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{{otheruses4|the 2007 live action film|the 1986 animated film|The Transformers: The Movie}}
{{Infobox Film
| name = Transformers
| image = Transformers07.jpg
| caption = International poster
|
| writer = [[Roberto Orci]]<br>[[Alex Kurtzman]]<br>[[John Rogers (writer)|John Rogers]]
| producer = [[Steven Spielberg]]<br>[[Tom DeSanto]]<br>[[Don Murphy]]
| starring = [[Shia LaBeouf]]<br>[[Megan Fox]]<br>[[Josh Duhamel]]<br>[[Tyrese Gibson]]<br>[[Jon Voight]]<br>'''Voices:'''<br>[[Peter Cullen]]<br>[[Hugo Weaving]]
| music = [[Steve Jablonsky]]
| cinematography = Mitch Amundsen
| distributor = [[DreamWorks Pictures]]<br>[[Paramount Pictures]]<br>[[United International Pictures|UIP]]
| released ={{flagicon|Australia}} {{flagicon|New Zealand}} {{flagicon|Philippines}}[[June 28]], [[2007]]<br />{{flagicon|United States}} [[July 2]], [[2007]]<br />{{flagicon|UK}} [[July 27]], [[2007]]<br /> <!-- Only English language releases -->
| runtime = 144 min
| country = {{USA}}
| language = [[English language|English]]
| budget = $147 million<ref name="budget">{{cite news | first= Robert |last=Sanchez | title = Interview: Ian Bryce and Lorenzo di Bonaventura on Transformers and More! | publisher = IESB | date = [[2007-06-18]] | url = http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2724&Itemid=99 | accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref>
| followed_by =
| website
| amg_id = 1:322407
| imdb_id = 0418279
}}
'''''Transformers''''' is a [[2007 in film|2007]] [[live action]] [[film]] based on the [[Transformers (fiction)|Transformers]] [[Transformers (toyline)|franchise]], directed by [[Michael Bay]] and [[executive producer|executive produced]] by [[Steven Spielberg]]. It stars [[Shia LaBeouf]] as Sam Witwicky, who has the map to the [[Allspark]], the center of the war between the heroic [[Autobot]]s and the evil [[Decepticon]]s. The film also stars [[Megan Fox]], [[Josh Duhamel]], [[Tyrese Gibson]], [[Jon Voight]], [[John Turturro]], and [[Hugo Weaving]] as the voice of [[Megatron]]. [[Peter Cullen]], the voice of [[Optimus Prime]] in the [[The Transformers (TV series)|1980s cartoon]], reprised the role for the film.
Producers [[Don Murphy]] and [[Tom DeSanto]] developed the film, and [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] wrote the script, aiming for a realistic interpretation of the characters. Though not a fan, Bay was convinced by Spielberg to direct, and he created an intricate design aesthetic for the [[computer-generated]] Transformers. Bay had support from [[General Motors]] and the [[United States military]] during filming, keeping the budget under $150 million. Armed with an enormous marketing campaign including comics, toys and tie-in deals, ''Transformers'' opened in the [[United States]] on [[July 2]] [[2007]], and broke the box office record for the highest-grossing opening week for a non-sequel. Critics praised the special effects, but found the characterization lacking.
==
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The film begins with the history of [[Cybertron|Cybertron's]] destruction at the hands of [[Megatron]], and his quest to obtain the [[Allspark]]. Megatron discovers the Allspark on [[Earth]], but crash-lands in the [[Arctic Circle]], becoming frozen in the ice. [[Witwicky family#Captain Archibald|Captain Archibald Witwicky]] and his crew of explorers stumble upon Megatron's body in 1897. Megatron's navigational system is unintentionally activated, and Archibald's eye glasses are imprinted with the coordinates to the Allspark's ___location. Sector 7, a secret organization of the United States government, discovers the Allspark and builds the [[Hoover Dam]] around it to mask the energy signal. The still-frozen Megatron is moved into this facility, and is [[Reverse engineering|reverse engineered]] to further advance human technology.
In the present day, the rest of the [[Decepticon]]s [[Blackout (Transformers)|Blackout]], [[Frenzy (Transformers)|Frenzy]], [[Barricade (Transformers)|Barricade]], [[Starscream]], [[Bonecrusher (Transformers)|Bonecrusher]], and [[Constructicons|Devastator]]—have already landed on Earth and assumed the disguise of Earth vehicles-except [[Scorponok]], who retains his scorpion-like alien form. Blackout and Scorponok attack a U.S. military base in [[Qatar]] in an effort to use the military database to discover the ___location of Megatron and the Allspark, but they do not succeed. A small group of survivors who survived the assault at the military base wander through the desert and are attacked by Scorponok.
The Autonomous Robotic Life Form (shortened to "[[Autobot]]") known as [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]] is also on Earth, disguised as a [[Second-generation Chevrolet Camaro#1977|1977 Chevrolet Camaro]], and looking for Sam Witwicky, the descendant of Captain Archibald Witwicky. As soon as he locates Sam, the two quickly begin to bond as Bumblebee helps Sam try and [[Courtship|woo]] his crush, Mikaela Banes; Sam is unaware of the fact that Bumblebee is an alien, until he witnesses Bumblebee transform and send out a homing signal for the rest of the Autobots. After Blackout's failure, Frenzy infiltrates [[Air Force One]] to hack once again into the military database. He discovers that Sam possesses a map, imprinted on Captain Witwicky's glasses, that will lead the Decepticons to the Allspark. Frenzy and Barricade begin tracking Sam's ___location.
Barricade confronts Sam, demanding Archibald's glasses. Bumblebee, who is following Sam, transforms and battles Barricade. Mikaela, who is also following Sam, is caught in the crossfire, and leaves with Sam and Bumblebee to rendezvous with the rest of the Autobots. The Autobots—[[Optimus Prime]], [[Jazz (Transformers)|Jazz]], [[Ironhide]], and [[Ratchet (Transformers)|Ratchet]]—land on Earth and take on the forms of several Earth vehicles. Sam, Mikaela, and the Autobots return to Sam's home to retrieve the glasses. Although the Autobots managed to get the glasses, agents from Sector 7 arrive to take Sam and Mikaela into custody. Bumblebee is also apprehended, against the pleas of Sam who assures the agents-to no avail-that the Autobot means them no harm.
