Shia Injured on Transformers 2 Set

TMZ is reporting that Shia received an injury near his eye that required stitches.

Sources tell TMZ Shia was injured by a prop on the set of "Transformers" -- we're told he got a cut below his eyebrow that required stitches.

After getting sewn up, he went right back to work. Injured hand, injured eyebrow -- no problemo.

We contacted Shia's rep, who said "No comment."

I have not been able to find details beyond that but it sounds like he got conked on the head by something. Also sounds like it just missed his eye with the "below the eyebrow" bit. You have to give the man credit for his wiliness to work through his injuries.

Update: Thanks to a site reader, have an update about the injury. It occured at Holloman Air Force Base.

The actor was shooting scenes at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico when he was injured - and he was more than happy to let base medics attend to his wounds.

One troop on the set tells WENN, "He was treated at the clinic at the airforce base by Colonel Torres and then a local ophthalmologist came by to check on his eye. He was in the clinic for about four hours and then he returned to the set once the swelling had gone down.

"We were all pretty impressed. Shia's making a lot of friends on the set of this film - he's a real guy who smokes like a fiend. To get up from a movie explosion, which leaves you injured, and get back in there is cool.

"He's got broken fingers from his car crash this summer (08) and now his eyelid has been slashed open. I guess he's lucky he still has his sight.

Meanwhile, soldiers and airforce officials who are helping director Michael Bay make the second Transformers film while on leave are learning it pays to get on camera.

The WENN source says, "There are about 200 real extras and some of them have landed scenes in the film. One supervisor has landed the part of a Jordanian officer who is involved in a crash in the film. It's great - and everyone is being paid $8-an-hour to be here. There's servicemen from Texas and New Mexico and even a few Green Berets here."

IMAX Scenes Shot for TF2

Slashfilm reports that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will have scenese shot especially for the IMAX release of the movie.

We knew that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was going to be released in IMAX theaters, but Variety reports that Michael Bay is filming at least three action sequences from the upcoming sequel using IMAX cameras.

This is a growing trend. Recently it was reported that Jon Favreau would like to film sequences of Iron Man 2 in IMAX (possibly even in 3D), while DJ Caruso expressed interest in using IMAX cameras during Y: The Last Man. I’m really glad that filmmakers and studios took notice of Nolan’s use of 70mm footage during The Dark Knight. I was originally concerned that the film’s $60 million IMAX Box Office record would result in more films being digitally up-converted, rather than finding a real value added experience for the IMAX presentation.

Thanks to Melvin for the link.

Update: A press release via AICN. Probably the part that is most important is the confirmation that IMAX release date, "As previously announced, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will be released to IMAX® theatres simultaneously with the movie’s wide release on June 26, 2009."

TF2 Casting Call Report

The Arizona Daily Star has provided a set report that includes the plans for the recent casting call that was reported about here recently.

The report verified that Transformers 2 production will be Tucson International Airport on October 6th. Between security and the airport size, it’s going to be difficult to determine exactly where they are going to be without a great deal of luck or inside knowledge of the exact location (which I don't have).

The event announcement called for people to dress like airport travelers of all types, so the line was filled with suits, cowboy hats, college sweat shirts, and for the most enterprising, luggage. The room buzzed with excited chatter for a day that was more cattle call than casting call.

A pair of married couples, Eric and Betsy Souza and their friends Eric and Michelle Jakoby, heeded the call of their pal, self-described fifth wheel Dane Snyder, who read about the casting call online.

Eric Jakoby, a 26-year-old fireman, was pumped. He still has his childhood collection of Transformers toys.

"We're here because there's nothing better to do in Tucson," one of them said, making all of the others crack up.

Thirty spots ahead of that group in line stood Ismael Soqui and his wife, Talitha Villalobos. Villalobos, a 22-year-old homemaker, wanted another taste of the movies after popping up as an extra in the 1996 Kris Kristofferson-starring TV film "Blue Rodeo," which was shot Downtown.

"I heard you talking about it on the radio," Soqui said, referring to my weekly guest slot on 92.1 KFMA's "The Frank Show." "So I told her, 'Let's do it.' "

Eric Impraim, a 26-year-old former Star employee with a fledgling acting career, showed up with his 21-year-old brother, Francis. Eric said he was hoping for a little boost for his career. Francis isn't an actor, but he thought it would be fun to check out the set of a blockbuster. He looked around with a confident smile, and after evaluating his chances, he said, "I try to keep a positive attitude."

Virginia Love, a 74-year-old retired teacher, drove 26 miles from Sun City Vistoso in Oro Valley. Her grandchildren, ages 4, 8 and 12, are "Transformers" nuts.
"I've always wanted to do this," she said.

