million over the weekend, for second place. The "Transformers" figure is 16% better than the $4.6 million opening weekend for "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" (Japan cume $57.5 million), which bowed on 370 screens, and 6% better than the $5.07 million of "Mission: Impossible III" (Japan cume $43.4 million), which debuted on 800 screens. Both were released in summer, like "Transformers." "Transformers" compares favorably with Bay's previous smash, "Armageddon," which opened in Japan with $5.87 million and went on to make $114 million in 1998 when the Japanese exhibition circuit was considerably smaller than today. Looking at the strong early numbers, and the higher-than-expected female auds, distributor United Intl. Pictures is predicting a $59 million final tally for "Transformers." Source: Variety

Michael Bay takes the witness stand

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-07T07:17:56-04:00

In the end, there are no fireworks, no explosions and no Aerosmith...nevertheless, there’s a ripple of excitement in the courtroom as director Michael Bay states and spells his name. Juror 6, a film industry executive, sits up in his chair, smiles and shakes his head. On direct examination, Bay first appears a little nervous. Listing his blockbusters for the jury, he misses “Bad Boys II,” something Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson quickly points out. “Oh, yes,” he says. Quickly though, he seems relaxed and confident, and he says exactly what prosecutors have called him to the stand to say. He knew Lana Clarkson, he liked Lana Clarkson and he never dissed Lana Clarkson. He was at the party in question, he acknowledges, but he never saw the actress. On cross, things get a little testy. Defense attorney Bradley Brunon suggests that if he liked Lana so much he would have offered her one of the many parts available in the blockbusters he has made over the years. “Uh, no, but I never offered Tom Hanks a part either,” Bay shoots back. There are a few chuckles. And Brunon mutters, “We’re not talking about Tom Hanks. He may not have accepted.” It’s all over in 25 minutes. (That’s 14 percent of Pearl Harbor’s running time.) Outside court, Bay is similarly brief. How was it to not be directing the action? “It was good,” he says with a smile. “It got repetitive.” On the way to the elevator bank, he adds, “It’s so irrelevant.” Source: CourtTV * * * * * The Associated Press Monday, August 6, 2007 LOS ANGELES: The director of this summer's blockbuster "Transformers" was called by prosecutors as a rebuttal witness at Phil Spector's murder trial on Monday. A defense witness had testified earlier in the trial actress Lana Clarkson was distraught over an encounter with director Michael Bay at a party about 10 days before she died in Spector's home in 2003. Spector's attorneys contend it was another sign that Clarkson was suicidal and may have shot herself. Bay testified he remembered Clarkson from a time he cast her for a small role in a car commercial in 1998, but denied ever seeing her among the 350 to 400 other people at the Hollywood Hills party in late January 2003. "If I disrespected her she probably would have slapped me," Bay said. "She was just that saucy." Clarkson's friend Punkin Pie Laughlin testified last month that she accompanied Clarkson to the party. She said Clarkson, who found modest fame as the star of a cult movie, "Barbarian Queen," in the 1980s, tried to talk to Bay but returned in tears, saying he didn't acknowledge her. Laughlin suggested the incident the party contributed to Clarkson's depression and was a turning point. The prosecution contends Spector, 67, who gained fame with his "Wall of Sound" music recording technique, killed Clarkson when she tried to leave his home after coming there for a drink. Under questioning by prosecutor Alan Jackson, Bay said he scoured his memory after he read of Clarkson's death, trying to figure out when he last saw her. He said he thought it was eight or nine months before she died but he could not remember the circumstances. Defense attorney Brad Brunon noted that Bay did several movies after he first met Clarkson. Asked whether he ever offered her a role in one of his movies, Bay snapped, "No. But I never offered Tom Hanks a part either." Bay recalled that at Christmas 2002, he received a gift of chocolates from Clarkson along with a copy of a one-woman video she had produced to promote her career. Asked by Brunon whether he gave the video any consideration, he said, "I didn't even look at it." Source: The AP via IHT

Court TV: Michael Bay to take the stand

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-02T21:14:07-04:00

Nelson here... Court TV reports that MIchael Bay is set to take the stand in the Phil Spector trial. "The prosecution unveils a list of 13 rebuttal witnesses, and one name is a blockbuster... Michael Bay, director of "Transformers," will take the stand and say that Punkin Pie was lying when she testified that he snubbed a teetering-on-the-brink-of-sanity Clarkson at a party a few weeks before her death, prosecutor Jackson says." To read Michael's post concerning the trial, click here. Stay tuned for more details. Update: Michael will be taking the stand on Monday, August 6. The case will be televised on Court TV.