Frenzy secretly accompanies the group to the Hoover Dam, and releases Megatron from suspended animation. Locating the Allspark, he sends out an alert to the rest of the Decepticons. Megatron escapes, and Sam convinces the Sector 7 agents to release Bumblebee so that he can get the Allspark to Optimus Prime. The Decepticons chase the Autobots, who now possess the Allspark, into a neighboring city. An ensuing battle results in casualties for both sides: Jazz is viciously ripped in half by Megatron, while Devastator and Blackout are taken down by the Autobots and the military. The battle ends with Sam killing Megatron and the Allspark when he holds the cube to Megatron's chest. Optimus Prime mourns the loss of his [[comrade]] Jazz, but expresses his gratitude to Sam and his military allies. The remains of the Decepticons are cast into the [[Laurentian Abyss]] by the U.S. Armed Forces. With no other home to go to - Cybertron having been destroyed by Megatron - the Autobots decide to stay on Earth, and Optimus sends out a signal across space in an effort to locate any other surviving Autobots, while Sam and Mikaela begin a relationship. Starscream, one of the Decepticons that survived the battle, leaves Earth.
==Cast==
===Humans===
*'''[[Shia LaBeouf]]''' as '''[[Witwicky family#Spike|Sam Witwicky]]''': An offbeat seventeen-year old, Sam gets his first car, which turns out to be [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]. Sam unwittingly becomes the center of the [[Autobot]]-[[Decepticon]] war, and becomes the unlikely savior of humanity.
*'''[[Megan Fox]]''' as '''Mikaela Banes''': A girl whom Sam is interested in and woos with the help of [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]. Her father was a "[[grease monkey]]" and she has inherited some of his skills.
*'''[[Josh Duhamel]]''' as '''[[Cpt]] William Lennox''': Leader of a [[U.S. Army]] Special Ops [[US Ranger]] team in [[Qatar]], who manages to escape the destruction caused by [[Blackout (Transformers)|Blackout]]. He has a wife and new-born daughter back home.
*'''[[Tyrese Gibson]]''' as '''[[TSgt]] Epps''': An [[Air Force Combat Control]]ler who teams up with Lennox to escape Blackout and [[Scorponok]].
*'''[[John Turturro]]''' as '''Simmons''': An officer in Sector 7, a secret government group that has been holding and studying the [[Allspark]] and the frozen [[Megatron]]. Simmons is leading a team tracking down the Cybertronians.
*'''[[Jon Voight]]''' as '''John Keller''': The [[United States Secretary of Defense]].
*'''[[Rachael Taylor]]''' as '''Maggie Madsen''': An expert in signal detection and decoding assisting the Department of Defense.
*'''[[Anthony Anderson]]''' as '''Glenn Whitmann''': A [[computer hacker]] and friend of Maggie, who assists in deciphering the Cybertronian language.
*'''[[Bernie Mac]]''' as '''Bobby Bolivia''': The car dealer who unknowingly sells Bumblebee (as an early model Camaro), to Sam.
*'''[[Michael O'Neill]]''' as '''Tom Banachek''': The head of Sector 7 and Simmons's boss. He brings all the major characters together at the Hoover Dam.
LaBeouf, Fox, Duhamel, Gibson and Anderson were fans of the Transformers.<ref name="history">{{cite news | title = Transformers: The Cast, The History, The Movie | publisher = Entertainment News International | date = [[2007-06-15]] | url = http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11212 | accessdate=2007-06-16}}</ref> [[Michael Bay]] hired LaBeouf as he could improvise many jokes,<ref name="bay conference"/> with a charisma that reminded Bay of the young [[Tom Hanks]].<ref name="rise"/> LaBeouf worked out five days a week for three months and gained 25 pounds of muscle to prepare for the role, but realized during shooting that his role required agility rather than strength. Fox gained 10 pounds of muscle during shooting due to the physicality of the role.<ref name="making of"/> Duhamel and Gibson spent three days in [[Recruit training|boot camp]], and Gibson also spent time with combat controller Ray Bollinger to make his dialogue sound natural.<ref name="history"/>
===Autobots===
*'''[[Peter Cullen]]''' as the voice of '''[[Optimus Prime]]''' ([[Peterbilt]] truck): The wise and powerful [[Autobot]] leader who comes to protect humanity from the evil Decepticons. He wields a cannon and a blade.
*'''[[Mark Ryan]]''' as the voice of '''[[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]''' (Second/Fifth generation [[Chevrolet Camaro]]): Bumblebee is an honest and friendly soldier who develops a friendship with Sam and Mikaela during his efforts to find the Allspark. He has difficulty speaking after his vocal processors were damaged in battle, and uses [[soundbite]]s from radio broadcasts to communicate on Earth.
*'''[[Darius McCrary]]''' as the voice of '''[[Jazz (Transformers)|Jazz]]''' (Modified [[Pontiac Solstice]]): Optimus' second-in-command, he is a small but acrobatic fighter, with [[magnet]]ic hands. He develops a fondness for human culture.
*'''[[Jess Harnell]]''' as the voice of '''[[Ironhide]]''' ([[Chevrolet Kodiak|GMC Topkick 6500]] [[pick-up truck]]): The tough, trigger-happy weapons specialist of the group, wielding enormous cannons on his arms. He is an old friend of Optimus, and constantly threatens to use deadly force on terrestrial life forms, much to Optimus' dismay.
*'''[[Robert Foxworth]]''' as the voice of '''[[Ratchet (Transformers)|Ratchet]]''' ([[Search and Rescue|Search & Rescue]] [[Hummer H2]]): The team's medic and scientist. He has enhanced senses, and has an axe and a saw.
