More Video From Chicago And Sentinel Prime?

As Transformers 3 production winds down in Chicago, new video and images from the production have popped up online. The first set of images, including this rather odd choice in pajamas for Sam's father aka Kevin Dunn, were taken around Wednesday or so, at about the same times as the photos with John Turturro and Rosie's tight blue dress. The rest can be found here. Speaking of that, the first three videos below are from that same time period. The first is a look at John Turturro along with Alan Tudyk as they follow Shia and Rosie for a scene. The second video is the same moment but looking straight down, while the third video show Sam's parent in green outfits (at least I think its them).

After those videos are more from zztopeurope from a few weeks ago as the Transformers parking lot was packing up. Of note is the two black Decepeticon SUVs have been identified as Suburbans (but modified judging by the wheels). Also the security guard at the site (4th video) said the name of the Autobot fire truck is not Rodimus Prime but Sentinel Prime, as the father of Optimus. Sentinel Prime was a creation of the TF comics as the predecessor of Optimus Prime as leader of the Autobots. In War for Cybertron, he was leader when the Cybertronian civil war started and killed by Megatron leading to Prime's ascension. Like most of the TF names, this one will probably not be confirmed until next year.

Decepticon SUV I | Prime on Lot | Decepticon SUV II | NEST Traffic

Detroit Pulls Out The Big Guns, Turturro In House And Street Closures

Three blurbs of Transformers 3 production news from Chicago and Detroit. To start, if had hopes that cast and crew were going to remain in Chicago past September 1st, might as well dash as Jalopnik has posted a small gallery of images that show that crew is in town prepping the Packard Plant for filming. If the big gun/jet engine/beats me is any indication, it looks like the site will be involved in more action pack filming. However, I think the site is considered private property so not expecting quite the view that we occasional got in Chicago. Click here to the other images from the plant.

Back in Chicago, it seems Shia LaBeouf continues to film at "work" as he was spotted yesterday on set in his suit again and flirting with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Carly for some scenes as she was wearing a tiny and tight blue dress. The more significant piece of news is John Turturro is finally spotted on set. Considering what is currently being filmed is probably closer to the beginning of the film then the end, it’s unclear if this proves he will be part of the big finale action sequences of the film or not. Click here for rest of the Daily Mail's gallery but ignore the text as it focuses on pointless gossip and identifies Turturro as "crew".

Last but not least, another street closure notice for today as filming returns to the Old Post Office Building along Van Buren Street.

The movie is using the Old Main Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren Street, for shooting today, and Van Buren is closed between Wacker Drive and Canal Street until 11 p.m. Lanes will be open during rush hour, however, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., according to the city's Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Meanwhile, parking restrictions are in effect until 2 a.m. Saturday to facilitate filming of 'Transformers 3" in the area near Wabash Avenue and Washington Street.

The restrictions are:

• Both sides of Wabash from Randolph to Monroe
• The north side of Randolph from Garland to Wabash
• The south side of Washington from Michigan to Wabash
• The north side of Madison from Michigan to Wabash

Set Report, Shia Dresses Up Again

Capone over at Ain't It Cool News was lucky enough to visit the Transformers 3 set at the Lake and Wabash parking lot while Michael Bay and company was flipping a bus last week. The article describes some of the action that was filmed, meeting the producers and crew that are involved in making the film and more. Click here for the full article.

...the man knows how to make explosions and action look about as badass as anyone. And this sizzle reel was unstoppable, even without a single robot to be seen. Chicago hasn't looked this stunning on film, maybe ever. But watching it get totaled was just too wonderful for words. Bay showed me this reel personally and stood right next to me while we watched it. He knew it looked great, and it absolutely did. The footage also revealed a few things about plot and characters that I'm not going to spoil, and Bay was pretty open about story details that probably shouldn't be shared, including showing me the entire anamatic on his iPad for the sequence he was shooting that day.

Another, shorter sizzle reel Bay played for me later on a 3D monitor featured footage shot in 3D from the entirety of the shoot (not just Chicago scenes), and that looked insane. The man took the time and figured out how to use 3D to better this film.

Pop Sugar also posted the right image from the set, this time from yesterday with Shia LaBeouf wearing a suit so it seems the street closures along with Sam's parents visiting probably has something to do with his job (I guess at Hotchkiss Gould Investments). So it seems the next day or two may be low key filming as establish his non-Transformers life for the film.

Transformers Linkfest

Since news has slowed a bit for Transformers 3 in Chicago, seemed like a good time to catch up on other Transformers toy and other news. Links include the usual gallery of images of upcoming toys including W4C Soundwave, a look at cartoon art, official Transformers: Prime images, five toy reviews and Sideshow Optimus Prime collectible price.