Waiting in line for two hours really helped us all get into character. It's what those of us in showbiz refer to as "the method." I focused and slipped into the zone. I truly became a person standing around at an airport.

When it finally came time for me and my line mates to step into the casting room, we hushed in unison. This wasn't so much "Transformers 2" as it was "Terminator 2" — Judgement Day. We were handed numbered placards along with slips of paper that asked our names, ages, weights and measurements.

I don't mean to sound cocky here, but I absolutely nailed that audition. I brought forth an animalistic rawness reminiscent of Marlon Brando in "A Streetcar Named Desire." I was so amazing that after standing by the wall for three seconds, posing for a head shot with placard No. 267, the casting director had seen enough. (Those who followed had similarly short auditions. Most likely because the powers that be treated them as mere formalities in lieu of my formidable showing.)

As if not to dash the fragile hopes of the others, the casting lady gave us a blanket "don't call us — we'll call you" message. If DreamWorks wants us in the film, they'll ring us up. She said extras will get $8 an hour for the first eight hours, followed by time and a half for any additional hours.

I was mildly offended at the low pay, but after talking it over with my agent — OK, just mumbling silently to myself — I decided to accept. That is, I will decide to accept as soon as they call me. And surely they will. After all, what would the movie be without No. 267?

Good luck and have fun for those that where chosen as extras.

Casting Call, White Sands Mini Update

Two brief updates about Transformers 2 production from site readers. The first is about the casting call in Arizona where Chris reports that its for a one day shoot to be held possibly on the 6th, but since production is a day behind it might be the 7th. The extras, which will be needed for 8-12 hours, will be cast as TSA agents and airport travelers.

In addition there will be a shoot at The Boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ (not sure if extras are going there). The Boneyard or The 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) is a reference to where military aircraft go after being taken out of service. Lots of planes, Michael Bay, and Transformers...makes you wonder if a lot of boom is planned.

Tomorrow is expected to be the last day Transformers 2 production will be at Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands. Apparently on that day military ID holders can visit the set but might want to verify that before just showing up.

As for where Transformers 2 is shooting between White Sands and The Boneyard, your guess is as good as mine. Thanks to Chris and Tamara for their information.

More Cullen in Optimus Prime

MTV spoke briefly with the voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, about Transformers 2. As he had said before, the opening introduction has been done but it turns out that there might be a bit more Cullen in the onscreen Optimus Prime this time around.

“I’ve only done the opening,” voiceover legend Peter Cullen told MTV News, updating us on the lengthy process of recording lines for the film. “[Michael] Bay brought me in to get them started on some of the animation part of it. I think they require a voiceover for it, [and then] we’ll get into the main stuff more towards the end of the fall…November, perhaps.”

And while Cullen will remain off-camera, like in the first film, some of him will find a home on the synchronized face of his alter-ego, Prime. “They focus a camera on my mouth,” he exclaimed. “It’s like ‘Oh my God, they’re looking into my mouth!’ It’s like going to the dentist.”

Arizona Casting Call Saturday

The Arizona Daily Star is reporting that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is holding an open casting call for extras.

Think you can hang with Shia and generate good onscreen chemistry with Megatron? Then you'll want to hit Desert Diamond Casino Hotel, 7350 S. Nogales Highway, at 9 a.m. Saturday, when they're holding a casting call for the "Transformers" sequel. Shooting starts in early October. The filmmakers are looking for "airport travelers." Only those ages 18 and over will be accepted, and prospective extras are advised to bring a pen and their social security number.

Good luck to those that can go.

Chevy Volt At White Sands Set

Thanks to Dee who provided the two cell phone pictures below from White Sands Missile Range. The first shows Josh, extras and possibly Tyrese (not sure) as they prep for a scene. I assume that is the C17, mentioned here, that seems to be used to deploy our heroes in Egypt to fight Decepticons.

The second picture seems to be a bit more significant to me as it shows the Chevy Volt parked with other Autobots. Last time we saw the Volt was at the Queensway Bridge set (here and here) which was being used as a Shanghai, China site. At the time a GM rep said the car is not a Transformer alt mode but its looking pretty clear that is not the case.

The suggestion was the car is essentially an extra used for a scene at the Queensway, but if that was the case why spend the time and money to transport the car from California to New Mexico and in the movie storyline from China to Egypt (or vice versa since not sure what comes before what in the story)? The way I see it, this pretty much confirms that the Chevy Volt is an alt mode for un-identified Autobot Transformer. Considering the Volt is part of "green" friendly push by GM, I highly doubt the car is a Decepticon. As usual this is all speculation but it fits the concept car M.O. established by the first movie and continued in this one.