A trip down memory lane

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-08-01T10:50:41-04:00

Nelson here... Michael's second movie "The Rock" came out more than 10 years ago. Doesn't seem that long ago, no? Anyway, here is a behind the scenes video clip. Enjoy!

New photographs

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-29T12:34:47-04:00

Nelson here.... These photos appeared on the UK Telegraph newspaper and where taken by Spencer Murphy. You can check out his web site at http://www.spencermurphy.co.uk These are posted with permission. Please do not repost.

U.S. Servicemembers reaction of ‘Transformers’

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-25T17:03:57-04:00

By John J. Kruzel/American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 29, 2007 – Under the cover of darkness in the nation’s capital last night, servicemembers from all branches deployed into theater -- the movie theater. About 600 military personnel and family members attended a sneak preview of “Transformers,” the summer science fiction action-adventure film set for national release July 3. Audience members cheered as virtuous Autobot transformers fought in concert with their U.S. military allies against the depraved Decepticons, while the clash between good and evil played out in stunning images and bone-rattling sound. “That was without a doubt the best movie I have ever seen,” Army Staff Sgt. Mario Youngblood, dressed in his combat uniform, said as he emerged wide-eyed from the theater. The soldier, who grew up watching the early animated version, said the film did justice to the “Generation 1” Transformers of his youth. “Transformers” features servicemembers from various branches fighting side-by-side in the thick of the action, depicting joint military operations. “Obviously, the military has never fought giant robots, and hopefully we never will. But the way this film is structured, if we ever had to do it, this is probably how we would do it,” said Army Lt. Col Paul Sinor, a public affairs officer with that service’s Office of the Chief of Public Affairs. During one battle scene, members of a joint special operations force are attacked by a Decepticon in the desert of a Middle Eastern country. Using a common cellular phone, the Army commander on the ground dials the Pentagon and tosses the phone to his Air Force combat controller, who directs an Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft to their position. Operators on the AWACS then call in AC-130 Spectres and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft for air support. “Go, Air Force!” an audience member yelled when an AC-130 began firing on enemies with its side-mounted artillery guns. “Yeah, Navy!” belts out a sailor upon seeing a team of destroyers cutting across the shining sea. This battle scene illustrates “netcentric warfare,” the modern military strategy aimed at connecting command centers to airborne control systems to warfighters around the globe. Liaison officers like Sinor worked with director Michael Bay to ensure the U.S. military’s portrayal -- its core values in addition to its tactics, dialogue and uniforms -- looks and feels authentic. As a testament to the military’s fondness for technical titles, servicemembers refer to the transformer robots as Non-Biological Extraterrestrials, or NBEs. “Try to keep up with the acronyms,” one of the film’s characters says during an intelligence briefing. The resolute secretary of defense, played by Jon Voight, gives a nonverbal plug during the film to America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects military members to a civilian support network. The lapel of the Defense Secretary’s suit jacket is affixed with a pin bearing the ASY logo. “(Bay) did the Hollywood part of the film, we did the military part, and it was a very cohesive, very easy way of doing things,” said Sinor, who has worked with Bay previously on films that include “The Rock” and “Armageddon.” Defense Department officials allowed Paramount Pictures to film at Air Force bases in New Mexico and California, and to rent military equipment such as the CV-22 Osprey and F-22 Raptor, which made their big-screen debuts in “Transformers.” F-22s run about $25,000 per hour, according to the rental scale established by the department. “You can’t go to Tanks R’ Us and rent a tank or a destroyer,” Sinor said. “If you need that in the movie, you have to come to the military.” The film promoters, who last night treated guests to free popcorn and soda, stood outside the theater doors after the film, asking for audience members’ reactions in an exit poll fashion. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and one servicemember remarked about the Hollywood’s portrayal of the military, “This is the first time they got it right.” “The special effects are definitely going to draw the younger crowd, and then they’ll be able to see just how the Air Force operates,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mike Gasparetto after the film. Gasparetto, a career field manager for Air Force Recruiting Service, said moviegoers will get a chance to see some of his service’s more exciting missions. “I think it will be a great branding tool for the Air Force, to let the folks know that the Air Force does more than just move people around in aircraft,” he said. Hundreds of airmen appear in the film as extras, and nearly a dozen others have speaking roles. “The military cooperating with the entertainment industry puts a more personal side on what the military does,” he said. “We’re not just about protecting the nation, although that is our primary job. This film shows that we have a human side to us while we are there to protect and help wherever needed.” Source: USDOD/defenselink.mil