Transformers Artwork
Hit the link to view a gallery of artwork that was shown at Auto Assembly 2010. The art is previous unseen works created for G1, Beast Wars Neo, Robots in Disguise and more. Pretty cool way to see some familiar and unfamiliar designs that helped craft our favorite TF stuff. The "official planetary scale guide" is probably the coolest piece which was used for Transformers: The Movie.

War for Cybertron Soundwave Review
Peaugh returns with more reviews. This one is for Transformers: Generations Soundwave that is pretty decent. I am not a fan of the Cybertronian SUV mode but the robot mode is sweet. It seems the Hasbro is going to stick with a van/suv as alt mode since a boom box just isn't going to work anymore. Still I like the multiple homages to the classic G1 design. Click here for the gallery of images.

Various Transformers Gallery
Hit the links below for various galleries don't see any point in writing an individual comment for each on. I think all of these are the next wave of Transformers toys that are coming out this fall. Or maybe now. It is never that clear for some reason.Transformers: Generations Darkmount (Straxus)
Voyager Offroad Ironhide, Deluxe Rescue Ratchet and Deluxe Axor
Transformers: Generations Dirge

TF: Generations Blurr Video Review and Gallery
A non-Peaugh video review for a change of pace. This one is the repaint of Drift into G1 Blurr from Transformers: The Movie. Overall I am truly digging the Generations line as over the movie inspired line and indifferent to Power Core. While I truly dislike Hasbro's rule of releasing every mold multiple times, it does mean if you wait long enough, you may find a character / paint scheme you will like.

Transformers: Prime Character Images
The Hub recently added new content to its official website and as part of the background images on many of the pages is images of various characters, both human and TF, that will be in the cartoon. Hit the website or the link above to view the rest.

Son of Cybertron Video Review
Another non-Peaugh review. This one covers the Japan exclusive release of the "Sons of Cybertron" set which is the crystal version of Transformers: Animated Optimus Prime and Rodimus. Overall pretty cool looking but not sure worth paying stateside price of $55USD for two $10USD toys. The non-clear Rodimus is supposed to the states as an exclusive (Toys R Us I think) relatively soon.

Sideshow Collectibles Optimus Prime Gallery
Sideshow has a new blog post that provides more details about their Optimus Prime maquette that was announced last year. If you have $1,199.99USD (nope not a type), you can pre-order that statue starting on August 26th. Apparently there are two versions at the same price, the Exclusive which comes with Energon Swords and the regular edition which will not have the sword. The Exclusive version is first come first serve with only 100 versions being produced. Hats off if you can afford either.

Two More Peaugh Reviews - Blurr | Axor
Back to Peaugh, hit the links to view to more reviews. One is Peaughs review of the same Blurr figure and the other is for Hunt for the Decepticons Axor.

Transformers 3 Related Parking Restrictions, End Date (Updated)

Two new articles from Chicago Breaking News provide official information on when production will wrap and where they will be filming in the city for the next few days. Transformers franchise producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura spoke with the website and said that September 1st is the current last day for production.

"It's funny, we keep extending it here because we're having such a good time, to tell you the truth," Di Bonaventura said. "We were supposed to leave a few days ago, actually, and we kept extending it. Right now, around Sept. 1, but if we have any say in it, we'll keep staying here."

"Last night, I tried to think to myself 'How many cities have I shot in the last seven or eight years,' and I got up to about 118," Di Bonaventura said. "The reason I thought about it was because all of us have felt this was the best city we've ever shot in."
The other article Breaking News reports that parking restrictions will now in effect for filming around Wabash Avenue and Washington Street. It ends on Saturday morning so I guess production will be in that area for the next three days.

The restrictions are:

• Both sides of Wabash from Randolph to Monroe
• The north side of Randolph from Garland to Wabash
• The south side of Washington from Michigan to Wabash
• The north side of Madison from Michigan to Wabash
• The south side of Washington from Wabash to State (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday only)

Update: Added Chicago's ABC 7 News report below from the set of Transformers 3 that covers the same ground as the web article but of note is that the scene being filmed involved "...Shia LaBeouf and his movie mom and dad." Nice to hear that Julie White and Kevin Dunn are town and probably chewing the scenery. Around the 2:20 point there is a TF head on a stick but can't tell who.

Update 2: Screenshot from DJ Bigtyme Beats indicates the head is Bumblebee.

TF3 Chicago: Hotel 71 Set Prep

All seems quiet on the Transformers 3 production front in Chicago. It does seem that filming in the city is winding down as not much is reported to be going on outside. Tomorrow might bring filming around Millennium Park but no guarantees. Yesterday, production was at the Hotel 71 on Upper Wacker but it seems filming was mostly interior with only the usual set stuff giving any hint they were there. The below pictures are thanks to Colin Hinkle as the lights and crew do prep work around Hotel 71.