[[Don Murphy]] decided after discussions with fans on his website that they wanted the surviving voices from the [[The Transformers (TV series)|1980s cartoon]],<ref name="toronto1"/> but [[Michael Bay]] had them audition first, as he feared their aged voices would be noticeable.<ref name="quint">{{cite news |url = http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=23105| title = Quint sits down with Michael Bay and sees tons of TRANSFORMERS stuff!!!| publisher = Ain't It Cool News|date = [[2006-04-23]]|accessdate = 2006-07-09}}</ref> [[Peter Cullen]], the voice of [[Optimus Prime]], was announced to be reprising his role at the July 2006 [[San Diego Comic-Con]].<ref name="ignset">{{cite news | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/728/728564p1.html | title = ''Transformers'' Set Report | publisher = [[IGN]] | first= Chris |last=Carle | date = [[2006-08-27]] | accessdate = 2006-09-01}}</ref> He described reprising the role as easy as "slipping into an old pair of very comfortable shoes that you haven't worn for a while", and was grateful to the fans for wanting him back.<ref>{{cite news | first= Todd |last=Gilchrist | title = Exclusive: Peter Cullen Interview | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-06-08]] | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/795/795203p1.html | accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> His vocal performance consisted of much improvisation with Bay and bringing a sense of humor to Prime, as well as portraying his traditional heroism.<ref>{{cite news | first= Mike |last=Szymanski | title = Transformers' Prime Is Deeper | publisher = [[Sci-Fi Wire]] | date = [[2007-06-13]] | url = http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=41902 | accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> Paramount held a contest for fans to submit a line of dialogue for Optimus in the film, and the winning entry was "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings",<ref>{{cite news|title= Movie's Make Prime Speak Contest Winners Announced|url=http://tformers.com/Movies-Make-Prime-Speak-Contest-Winners-Announced/6763/news.html}}</ref> but this line, being the character's catchphrase, was in the script from its first draft.<ref>{{cite web | authorlink = John Rogers (writer)|first=John |last=Rogers]] | title = Hey, Libertas! | url = http://kfmonkey.blogspot.com/2007/07/hey-libertas.html | accessdate = 2007-07-10 }}</ref>
Cullen also read for [[Ironhide]], another character he originally voiced, during his first audition, portraying a conversation between Optimus and Ironhide.<ref>{{cite news | title = Interview with Peter Cullen at Anime Matsuri 2007 | publisher = TFormers | date = [[2007-05-01]]| url = http://tformers.com/Interview-Peter-Cullen-Talks-Transformers/7535/news.html | accessdate = 2007-05-02}}</ref> [[Mark Ryan]] acted as a stand in for the Transformers during filming, giving actors someone to react to, both physically where appropriate and providing dialogue, and ad-libbed lines for many characters during post-production before being cast as Bumblebee.<ref>{{cite news | first= Derek |last=McGraw | title = Bumblebee Speaks! | publisher = Fanboy Planet | date = [[2007-07-04]] | url = http://www.fanboyplanet.com/interviews/mc-markryan.php | accessdate = 2007-07-04}}</ref> Bumblebee mostly communicates with his radio due to his damaged vocal processor, and the writers considered using dialogue from various [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] films, including the line "I feel the need for speed!" from ''[[Top Gun (film)|Top Gun]]''.<ref>{{cite web | first=Roberto|last=Orci| authorlink = Roberto Orci | title = Trek reference in TF's | publisher = Official site | url = http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=373366&postcount=10 | date = [[2007-06-20]] | accessdate=2007-06-30}}</ref>
===Decepticons===
*'''[[Hugo Weaving]]''' as the voice of '''[[Megatron]]''' ([[Cybertron]]ian "jet"): The brutal [[Decepticon]] leader who desires power over the [[Allspark]]. According to [[Peter Cullen]], Optimus and Megatron are brothers, akin to the story of [[Cain and Abel]].<ref>{{cite news | first= Anthony |last=Breznican | title = 'Transformers': From toy story to serious art? | publisher = [[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-06-30]] | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-06-28-transformers-main_N.htm | accessdate=2007-07-15}}</ref> He crash-landed in the Arctic eons ago, and his frozen body is kept in storage by Sector 7. He wields a [[Flail (weapon)|flail]] and his arms form a cannon.
*'''[[Charlie Adler]]''' as the voice of '''[[Starscream]]''' ([[F-22 Raptor]]): Megatron's second-in-command who leads the Decepticons in his absence, and is berated for failing him repeatedly once he returns, alluding to an uneasy relationship between the two.
*'''[[Jess Harnell]]''' as the voice of '''[[Barricade (Transformers)|Barricade]]''' ([[Ford Mustang Variants#Saleen|Saleen-modified Ford Mustang]] [[police car]]): A Decepticon in disguise of a police car who locates Sam early on.
*'''[[Reno Wilson]]''' as the voice of '''[[Frenzy (Transformers)|Frenzy]]''' (GPX 2-speaker CD player, mobile phone): The smallest Decepticon, Frenzy attaches to Barricade. His main purpose is spying on humans, but he is still a ferocious fighter, shooting blades disguised as CDs from his chest.
*'''Jimmie Wood''' as the voice of '''[[Bonecrusher (Transformers)|Bonecrusher]]''' ([[Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)|Buffalo H Mine-Protected vehicle]]): He attacks Optimus Prime during the highway chase.
*'''[[Blackout (Transformers)|Blackout]]''' (an [[MH-53 Pave Low]] helicopter), '''[[Scorponok]]''' (a mechanical [[scorpion]]) and '''[[Brawl (Transformers)|Devastator]]''' (an [[M1 Abrams]] tank) do not have voice actors.
[[Hugo Weaving]], whose voice was used for facial animation tests,<ref name="bay set meeting">{{cite news | first= Heather |last=Newgen | title = Transformers Set Visit: Michael Bay | publisher = Comingsoon.net | date = [[2007-05-14]] | url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/interviewsnews.php?id=20353 | accessdate=2007-06-06}}</ref> signed on to voice Megatron in March 2007.<ref name="knight">{{cite news|first=Anthony last=Breznican|title='Transformers': Good knight vs. bad|publisher=[[USA Today]]|date=[[2007-03-26]]|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-03-26-transformers_N.htm?csp=34|accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref> TV series voice actor [[Frank Welker]] auditioned, but was rejected as his voice was too light for the beastly depiction of Megatron. Bay felt it would be wrong to ask Welker to change his classic voice.<ref name="cgi">{{cite news | first= Ethan |last=Kaye | title = C.G.I. ROBOT | publisher = [[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard]] | date = [[2007-07-03]] | url = http://www.wizarduniverse.com/movies/transformersmovie/004974570.cfm | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> Welker voiced Megatron in the [[Transformers: The Game|video game adaptation]].
