Transformers 2 Performing Pickup Shots

Turns out that Transformers 2 production is not quite finished as the cast performed some pickup shots this week for the film. This information is supported by an interview with Tyrese, a tweet from Megan Fox and a video of the area that includes shots of Shia, Fox, Optimus and Bumblebee.

Megan's tweet:

surprise surprise! shia and i were filming some more scenes the other day. can't wait for everyone to see :)

Tyrese on the shoot and pickups with SciFi Wire:

"Yeah, we did some new scenes, some new shots, got to the set around 10 this morning," Gibson said in a group interview. "Today we officially wrapped Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Any missing pieces there were, we picked them up today. They're going to go ahead and put it in the chop shop and put the magic around it and go ahead and add it into the film."

What exactly were the pickup shots you did today?
Gibson: I can't really speak on it, but that was a nice try.

Did you get to go to Egypt?
Gibson: No, I didn't get to go to Egypt. I was supposed to go, but you won't be able to tell I'm not there. ...

Will you be part of the third one?
Gibson: I didn't die in 2. I can tell you that.

Based on Megan Fox's outfit, Shia's burnt shirt (as seen here), the background, and set, this appears to be pickup shots for the Egyptian desert sequences. They may also being doing pickups for Princeton based on the outfits of some of the other people on set. The magic of Hollywood where one scene has the potential to have been crafted from literally around the world. Thanks to Megatron for the video link.

1st Trailer and ShoWest Comparison Shots

More screenshots, but this time cool comparisons of the exact same moment from the first trailer and the ShoWest montage that illustrates the ongoing work of the magicians at ILM and Digital Domain. Thanks to John for putting them together and below note. (Click the images to larger size)

I've noticed several updated shots in the Showest footage compared to the first trailer. Attached is an example of Optimus getting kicked in the head with added dirt and grass, more "blood" and darker in general. Other shots are the one of Ravage walking on the beach which had water added dripping off him and the Fallen's teleporting has been changed slightly.

Transformers 2 Runtime Locked

Transformers 2 director Michael Bay has informed MTV the runtime of the sequel. “It’s four minutes longer than the last one,” explained Bay, saying that the runtime was locked. The 143 minute time of the first movie + 4 = 147 minutes long movie. “I don’t ever talk (to executives) about run times,” [Bay] grinned. “Studios always ask, ‘What’s the run time?’ And I’m like ‘If you enjoy the movie, do you care?’”

The reason runtime matter to studios is it reflects the number of showings per screening. So a 90 minutes movie might have 7 showings a day to five for a 150 long movie. Over 3000 or so screens that can be a lot of money the studios think they may not get. However, I think its nonsense. A sell out does more for a movie's word of mouth (an excited, full audience raises any viewing) then a half empty theatre will any day of the week. Besides, if someone wants to see the movie, less show times during the day isn't going to stop them, especially with all the screens the movie will likely appear on (my guess, 3.5k). Thanks to Mcat for the link.

Reshoot, Trailer Rumors

Two pieces of unconfirmed news regarding Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. One is a reshoot at Edwards Air Force Base and another involves the trailer.

From "KevKev", who found the article in the November 28th edition of his local newspaper, The Antelope Valley Press, and transcribed it for the website.

Transformers' return to Edwards

The Autobots and the Decepticons rolled out to the Antelope Valley last week, returning to Edwards Air Force Base.

A production crew for the sequel "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" was spotted Nov. 19 at the base, and appeared to be settling in for the remainder of the week. No other details were available as of press time.

The second "Transformers" project was last seen in the AV in September at the Service Rock Quarry, at Palmdale Boulevard and 75th Street East.

The production previously filmed at the quarry for about a week in mid-August, staging an action sequence featuring a helicopter, pyrotechnic explosions, wind machines, debris and gunfire. A crew spent about a month prepping at the site.

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" also filmed in July at Edwards Air Force Base. Several fan Web sites have posted pictures online allegedly taken the last time the crew visited the base.

They showed Autobot chief Optimus Prime being loaded onto a trailer, a couple of shiny silver sports cars and an assortment of other vehicles arranged outside a large hanger

If a reshoot occurred, chances are its second unit work that didn't involve Bay or the principle cast and is simply being used to fill out shots that the editing process determined was needed.

In regards to the potential trailer, Cody reports that someone he knows involved with Transformers 2 said they are "90% sure" that the trailer will premiere with The Day The Earth Stood Still which comes out December 12th. They also said the trailer was "finished about a month ago".

Considering that the trailer for Wolverine is debuting with TDTESS, it seems that there is an expectation that the movie will have a demographic that TF2 advertising would be aiming for. It’s also the last big budget popcorn movie of the year so last chance to get the most eyeballs aware that the sequel is coming before year end. After that, it seems to me that the next opportunity will not be until Watchmen in March. After Watchmen, the final theatrical trailer will premiere with Star Trek, no surprise since both are Paramount productions.

Thanks to KevKev and Cody for the information.

Update: Added the name of the newspaper and the date KevKev found the article. I tried to find it on their website but apparently a lot of what they print isn't mirrored on newspaper's site.