Three More Weeks In Chicago? (Updated)

New reports are coming in that Transformers 3 production will stay in the city of Chicago for three more weeks. This info first came from Colin Hinkle and Sam Nickelson over the weekend but it seems closer to confirmed as a new notice went up that production returned to Lake Shore East Park for the next two days at least. The letter to the right is thanks to Jeff at Pixel Rally, which shows that production will be performing more skydiving stunts from helicopters much like TF3's first week in Chicago around Lake Shore Drive with Millenium Park as the landing ground.

In addition, CBS 2 and Chicago Breaking News are reporting that 13 bus routes are being detoured "while crews continue filming for Transformers 3". The rerouting starts today at 7:00PM until Friday 6:00AM. The sites also report there "may be occasional closures at LaSalle Street between Jackson, Adams, Madison and Monroe."

Colin also said that Transformers 3 might have returned to Hotel 71 at Wacker Drive as they are doing something inside the hotel and also prepping in the alley way underneath it. He couldn't tell if what was being worked on involved cast members or TF vehicles as didn't spot either.

It seems a lot of pick-up shots are in the works with the re-visiting of various locations. So to sum up, Transformers 3 will be remaining in Chicago at least through the week with the possibility for another three weeks total. Current info though indicates a week is the more likely scenario.

Update: Jeff provided another picture, this one indicating the planned Lake Shore and Millenium Park shoot from the letter above has been cancelled with possible date change.

TF3 Chicago Weekend Images

Transformers 3 production spent the weekend at the Old Post Office Building and LaSalle Street Bridge filming. Overall, it seemed like a low key filming weekend as didn't find a whole lot about it online. Having said that Sam Nickelson and "ChicageauxTiger" did provide a few pictures for our enjoyment.

Sam was able to verify that the Old Post Office Building was used as the location for the US Department of Health and Human Services. It seems that they have enough of a role in the film that Sam spotted three Hummers and Chevy Impalas bearing the agency's logo suggesting that they are involved in the movie's events in some form or fashion. This is collaborated by ChicagoeauxTiger's photos from TFW2005.com of a red truck being filmed and a rather odd looking contraption spotted at the building's road entrance. Its dual setup and location suggest a rather ominous security purposes. Sam reports that the red truck is part of a Chevy commercial that was being filmed during production, part of the new "Supply and Demand" series that Chevy is producing involving 20 vehicles (and I guess TF3). The rest of photos can be found here.

Florida's Space Coast Transformers 3 Extra's Casting Pre-prep

Florida's Space Coast Attraction has posted a noticed that they will be looking for Transformers 3 extras and workers to help out while production in town sometime late September. Currently there is no means to actually apply; the notice is more of a heads-up that they will be looking for people soon. From the site:

Transformers 3 will be filming on the Space Coast in late September. A production office will be set up in early Sept and an email address will be given so you can send in your resumes. They are seeking the following positions:

catering, craft service, medics, PAs, electricians, grips, set dressing

Casting for extras will also take place. We are waiting for the Casting Director to give us the info needed for you. Please keep watch on this website for all updates. (updated 8-23-10)

Based on this and previous reports it seems the production order is Chicago, Detroit, DC, and then Florida. (via TFW2005)

TF3 Chicago: Sam Flys With A Friend

Yesterday was the last day for Transformers 3 production at the Wabash and Lake Parking Lot. Yesterday, Sam flew along and today he brought a friend. As the new images and a video from Jeff at Pixel Rally show, it was an exciting day with Shia LaBeouf and Josh Duhamel's stunt doubles flying through the air while NEST troops defend them as pyrotechnics go off around them. Overall, an exciting looking sequence even without the probable CGI Transformers to explain the flying rig. Hit the links below to view the rest of Jeff's gallery and the video.

In addition Colin Hinkle provides more behind the scenes photos from the location as the crew prepped for filming on August 18th along with a new video of the action from Jeff's friend billyripkin.

Speaking of filming, according to On Locations Vacations, this weekend is it for TF3 in Chicago. As previously revealed, the action returns to LaSalle Street Bridge and the Old Post Office Building. After that, the next stop is Detroit, Michigan at the Packard Plant on East Grand Boulevard. No idea for how long or what other locations TF3 will hit in Detroit.

A final casting note via Broadway World that Randy Steinmeyer was cast in the film. The actor is seems to be a Chicago player so I am assume the role was as an extra for the action filmed in the city.

TF3 Going Out With a Bang Gallery | Video

IDW November Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for November. The month will bring 2 Transformers comic books and 2 trades. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's TF and other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Angel and more click here.