China, meet Michael Bay

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-20T21:59:30-04:00

I am really excited about this partnership with Mtime and the exposure of my work and thoughts to Chinese movie fans, for whom I have great respect, as I celebrate the release of "Transformers" with them. -Michael Bay If you read Mandarin--or not--check out the site at http://michaelbay.mtime.com/

Transformers DVD

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-20T13:17:43-04:00

Nelson here... The Transformers DVD...when does it come out you ask. What's it gonna have? What I can tell you is this: there will be 2 versions: 1- A regular version with no extras (just a director commentary). 2. - A multi-disc version with the movie w/ director's commentary and additional disc(s) with tons of extra stuff. Transformers will also be available on HD-DVD and Blu-ray formats.

Meet Bonecrusher Bay

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-20T07:20:57-04:00

Nelson here... I met with Mike this past Wednesday, and I managed to get a shot of Michael's new Mastiff: Bonecrusher.

Broken records

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-20T06:35:19-04:00

Nelson here... Transformers has broken the box office record in China.... Transformers hit 100M Yuan. Transformers breaks South Korean box office record....6 million viewers.

That Phil Spector Freak

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-18T02:04:57-04:00

What a friggin circus in that Phil Spector murder trial. Some whack job witness who say's she is a friend of the poor murdered girl Lana Clarkson say's she ended it (meaning suicide) because I did not recognize Lana at a party. Can you believe this dumb story? First of all Phil Spector looks like a creepy murderer. No girl would sit in a foyer of a house with a purse on her shoulder, and borrow some guys gun, and say I'm gonna end it here, oh and I'm gonna blow my teeth out and wreck my face while I'm doing it. According to national suicide experts, people - especially women, never hurt their face in the process of suicide. So this is the Spector creep's only alibi - she committed suicide - come on. I knew Lana. She worked with me on two commercials. I liked her energy - she had a great personality. I would never forget her face. It would be a big event in someone's life If you saw a woman you knew at a party on Saturday night and she was dead two days later, don't you think? I never saw Lana at this party. This Punkin, witness lady is a liar! According to reports, Punkin has a book deal about being Lana's friend. She wants to make money off of her so called 'friend'. What a disgusting piece of shit that Pumkin lady is!!! Michael Bay

Editing with Michael Bay

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-13T07:48:15-04:00

Nelson here... If you're interested on what went on behind-the-scenes with Transformers, click here to read this great article. Source: FXGuide.com

Michael Bay's Transformers: $246.1 million worldwide

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-08T16:52:45-04:00

▪ Biggest first-week gross ever for a non-sequel (beating Spider-Man's $151.6 mil) ▪ A global box office total of $246.1 mil, when you add in the $93.6 mil Transformers earned in 23 other countries ▪ Biggest Tuesday gross ever ($27.9 mil), as well as the third-best Wednesday ($29.1 mil) and fifth-best Thursday ($19.2 mil) ▪ A super-solid $16,854 per-theater average in 4,011 venues ▪ A resounding CinemaScore rave of A from an audience that was two-thirds male but evenly split between young folk and old ▪ A 93% positive rating at the exit polls

Michael Bay: 1, haters: 0 (part 3)