==Production==
===Development===
{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; background:#c6dbf7; color:black; width:28em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
| style="text-align: left;" | "I think it's going to be something the audience has never seen before. In all the years of movie-making, I don't think the image of a truck transforming into a 20-foot tall robot has ever been captured on screen. I also want to make a film that's a homage to 1980s movies and gets back to the sense of wonder that Hollywood has lost over the years. It will have those Spielberg-ian moments where you have the push-in on the wide-eyed kid and you feel like you're 10 years old even if you're 35."
|-
| style="text-align: left;" | — Tom DeSanto on why he produced the film<ref name="spielbergian">{{cite news | first=Harry|last=Knowles|authorlink = Harry Knowles | title = Tom DeSanto gets to yapping about more than meets the eye... aka TRANSFORMERS! | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2003-09-02]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15972 | accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref>
|}
In 2002, [[Hasbro]] began developing its properties into films.<ref>{{cite news | first= Michelle |last=Smith | title = Hasbro Banking on 'Transformers' Change | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | date = [[2007-06-19]] | url = http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070618/transformers_hasbro.html?.v=5 | accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> Producer [[Don Murphy]] was looking to adapt ''[[G.I. Joe]]'', but when the U.S. [[Iraq War|invaded Iraq]], Hasbro suggested ''[[Transformers (toy line)|Transformers]]'' instead.<ref name="don on set">{{cite news | first=Kellvin |last=Chavez | title = On Set Interview: Producer Don Murphy On Transformers | publisher = Latino Review | date = [[2007-02-21]] | url = http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=1502 | accessdate =2007-05-19}}</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] joined the project as he was a big fan of the characters,<ref name="history"/> and the two producers decided to explore why Transformers exist.<ref name="don on set"/> They met with comic book writer [[Simon Furman]] and researched the ''[[Generation 1]]'' cartoon and comics,<ref name="don on set"/> deciding to focus on the [[Creation Matrix]].<ref name="toronto1">{{cite web | title = Don Murphy at TransformersCon Toronto 2006 | publisher = Transformerscon | url = http://www.transformerscon.com/videos.php | accessdate = 2007-01-07}}</ref> DeSanto chose a human point-of-view in his [[film treatment|treatment]] to engage the audience,<ref name="tom on set">{{cite news | first=Kellvin |last=Chavez | title = On Set Interview: Producer Tom De Santo On Transformers | publisher = Latino Review | date = [[2007-02-21]] | url = http://www.latinoreview.com/news.php?id=1501 | accessdate =2007-05-19}}</ref> in various storylines resembling a [[disaster film]], as Murphy wanted it to feel realistic.<ref name="toronto1"/> The treatment featured the characters [[Optimus Prime]], [[Ironhide]], [[Jazz (Transformers)|Jazz]], [[Prowl (Transformers)|Prowl]], [[Ratchet (Transformers)|Ratchet]], [[Wheeljack]], [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]], [[Megatron]], [[Starscream]], [[Soundwave]], [[Ravage (Transformers)|Ravage]], [[Laserbeak]], [[Rumble (Transformers)|Rumble]], [[Skywarp]] and [[Shockwave (Transformers)|Shockwave]].<ref>{{cite news | first=Scott |last=Marble| title = The Mind of Tom Desanto| publisher = Transformers Collectors Club Magazine | date = June 2007| pages = 3, 10 | accessdate =2007-06-09}}</ref>
After they were rejected by many studio executives who did not grow up with ''Transformers'', DeSanto met with [[Mike DeLuca]] in 2004, who arranged a meeting with [[Steven Spielberg]].<ref name="rise"/> A fan of the comics and toys,<ref name="history"/> Spielberg signed on as [[executive producer]], and [[John Rogers (writer)|John Rogers]] was hired as screenwriter in November.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/563/563081p1.html| title = Rogers Writing ''Transformers''| author = Stax| publisher = IGN| date = [[2004-11-03]]| accessdate = 2006-09-01}}</ref> His script featured four Transformers on each side,<ref name="quotes">{{cite news | title = Don Murphy Quotes Special | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2005-04-17]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=5057 | accessdate=2007-02-18}}</ref> and had the ''[[Ark (Transformers)|Ark]]'' spaceship.<ref>{{cite news | first= Alex |last=Kingdom | title = TF Movie Screenwriter John Rogers Speaks out | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2004-11-30]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=4314 | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], big fans of the cartoon,<ref name="toyfare">{{cite news | first= Zach |last=Oat | title = Double Vision | publisher = Toyfare | date = [[2007-01-12]] | url = http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/002989825.cfm | accessdate = 2007-01-15}}</ref> were hired in February to start over.<ref name="writers hired">{{cite news | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/588/588884p1.html| title = EXCLUSIVE: New ''Transformers'' Writers| author = Stax| publisher = IGN| date = [[2005-02-18]]| accessdate = 2006-09-01}}</ref> Spielberg pitched it to them as about "a boy and his car",<ref name="transtrek"/> which appealed to them as adulthood and responsibility is "the things that a car represents in [the [[United States]]]."<ref name="kaboom">{{cite news | first= Dave |last=Itzkoff | title = Character-Driven Films (but Keep the Kaboom) | publisher = [[New York Times]] | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/24/movies/24dave.html?pagewanted=2&_r=2&ref=movies | date = [[2007-06-24]] | accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref> Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee and Starscream were included in all their scripts,<ref name="toyfare"/> but Sam and Mikaela were the focus of the first draft,<ref name="arcee"/> and the Transformers had no dialogue. This was changed in the next draft, as the writers felt that even if it could look ridiculous, having them not speak would betray the fanbase.<ref name="toyfare"/> Inspired by Spielberg's ''[[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial]]'', Bumblebee was kept mute to stress his friendship with Sam as going beyond words.<ref name="bumblebeetee">{{cite news | first= Josh |last=Horowitz | title = 'Transformers' Writers Talk Fanboy Pressure, 'E.T.' Inspiration, Sequel Ideas | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-03-13]] |url = http://www.mtv.com/movies/#/movies/news/articles/1554426/20070312/story.jhtml|accessdate=2007-03-13}}</ref>