Transformers #13
Mike Costa (w) • Nick Roche (a) • Don Figueroa, Roche (c)
RODIMUS might be impulsive, but he’s not stupid. The last anyone saw of him, he was rocketing off Earth in disgrace and a stolen ship. In this issue we finally see where he went, what his plan was, and which long-absent DECEPTICONS he came up against. Mike Costa and fan-favorite artist Nick Roche deliver a stand-alone issue that sets up the entire second year of the hit ongoing series.
• 2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio • FC • 32 pages • $3.99USD


Transformers: Sector 7 #3 (of 5)
John Barber (w) • Joe Suitor (a) • Brian Rood (c)
Let us tell you a story of two bank robbers named Bonnie and Clyde--and their transforming death car! When young Margo Simmons helps her estranged father investigate mysterious rumors in Texas, she finds herself caught up in jailbreaks, Tommy-guns, and nonstop action as she tracks down the legendary outlaws and comes face to face with the most vicious Transformer ever made!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99USD



Transformers: Best of Grimlock
Simon Furman, Bob Budiansky (w) • Don Figueroa, more (a) • Klaus Scherwinski (c)
When it comes to the DINOBOTS, GRIMLOCK is the boss. Maybe not the brightest 'bot from CYBERTRON, he could very well be the strongest, and most committed to whatever offensive he’s been directed to complete. To his team, he is a stalwart leader, unknowing of fear. Now read more about GRIMLOCK in this collection of his greatest stories.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 144 Pages • ISBN: 978-1-60010-786-3



Transformers: Nefarious
Simon Furman (w) • Carlos Magno (a & c)
The sequel to TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN starts here! What is The Initiative? More to the point, why doesn’t the all-seeing SOUNDWAVE know anything about it? How did they come to reanimate/control RAVAGE? SOUNDWAVE must find the answers, and he’ll destroy anything in his path to get them! The big screen adventures of the TRANSFORMERS continue.
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 148 Pages • ISBN: 978-1-60010-787-0

TF3 Chicago: Sam Goes Flying

Transformers 3 production is winding down in the Chicago but that doesn't mean the hard work is over. Wednesday at the Lake and Wabash Parking Lot involved a busy day for Shia LaBeouf's stunt double who was flung all over the set by his arm. My best guess is maybe captured by a Decepticon or something to do with the power glove but really I can't figure it out. They also filmed a brief firefight involving Josh Duhamel and NEST as things went boom. It should be interesting to see what the flinging around becomes once the editors and ILM have a go with the footage.

The pic to the left and first four pictures below are thanks to Colin Hinkle. The next five are a small sampling of pictures from Jeff at Pixel Rally's huge 326 photos that he has posted on flickr. Along with the photos, Jeff also posted 10 videos that show off the various stunt work that was filmed. Hit the links below for both.

Update: Jeff created a third gallery, not new images but if you don't have time or inclination to flip through 300+ pictures, then hit the "Selects" link for 52 pics that give you the highlights from the larger gallery.

Pixel Rally Gallery | Pixel Rally Videos | Pixel Rally Selects

Transformers 3 Returns To Post Office, LaSalle Bridge

Transformers 3 production in Chicago is entering its last week in the city of Chicago. The assumed next destination in Detroit but this has not been verified and locations in Detroit remain unknown. In the meantime, it seems production still has some work to it returns to the Old Post Office Building on Van Buren Street and LaSalle Street Bridge from August 21st to 22nd. This just might be your last chance to watch some of the Bayhem in person.

“Transformers 3” will be filming Friday, August 20th and Saturday, August 21st at several downtown locations, including 433 W. Van Buren Street (Old Post Office) and the LaSalle Street bridge.

STREET CLOSURES
Van Buren St. between Wacker & Canal
6:00 am – 3:00 pm Friday August 20th.

LaSalle St. Bridge between Wacker and Kinzie
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm

HELICOPTERS
8:00 am – 9:00 am, Saturday, August 21, helicopters will be used at low altitude for aerial photography over the Chicago River. This will include brief (15 minutes) intermittent closures of the bridges at Michigan, Wabash, State & Dearborn.

Additional helicopter flights will occur periodically over the downtown area at high elevations.

SPECIAL EFFECTS
The Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department will supervise the use of special effects and pyrotechnics, including:

-simulated gunfire
-smoke
-fireballs
-explosions

TF3 Chicago: Bus, Cars Experience Some Bayhem

Transformers 3 production continues at the Wabash and Lake Parking Lot. The current Bayhem includes a bus getting flopped over from an explosion and a few cars tumbling off the top desk. To the left is another picture from Jeff at Pixel Rally of Sam's power glove with Bay assisted broom power to clean up after the Decepticons. As for the bus and top deck cars, thanks to Colin Hinkle we have a great look at the action including confirmation that Josh Duhamel's character shows up to help Shia and Rosie in some form or fashion.

Also below are two videos, both from Tuesday but not 100% sure. The first one shows the Bus flip that Jeff's friend Bill W. recorded and below that is a video found by Mauricio of the cars going off the top deck. If those pics are not enough, Chiphoto has a sky high view of the carnage on the set that is worth checking out.