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-08T16:23:19-04:00

'Transformers' morphs into money machine Sci-fi saga makes $67.6 million debut Associated Press July 9, 2007 The shape-shifting robots of "Transformers" have taken on a new form: Huge piles of cash. The sci-fi saga "Transformers," DreamWorks and Paramount's big-screen take on the Hasbro toys, debuted with $67.6 million in ticket sales in its first weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. That gave it $152.5 million since opening with preview screenings Monday night. If the weekend figures hold when final numbers are released Monday, that would give "Transformers" the biggest first week revenues ever for a non-sequel, surpassing the $151.6 million of 2002's "Spider-Man." But factoring in today's higher ticket prices, "Spider-Man" drew more people in its first week, about 26.1 million, compared to 22.5 million for "Transformers." "Transformers," was directed by Michael Bay and features a cast led by Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, who are among the humans hurled into the action when two races of warring robots bring their feud to Earth. The movie's striking visual effects and the Transformers brand -- which debuted in the 1980s with toys, a TV show and an animated movie -- proved irresistible for audiences, said Rob Moore, Paramount's head of worldwide marketing and distribution. "Michael Bay created something visually that people hadn't seen before," Moore said. "When you look at a jet plane flying under a bridge then flipping and turning into a robot, those kinds of images people found incredibly unique and compelling." "Transformers" also took in $93.6 million in 23 other countries where it has opened since June 28. Source: THR

Michael Bay: 1, haters: 0 (part 2)

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-08T16:23:13-04:00

'Transformers' dominates box office Robust robots squash 'Spider-Man' record By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK With moviegoers transforming the July 4th holiday box office into non-stop fireworks, DreamWorks and Paramount's "Transformers" scored the highest seven-day performance for a non-sequel in history, clobbering previous record-holder "Spider-Man." Pic closed out its 6 1/2 day opening at an estimated $152.5 million from 4,011 screens, including an estimated weekend take of $67.6 million. "Spider-Man" made $151.6 million during its first seven days. "Transformers" and other films benefited from an unusually hectic July 4th holiday week at theaters, bookended by two lucrative weekends. Source: Variety

Michael Bay: 1, haters: 0 (part 1)

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-08T14:46:08-04:00

Nelson here.... This is for all the losers (haters) that said this movie would tank. From deadlinehollywood: SUNDAY AM: Paramount says PG-13 Transformers officially made $22.7 million Friday and $25.9 million Saturday and a projected $18.9 million Sunday from 4,011 North American theaters. After a record breaking Fourth Of July mid week opening, I'm told the DreamWorks battle of the bots hauled in a hefty $67.6 million this weekend for a 6 1/2 day cume of $152.5 million. So, in even less time, Transformers now has scored the biggest 7-day opening of all time for a non-sequel, passing Spider-Man 1 ($151.6M), The Passion Of The Christ ($144.6M) and Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone ($129.4). In addition, Transformers has grossed $93.6 million in 23 overseas markets representing 40% of the international business. Paramount estimates the global box office by end of day Sunday at $246.1 mil.

Transformers Crushes Fandango's July 4th Ticketing Record

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-06T17:57:41-04:00

In a recent online survey on Fandango, several thousand moviegoers responded with the top reasons they are seeing Transformers. The results are as follows: -- 75% were fans of the Transformers cartoons when they were kids; -- 65% had played with the Transformers toys; -- 24% had read the comic books; -- 16% are fans of director Michael Bay. Source: PRNewswire

EW: When Robots Attack article

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-06T16:11:18-04:00

Some think ''Transformers'' represents the future of the blockbuster -- and some are afraid they're right. Inside the megahit's explosive blend of action and advertising by Josh Rottenberg Read the entire article.

Transformers Box Office numbers

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-05T14:13:48-04:00

The DreamWorks Pictures/Paramount Pictures co-production TRANSFORMERS pulled in an unheard of 4.3% increase from Tuesday 7/3 to Wednesday 7/4. In 4,011 theatres, we are estimating $29,100,000 for Wednesday 7/4/07. We also have a revised final number for Tuesday 7/3/07 of $27,900,000. Our cumulative estimated box office to date is $65,700,00. This is the biggest July 4th gross in history, beating SPIDERMAN 2 ($21,955,000 on 7/4/04) and the biggest Wednesday non-sequel of all time (beating THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST with $26,556,000 on Wednesday 2/25/04). This represents the biggest box office in history for a movie on a Tuesday, beating PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN'S CHEST at $15,731,919.