[[Michael Bay]], who had wanted to make a [[family film]],<ref name="divulge"/> was asked to direct after finishing ''[[The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'',<ref name="edit">{{cite news | title = Michael Bay and the Edit of Transformers | publisher = FXGuide | date=[[2007-07-09]] | url = http://www.fxguide.com/article441.html | accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref> but he thought of it as a "stupid toy movie".<ref name="rise">{{cite news | first= Chris |last=Hewitt | title = Rise of the Machines | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | pages = 95-100 | date = [[2007-06-28]] | accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref> Nonetheless, Spielberg's premise of "a boy and his car" made him curious, and visiting [[Hasbro]] made him gain a new respect for the mythology.<ref name="bay conference"/> In addition, he was enticed by ideas like an 85 mile-per-hour fight scene,<ref name="divulge"/> and the comedy caused by Transformers interfering with everyday life.<ref name="bay conference"/> The tone was decided as a cross between ''[[Close Encounters of the Third Kind]]'' and ''[[Seven Samurai]]''.<ref name="rise"/> Bay also wanted it to feel intense and realistic,<ref name="bay set meeting"/> and the writers agreed to make everything seem logical, setting aside the previous [[Transformers (fiction)#Generation One (1984-1992)|contradictory continuities]] in the franchise.<ref name="kaboom"/> Bay admitted not being a fan before allowed him to tell the story naturally, and make it appeal to other non-fans.<ref name="bay conference"/> Orci cut the ''Ark'' as he wondered why "aliens who moonlight as vehicles need other vehicles to travel",<ref>{{cite news | title = Ark Not Making An Appearance In the Movie? | publisher = TFormers | date = [[2007-09-14]] | url = http://tformers.com/Ark-Not-Making-An-Appearance-In-the-Movie/6513/news.html | accessdate = 2007-02-04}}</ref> and [[Arcee]] was cut as they had little time to explain robotic gender.<ref name="arcee">{{cite news | first= Todd |last=Gilchrist | title = Exclusive interview: Roberto Orci | publisher = [[IGN]] | date=[[2007-07-02]] | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/801/801098p1.html | accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> Bay expanded the military storylines,<ref name="prime time"/> considering the first draft "too kiddie",<ref name="edit"/> with the soldiers based on ''[[G.I. Joe]]''.<ref>{{cite web | first=Roberto|last=Orci|authorlink = Roberto Orci | title = Roberto and Alex: Questions | url = http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=371594&postcount=4533 | date = [[2007-06-18]] | accessdate=2007-06-30}}</ref> More Decepticons were added to increase the sense of threat,<ref name="yahoowebcast"/> and the Autobot Prowl was removed as Orci and Kurtzman loved the perverseness of an evil [[police car]].<ref>{{cite web | first=Roberto|last=Orci|authorlink = Roberto Orci | title = Roberto and Alex: Questions | date = [[2007-06-07]] | url = http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=371594&postcount=4533 | accessdate=2007-06-30}}</ref>
===Design===
[[Image:Ironhide-movievehicle.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Ironhide]] on display by [[General Motors]] at the 2007 [[Detroit River Walk]] Festival]]
Designs began in June 2005, with [[Hasbro]] heavily collaborating on the live action interpretations of their characters.<ref name="budget"/> In keeping with [[Michael Bay]]'s desire to make ''Transformers'' realistic, the robots were designed more intricately to look more three-dimensional,<ref name="divulge">{{cite news | first=Josh |last=Horowitz | title = Michael Bay Divulges 'Transformers' Details — And Word Of 'Bad Boys III' | publisher = MTV | date = [[2007-02-15]] | url = http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1552462/20070214/story.jhtml | accessdate = 2007-02-15}}</ref> as well as reflect their alien origins.<ref name="Lombardo on toys">{{cite news | first= Zack |last=Oat | title = Prime Cuts | publisher = Toyfare | date = [[2007-02-09]] | url = http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazine/toyfare/003382592.cfm | accessdate = 2007-02-09}}</ref> Morphing in transformations was restricted, unlike the cartoon or comic books, so every character stays the same size, which explains their choice of Earth forms.<ref name="making of"/> [[Optimus Prime]]'s original [[cab over]] truck form was rejected as it would make him only 23 feet tall, so Bay decided to use the [[Peterbilt]], the largest truck available.<ref name="rebirth"/> Bay also added flame artwork to make Prime distinctive, and gave him a mouth to emote more.<ref name="bay conference"/> [[Don Murphy]] wanted to retain [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]'s [[Volkswagen Beetle]] form,<ref>{{cite news | title = Reports from Transformerscon including more Movie bits | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2006-04-30]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=7204 | accessdate = 2007-02-02}}</ref> but Bay rejected it to avoid comparisons with [[Herbie|Herbie the Love Bug]],<ref name="news etc">{{cite news|first=Tony |last=Horkins|title=Transformers|pages=14-5|publisher=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|date=[[2007-03-29]]}}</ref> and chose the [[Chevrolet Camaro]] instead, which he described as having a friendly quality.<ref name="making of"/> Bumblebee is a 1977 Yellow Chevy Camaro originally titled in Oklahoma and was auctioned on eBay along with other vehicles and movie memorabilia auctioned on eBay by Premiere Props on behalf of Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization that used the funds collected from the auctions to build homes for United States military personnel and veterans. The other [[Autobots]] also became [[General Motors|GM]]-owned vehicles in a [[product placement]] deal that saved $3 million,<ref name="bay conference"/> though Bay hoped they would have supplied a bigger car than the [[Pontiac Solstice]] for [[Jazz (Transformers)|Jazz]].<ref name="prime time">{{cite news | first= Adam B. |last=Vary | title = Optimus Prime Time | publisher = [[Entertainment Weekly]] | url = http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20035285_20035331_20044598,00.html | accessdate=2007-07-07}}</ref>
In contrast to Optimus' faithful design, [[Megatron]]'s alternate mode was changed from a [[Walther P38]] pistol to an alien jet to avoid morphing,<ref name="rebirth">{{cite news | title = The Rebirth of Optimus Prime: Behind the Scenes with Director Michael Bay | publisher = Wired | url = http://www.wired.com/entertainment/hollywood/magazine/15-07/trans_movie?currentPage=3 | first= Scott |last=Brown | date = [[2007-06-26]] | accessdate=2007-06-28}}</ref> while his face was made more hideous and menacing.<ref name="knight"/> The numerous animatic tests conducted also made Bay realize [[Starscream]] would require bird-like legs to perform his feats throughout the story.<ref name="wreck">{{cite web | title = Michael Bay Interview | publisher = [[Yahoo!]] | date = [[2007-06-05]] | url = http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2939413/20070605/199/2939413-700-flash-s.37891277-,2939413-300-wmv-s.37891269-,2939413-700-wmv-s.37891270-,2939413-1000-flash-s.37891279-,2939413-1000-wmv-s.37891271-,2939413-100-flash-s.37891273-,2939413-300-flash-s.37891274-,2939413-100-wmv-s.37891266- | accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> Bay admitted most of the Decepticons had their appearances chosen before their characterization as Hasbro needed to get started on the toys.<ref name="prime time"/> [[Blackout (Transformers)|Blackout]] was being considered as [[Soundwave (Transformers)|Soundwave]],<ref>{{cite web | first=Roberto|last=Orci| authorlink= Roberto Orci | url = http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=351304&postcount=4161 | title = Roberto and Alex: Questions | publisher = Official site | date = [[2007-05-19]] | accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref> but Hasbro wanted to have a music player for the character.<ref name="quotes"/> [[Don Murphy]] felt this role belittled Soundwave,<ref name="toronto1" /> and the writers concurred the character in the script barely resembled the original.<ref name="yahoowebcast"/> They renamed him Soundbyte,<ref>{{cite news | title = Transformers Movie Soundbyte (Frenzy) CGI Design Images First Look | publisher = TFW2005 | date = [[2007-02-02]] | url = http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=122322 | accessdate = 2007-02-03}}</ref> and finally [[Frenzy (Transformers)|Frenzy]], one of Soundwave's minions.<ref name="yahoowebcast">{{cite web| title = Transformers undisguised| publisher = Yahoo!| date = [[2006-08-18]]| url = http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808716430/video/2701721/20070418/2048/2701721-300-wmv-s.35907855-,2701721-300-flash-s.35907881-,2701721-100-wmv-s.35907849-,2701721-100-flash-s.35907874-,2701721-1000-wmv-s.35907866-,2701721-1000-flash-s.35907894-,2701721-700-flash-s.35907887-,2701721-700-wmv-s.35907861- | format = Webcast| accessdate = 2007-06-18}}</ref> The official names were confirmed in August 2006,<ref name="yahoowebcast"/> although Bay himself was not fully aware of these official names,<ref name="wreck"/> and this led to [[Brawl (Transformers)|Brawl]] being referred to as [[Devastator (Transformers)|Devastator]], his on-set name.<ref name="May blog" /> During post-production, fans expressed concern over Megatron's head design, so a last-minute tweak was done to satisfy them.<ref name="rise"/>
===Filming===
To save money, [[Michael Bay]] cut his fee by 30%, and planned an eighty-three day shooting schedule.<ref name="edit"/> He kept up the pace by doing more camera set-ups per day than usual<ref name="bay conference"/> and chose to shoot the film with a crew he was familiar with in the [[United States]].<ref name="straight">{{cite news | first= Nikki |last=Fenne | title = 'Transformers' Michael Bay Lays On Blame | publisher = [[LA Weekly]] | date = [[2007-07-04]] | url = http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/michael-bay-wants-to-get-facts-straight/ | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> He had the support of the [[United States military]], who supplied aircraft and vehicles for the alternate modes of the Decepticons, as well as [[F-117]]s, [[C-130]] and [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] cargo planes, and two [[V-22 Osprey|CV-22 Osprey]] [[tiltrotor]] [[aircraft]], out of three in the [[United States Air Force]] inventory at that time.<ref name="May blog">{{cite news| authorlink = Michael Bay|first=Michael|last=Bay | title = May 2006 blog| publisher = Shoot for the Edit| url = http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/archive-4.html| accessdate = 2006-10-26}}</ref> Such co-operation led ''Transformers'' to be the first film shot at [[The Pentagon]] since the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]].<ref name="making of"/>
Scenes from the 2007 Michael Bay film Transformers were filmed at Tinker Airforce Base in Oklahoma. The scene involves Airforce One landing per emergency due to being invaded by a small alien robot. In addition to this scene, the Decepticon Transformer Barricade, disguised as patrol car, debuts in this scene bearing an Oklahoma license plate.
[[Image:Michael Bay 060530-F-4692S-014.jpg|thumb|200px|Director [[Michael Bay]] filming at [[Holloman Air Force Base]]]]
A pre-shoot took place on [[April 19]], [[2006]], before principal photography began on April 22 at [[Holloman Air Force Base]].<ref name="making of"/> The Holloman shoot also included [[White Sands Missile Range]].<ref>{{cite news | first= Arlan |last=Ponder | title = Movie project transforms Holloman| publisher = Air Force Link| date = [[2006-06-05]]| url = http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123021221| accessdate = 2006-10-26}}</ref> On June 9, filming was onsite at the [[Hoover Dam]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Transformers to film at Hoover Dam| publisher = TFormers| date = [[2006-06-08]]| url = http://www.tformers.com/Transformers-to-Film-at-Hoover-Dam/6073/news.html| accessdate = 2006-10-26}}</ref> making them the first film crew to shoot there since 9/11. The crew then based themselves at [[Hughes Aircraft]] in [[Playa Vista]], including six weekends of filming the climactic battle in [[Los Angeles]].<ref name="making of"/> Production wrapped on September 24, although second unit shooting continued in the [[Arctic]] and [[Detroit]],<ref>{{cite news | authorlink = Don Murphy|first=Don|last=Murphy | title = Last Day of Shooting for the Transformers Movie | publisher = TFW2005 | date = [[2006-09-24]] | url = http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=111303 | accessdate=2007-02-20}}</ref> where it finally finished on October 4.<ref name="edit"/>
===