EW: Optimus Prime Time

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-05T07:24:42-04:00

''Transformers'' director Michael Bay opens up about working with Steven Spielberg, the art of the action film, and the possibility of a sequel. ...'I've thought more about robots in a year and a half than probably anybody,'' sighs Michael Bay. Slouched in his chair, a gentle breeze wafting through his surprisingly zen Santa Monica, Calif., office, he's still hung over from the previous evening's mega-premiere of his latest summer-action extravaganza, Transformers — the movie adaptation of the 1980s cartoon TV series and Hasbro toy line about a race of alien machines who bring their war to Earth. (He may be doing more celebrating after seeing the estimated $36.3 million in box-office revenue from the movie's first 36 hours in theatres, including $27.5 million on July 3, its first full day of release, a new record for a Tuesday opening.) Over the course of the next hour, Bay talked to EW.com about his working relationship with exec producer Steven Spielberg, what helped him get over the notion of directing just ''a toy movie,'' and how he feels about being, you know, Michael Bay. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: I have to tell you, as a Transformers fan since childhood, the special effects were pretty darn cool. ...Why did you want to go in that route and not more — ...It's got to withstand, you know, a 40-foot screen — you just need a lot of detail and a lot of things moving just to keep your eye dazzled by these complex machines. ... We all know something in our brain is telling us it's not lit right — that's what makes you say it looks like a cartoon. ...The story is true: I hung up [after we talked] and went ''I'm not doing that silly movie because it sounds like a toy movie.'' ... And I said okay, you know, [I'll] just go to Hasbro [for] this thing called Transformer School. ... There were some images in the room; I kept looking at one and I'm like, you know, if I make it real and edgy, it might be something really interesting. So I was a non-Transformer fan, but that's good because I think it makes it more accessible for people that are non-Transformer fans. ...My understanding is that Spielberg really was the guy that roped you into directing this film. ...When I was 27, I did a whole string of commercials that were pretty famous, the type of commercial where people go to a bar [and say], ''Did you see that commercial?'' ... A true story — I said, ''You know, when I was 15, I worked at Lucasfilm and I filed your Raiders of the Lost Ark storyboards. I saw the entire movie [in storyboard form] and I honestly thought it was going to suck.'' ... And I said, ''When I went to the Grauman's Chinese [Theater] with my parents and saw it, I went 'Oh my God, I've got to do this.''' ...MICHAEL BAY: What was fun working with him, we would sit in my war room and [I'd say], ''Oh, Steven, I got this scene and I want to do it like this and shoot like that.'' ... But you can see when I'm showing him stuff that his gears are ticking for Indiana Jones 4. ...I'm told he worked a lot with the Transformers' screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci to bring a certain innocent tone to the film. ...I specifically shot this a little bit more suburbia, meaning, like, I would never put actors at a Burger King, but it's what people do, you know what I mean? ...I just thought it would be from kids to, you know, to 20-something whatever. The first day on the set I'm working with all these guys in the military and I was apologizing for the movie. ... I was like, ''Okay guys, I know this sounds really stupid, but there's a 40-foot-tall robot over here and it's going to flip and land right here.'' ... I'm like, how do these guys know that? ...What do you want and expect out of them when you are on the set? ...I am there with my kneepads on, right next to you, and I'm there because I'm trying to instill the adrenaline. ...You made certain changes to the Transformers from the '80s series to update them and make them cinematic — like giving Optimus Prime a long-nose truck cab instead of a flat-front. ...[Laughs] But honestly, they remember the cartoons greater than what they really are if you look at them. ...I watched the 1986 Transformers animated movie the night before seeing your film, and it was, um, kinda not so good. Yeah, I saw 15 minutes of that movie and I wanted to put a gun to my head. ... I have to go into my own head about what this movie [I'm making] is.'' [Laughs] So yeah, you take the heat, but they weren't seeing [the robots] in a 3-D world. ...I did not want a Volkswagen [like in the original cartoon series] — it's the Herbie Love Bug to me. I've had a relationship with GM, so they took me to where they do these cool concept cars. I saw this picture of that Camaro [used in the film], and I'm like, That's the car. ... I don't think you are whoring out the movie, because I think each car kind of fits the character. ... Jazz is the one thing which I was like, ehhh, I wish he was a different car, personally. ...Was there any concern that you were also serving Hasbro, making sure that you are true to the toys and original characters? ...You might not like everything, but I'm going to do it my way or I'm not going to do it.'' ...There was a poem that leaked on the Internet this spring, seemingly written by someone within production, that blamed DreamWorks for giving you too much creative control over the movie. ...Like, a nice woman from the Hollywood Foreign Press, she [asks me], ''Wouldn't you want to do more of an art movie, like something that's hard to do?'' ... It is so much harder to do, these type of [big action] movies, than a little art movie in the south of France. I mean, if you can take something that doesn't exist and make it look like it's got a soul, that's art. ...There's a lot of really cool, big robot stuff that I had in my head that we didn't do. ... But it's kind of like you have your baby and you don't want someone else to take it. So, hypothetically, if you were to take on a Transformers sequel, would it be your next film? ...A couple things are on the horizon, but [maybe] I'll do my little movie that I can knock out, because we all think we're going to have a strike. ...The whole point is no one's happy with what they've got.