Work on the [[animatics]] began in April 2005,<ref name="quotes"/> with [[Michael Bay]] and [[Steven Spielberg]] conceived many ideas for action sequences.<ref name="quint"/> Bay shot his fourteen action sequences live to keep the budget below $150 million.<ref name="divulge"/> Three versions of each car were created by [[General Motors]] in anticipation that some of them would crash,<ref name="making of"/> and stunt drivers wore black [[balaclavas]] to blend in with the darkened interiors, so as to make the vehicles appear sentient.<ref>{{cite news | first= Ann |last=Job | title = Chevrolet Camaro: A Transformers Movie Star | publisher = [[MSNBC]] | date = [[2007-05-21]] | url = http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4024776&topart=sports | accessdate=2007-05-21}}</ref> Bay used his animatics to help the actors envision the Transformers, as well as a 17-foot-tall Bumblebee model by FXPerts, a Frenzy puppet by KNB,<ref name="making of">{{cite news | title = The Making Of The Transformers Movie | publisher = Entertainment News International | date = [[2007-06-15]] | url = http://enewsi.com/news.php?catid=190&itemid=11213 | accessdate=2007-06-16}}</ref> Scorponok's damaged tail,<ref name="farrar">{{cite news | first= Fred |last=Topel | title = ILM's Scott Farrar on the Transformers movie | publisher = Crave Online | date = [[2007-06-29]] | url = http://www.craveonline.com/filmtv/articles/04648113/ilms_scott_farrar_on_the_transformers_movie.html | accessdate=2007-06-30}}</ref> Optimus' head with [[motion capture]] points,<ref>{{cite news| title = Transformers movie updates Optimus Prime head prop | publisher = TFW2005 | date = [[2006-10-10]] | url = http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=112557 | accessdate = 2006-11-21}}</ref> and Megatron's frozen legs.<ref>{{cite news| title = New Pictures of Frozen Transformers Movie Megatron from the Movie Set | publisher = TFW2005 | date = [[2007-02-06]] | url = http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/showthread.php?t=122767 | accessdate = 2007-02-06}}</ref> The props amount to 12<ref name="farrar"/> out of 630 effects shots.<ref name="edit"/>
[[Industrial Light & Magic]] created computer-generated transformations over six months in 2005, looking at every inch of the models and making sure none of the car pieces conflicted during the simulations.<ref>{{cite news | first= Matt |last=Sullivan | title = Transformers: The Best Special Effects Ever? | publisher = Popular Mechanics | date = [[2007-07-03]] | url = http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4218826.html?series=6 | accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> Initially they were designed to follow the laws of physics, but it did not look exciting enough and was changed to be more fluid.<ref name="stun">{{cite news | first= Susan |last=King | title = A stunning transformation | publisher = [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]] | date = [[2007-07-08]] | url = http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20070708_A_stunning_transformation.html | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> One decision made was that the wheels should stay on the ground for as long as possible, allowing the robots to cruise around as they changed.<ref name="jaeger">{{cite news | first= Renee |last=Dunlop | title = Transformers’ Art Director Alex Jaeger’s Career on the Fast Track | publisher = CGSociety | date = [[2007-07-11]] | url = http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=4150 | accessdate = 2007-07-12}}</ref> Due to the intricate designs of the Transformers, even the simplest notion of turning a wrist requires seventeen visible pieces,<ref name="making of"/> while each of [[Ironhide]]'s guns is made of ten thousand parts.<ref name="divulge"/> Such detail required thirty-eight hours to render each frame of animation,<ref name="making of"/> which meant ILM had to increase their processing facilities.<ref name="ratcheting"/> Each rendered piece had to look like real metal, shiny or dull.<ref name="stun"/> Photographs were taken of each set and had a lighting environment produced within a computer so the robots would look like they were convincingly moving there.<ref name="ratcheting"/> ILM created the 430 shots of the thirteen primary robots, while [[Digital Domain]] and others created minor shots, including a vending machine mutated by the [[Allspark]].<ref name="edit"/>
Ultimately, the complex mechanics make the characters feel dynamic and quick rather than a lumbering beast,<ref name="bay conference"/> with the mechanics resembling human muscle movement, as Bay rejected a liquid metal surface for the facial animation. Bumblebee uses a piece below his faceplate as an eyebrow, and pieces in his cheek can swivel to resemble a smile. All the characters' eyes are designed to dilate and brighten.<ref name="jaeger"/> Numerous simulations were programmed into the robots, so the animators could just focus on animating the particular areas needed for a convincing performance.<ref name="ratcheting">{{cite news | first= Bill |last=Desowtiz | title = Transformers: Ratcheting Up Hard Body Surfaces | publisher = VFXWorld | date=[[2007-07-03]] | url = http://www.vfxworld.com/?atype=articles&id=3337&page=2 | accessdate=2007-07-04}}</ref> Bay instructed the animators at ILM to look at [[martial arts films]] to make the fights look graceful,<ref name="bay conference">{{cite news | title = Michael Bay on Transformers! | publisher = Superherohype.com | date = [[2007-06-20]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5884 | accessdate=2007-06-21}}</ref> and they also looked to actor [[Liam Neeson]]'s performances to inspire [[Optimus Prime]]'s mannerisms. [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]]'s behaviour was based on [[Michael J. Fox]]'s performance in ''[[Back to the Future]]''.<ref name="making of"/> Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] observed unexpected quirks in ILM's animation, and added new dialogue and re-edited scenes to adjust it to the robots' performances.<ref>{{cite news | first= Edward |last=Douglas | title = Exclusive: Transformers Writers Orci and Kurtzman | publisher = Superherohype.com | date = [[2007-06-29]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5938 | accessdate=2007-07-07}}</ref> Visual effects supervisor Scott Farrar was most proud of the scene where the Autobots hide from Sam's parents, as "there is a lot of humor and very dramatic night time lighting."<ref name="stun"/>
==
{{see also|Transformers: The Album}}
Composer [[Steve Jablonsky]], who collaborated with Bay on ''[[The Island (2005 film)|The Island]]'', scored music for the teaser trailer long before actual work on the film.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.soundtrack.net/news/article/?id=776 | title = Steve Jablonsky scores a teaser for ''Transformers'' | first= Dan |last=Goldwasser | date = [[2006-06-17]] | publisher = Soundtrack.net | accessdate = 2006-09-01 }}</ref> Scoring took place in April 2007 at the Sony Scoring Stage in [[Culver City]]. The score comprised six major themes over 90 minutes of score, including the teaser music.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.soundtrack.net/features/article/?id=235 | title = Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye | first= Dan |last=Goldwasser | date = [[2007-05-29]] | publisher = Soundtrack.net | accessdate = 2007-05-29}}</ref> [[Tom DeSanto]] wanted to work in an orchestral version of the TV series song,<ref>{{cite news | first= Chris |last=Hewitt | title = The Blockbuster Preview 2007 | pages = 68 | publisher = Empire (Issue 212) | date = February 2007}}</ref> but he and Bay never spoke with each other much.<ref name="straight"/> [[Mute Math]] performed a cover version instead. The band were childhood fans of Transformers, and were approached as their style suited the sound of the robots in the film. It only appears on the album.<ref>{{cite news | author = Spencer D | title = Transformers Vs. MuteMath | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-07-03]] | url = http://music.ign.com/articles/801/801247p1.html | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref>