$28 million on July 3

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-04T14:27:39-04:00

Nelson here... I just spoke to Michael and he informed me that Transformers raked in $28 million yesterday, Tuesday. Biggest amount ever for a Tuesday.

Happy Independence Day!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-04T10:58:16-04:00

We're taking the day off to hang out with family and friends, watch Transformers, watch fireworks, and celebrate Independence Day (United States). If you're celebrating today, too, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth! To everyone else, we thank you for visiting Michael Bay dot com!

'Transformers' grabs $8.8 mil at box office

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-03T21:03:01-04:00

By Gregg Kilday "Transformers," director Michael Bay's screen interpretation of the Hasbro toy line, rolled into theaters Monday and quickly amassed $8.8 million in North America. Those returns came from showings that ran from 8 p.m. on in 3,050 theaters. Although the Paramount Pictures' release of the DreamWorks film only played evening performances, its Monday number topped that of the day's number two film, Buena Vista's "Ratatouille," by more than $1 million and more than doubled the day's grosses for 20th Century Fox's competing action movie "Live Free or Die Hard." Figures for "Transformers" first full day of performances on Tuesday, when the film rolls into more than 4,000 theaters, will be released on Wednesday. Source: THR

Bad toys, bad toys, whatcha gonna do...

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-03T06:47:05-04:00

"Talk about getting your money's worth. There is so much action packed into every second of "Transformers" that by the time it's over, you may be tempted to go outside and give the box office another 10 bucks." - NY Dailynews.com "Transformers has some of the best action sequences you'll see all summer." - Washington Post "You'll find yourself rooting for computer-generated robots that magically transform into cars, trucks and fighter planes. It's selling the movie short to say the special effects are amazing -- they are out of this world." - Arizona Republic "The most surprising thing about Michael Bay's much-anticipated, blockbuster-bound Transformers is how funny the movie is." - Miami Herald "It's the transformation of robots that will blow your mind ... Add that to the eye-popping robot smackdowns and good old fashioned car chases, and you have a movie that is going to get your blood pumping and your heartbeat racing..." - Wafflemovies.com "... The acting is sharp, and it features some of the most spectacular action and effects sequences of any movie of its kind." - USA Today "If it's true that there's an 8-year-old boy inside every man, Transformers is just the ticket to bring the kid out." - Variety "Bay and an army of visual designers have successfully re-imagined a photorealistic world in which these Titans can believably clash." - The Hollywood Reporter

Ebert: Bay rocks 'em and socks 'em

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-07-02T07:17:48-04:00

Roger Ebert gives it 3 out of 4 stars. Read his review.

Chud.com

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-06-29T16:10:03-04:00

Nick Nunziata, founder and owner of Chud.com says: "I had a blast. A really entertaining flick. A summer movie that finally delivers." Chud's Jeremy Smith reviews Transformers and has this to say: Granted, "value" is a debased term in the middle of the summer movie season - especially this summer, which has thus far been a steady succession of high-profile disappointments. But Transformers is the event moviegoers have been waiting for. It's got giant fucking robots doing huge fucking damage to a lot of fucking expensive hardware and property. Expecting much more than that out of a picture like this is to be an idiot.

The Hollywood Reporter: Sci-fi action that is both smart and funny.

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-06-29T16:02:39-04:00

Transformers Bottom Line: Sci-fi action that is both smart and funny. By Kirk Honeycutt Jun 29, 2007 This is noisy fun with characters and plot lines kept simple and flashes of comedy that hit home more often than not. "Transformers" is a wet dream for fanboys, with vehicles that whiz and whir into alien robots, spectacular sci-fi stunt chases, glistening military hardware, overheated computer software and brainy, hot girls who love Popular Mechanics. It's a Michael Bay movie based on a Hasbro line of toys that perfectly captures adolescent fascination with mechanical things you can take apart and put back together. The movie is noisy fun, with characters and plot lines kept simple and flashes of comedy that hit home more often than not. Most importantly, the filmmakers have shrewdly selected their young cast. Shia LaBeouf is one of the hottest young actors on the planet at the moment, with the surprise hit thriller "Disturbia" and excellent lead vocal performance in the animated comedy "Surf's Up" already behind him this year. Megan Fox and Rachael Taylor add terrific sex appeal in roles designed to emphasize female capability and intelligence. And singer-actor Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel are the smart-looking military dudes who take on the aliens at street level. The movie's appeal definitely will expand beyond fanboys and sci-fi addicts to include older "kids" who grew up with the Transformers toys and comic books. DreamWorks and Paramount should be well-rewarded for their deep-pocketed faith in this potential franchise with a global hit. This is not the first cinematic outing for the mechanical warriors. A 1986 animated movie was based on the original "Transformers" television show, which was based, of course, on the popular multiform robot toy line. It didn't go over well at the boxoffice. (That tooner, incidentally, was set in 2005.) But now Bay and an army of visual designers have successfully re-imagined a photorealistic world in which these Titans can believably clash. The best thing in the script by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (from a story by Orci, Kurtzman and John Rogers) is how a teen plot line gets tied into the fate of the world. Young Sam Witwicky (LaBeouf), who's nerdy but funny and sort of cool, gets a mysterious car from his dad, a banged-up '76 Chevy Camaro that he only later discovers is an alien robot. Now that's a way to get a girl's attention! That girl, with the arresting name of Mikaela (Fox), has been in school with him for years but never really noticed him. One day she accepts a ride from him and finds herself caught up in a war of the worlds. Seems an ancestor of Sam made a discovery in the Arctic Circle that prompts the bad guys -- sorry, robots -- to target Sam, who unknowingly holds the key to mankind's survival -- if he hasn't already sold it on eBay. Two robotic races -- the evil Decepticons and the heroic Autobots -- hide out on Earth as cars, trucks, 18-wheeler tractors, Hummers, jets or even a boom box before grinding and expanding into their robotic essence. These are CGI-errific moments, courtesy of Industrial Light + Magic, that will have fanboys leaping from their seats. All these techno creatures have feelings and emotions, you understand, which leads to the film's most amusing moment, when Sam's Camaro performs wheelies after his girlfriend "insults" the car. Its radio also plays tunes that fit the mood. The filmmakers create three other sets of characters: A group of computer hackers headed by Taylor and Anthony Anderson, who no less than the U.S. Secretary of Defense (Jon Voight) desperately appoints as his "advisers"; surviving military members of an alien attack on a U.S. base in the Middle East, led by Duhamel and Gibson, who somehow wind up duking it out with the aliens in downtown Los Angeles; and shadowy anti-alien agents led by John Turturro. The snarl of action and story lines is sometimes awkward, but at least the audience can identify with characters wherever the robots choose to rumble. No faceless multitudes screaming and fleeing here as in the Godzilla movies of old. Clearly, none of this would work if Bay had not adroitly coordinated the stunts, animation and characters, both real and mechanical. Thanks goes to a team of editors, who have made good sense of all the action. On the debit side, sound levels are all too high, and the score pushes harder than necessary. While he has long been a master of mayhem, on this occasion Bay weds his visual dazzle to material that carries the action smoothly. This is an extravaganza rather than overwrought excess. As one young boy exclaims upon seeing his first robot, "This is 10 times cooler than 'Armageddon'!" Source: THR.

Transformers Rotten Tomatoes meter!

webmaster@michaelbay.com — 2007-06-29T14:15:55-04:00

It's at 100%!