==Marketing==
[[Image:tfbuilding.jpg|thumb|200px|A building in Hollywood, CA, draped in canvas promoting the film]]
{{See|Transformers: The Movie Prequel|Transformers: The Movie Adaptation|Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Transformers: The Game}}
The first [[teaser trailer]] was released on the Internet on [[June 29]] [[2006]], depicting a Transformer attacking the [[Beagle 2]] mission.<ref>{{cite web| title = Transformers announcement teaser stuff| publisher = Michael Bay.com| date = [[2006-07-01]]| url = http://www.michaelbay.com/blog/files/archive-6.html| accessdate = 2006-10-20}}</ref> A second trailer was released on December 20,<ref>{{Cite web| title = Transformer Teaser Trailer| publisher = shootfortheedit.com| date = [[2006-12-04]]| url = http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1277| accessdate = 2006-12-09}}</ref> breaking ''[[Spider-Man 3]]'''s record for the number of internet hits.<ref>{{cite web | last = Bay | first = Michael | authorlink = Michael Bay | title = Trailer note by Michael Bay | publisher = Shoot for the Edit | date = [[2007-01-18]] | url = http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1407 | accessdate = 2007-01-18}}</ref> A third trailer was released online on Yahoo's movie website on [[May 17]] [[2007]]. Another trailer was attached with ''[[Shrek the Third]]''.<ref>{{cite news | first= Ryan |last=Parsons | title = Transformers Trailer BEFORE Pirates! | publisher = CanMag | date = [[2007-05-05]] | url = http://www.canmag.com/nw/7600-transformers-trailer-release | accessdate=2007-05-06}}</ref> Bay originally intended that "[The audience] never really get a good look at the robots until the release",<ref name="divulge" /> but by the third trailer he had abandoned this idea. The Sector 7 [[viral marketing]] web site featured several videos recording supposed evidence of Transformers on Earth. These featured cameos by Generation 1 Transformers, including [[Grimlock]] destroying a construction site, and a security video showing a robot resembling Generation 1 [[Bumblebee (Transformers)|Bumblebee]] transforming in a parking garage.<ref>{{cite news | title = Transformers Movie Update: Sector Seven Video Gives Nod To Dinobots, Insecticons, Lazerbeak And Generation One Bumblebee | publisher = Jalopnik | date = [[2007-05-17]] | url = http://jalopnik.com/cars/robots-in-disguise%27%27%27in-disguise/transformers-movie-update-sector-seven-video-gives-nod-to-dinobots-insecticons-lazerbeak-and-generation-one-bumblebee-261435.php | accessdate = 2007-06-24}}</ref>
[[Hasbro]] made deals with 200 companies across 70 countries to promote the film.<ref>{{cite news | title = Hasbro Rolls Out Transformers Products | publisher = SuperHeroHype.com | date = [[2007-02-10]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5200 | accessdate = 2007-02-10}}</ref> Their toy line for the film was created over two months over late 2005/early 2006, collaborating heavily with the filmmakers.<ref name="Lombardo on toys" /> A pair of preview toys, Protoform [[Optimus Prime]] and [[Starscream]], were released in the U.S.A. on [[May 1]] [[2007]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Transformers Protoforms | publisher = Hasbro | date = [[2007-01-08]] | url = http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/default.cfm?page=News/Item&newsid=022A4582-D56F-E112-44904AB6ED4C53B1 | accessdate = 2007-01-10}}</ref> before the first wave of figures were released on June 2.<ref name="Lombardo on toys" /> Characters that do not appear in the film are also featured in the film's style, including [[Air Raid (Transformers)|Air Raid]], [[Arcee]], [[Clocker (Transformers)|Clocker]], [[Elita One]], [[Hardtop (Transformers)|Hardtop]], [[Longarm (Transformers)|Longarm]], Signal Flare, [[Skyblast]], [[Strongarm (Transformers)|Strongarm]], [[Swindle (Transformers)|Swindle]] and [[Wreckage (Transformers)|Wreckage]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Full list of Movie Toys? Arcee, Shockwave plus many more? | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2007-01-29]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=9358 | accessdate = 2007-02-01}}</ref> The toys feature "Automorph Technology" in which moving parts of the toy allow other parts to shift automatically.<ref>{{cite news | title = Automorph Technology: The Secret of the Movie Transformations? | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2007-01-26]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=9331 | accessdate = 2007-01-26}}</ref> [[Michael Bay]] directed tie-in commercials for [[General Motors]], [[Burger King]] and [[PepsiCo]],<ref>{{cite news | first= Gail |last=Schiller | title = Firing on all cylinders | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date = [[2007-06-27]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ib489c7d121532c79a336bb2902e48691 | accessdate=2007-06-27}}</ref> while props including the 1977 [[Chevrolet Camaro]] used for Bumblebee and the [[Allspark]], were put up for charity on [[eBay]].<ref>{{cite news | title = BumbleBee and Other Movie Props Are Now on e-bay! | publisher = Seibertron | date = [[2007-07-08]] | url = http://www.seibertron.com/news/view.php?id=11084 | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> In the third quarter of 2007, [[Nokia]] will release a special ''Transformers'' edition of their N93i.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.uberphones.com/2007/07/nokia/nokia_to_release_transformers_n93i/ | title = Nokia to release Transformers N93i | publisher = ÜberPhones | accessdate=2007-07-19}}</ref>
==Release==
[[Image:BotCon2006 Moviefist.jpg|thumb|200px|Promotional display for the movie at [[BotCon]] 2006]]
Initially, fans were divided over the film due to the radical redesigns of many characters.<ref>{{cite news | first= Anthony |last=Breznican | title = Final shape of 'Transformers' makes debut today | publisher = [[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-02-12]] | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-02-12-transformers_x.htm | accessdate =2007-06-21}}</ref> [[Michael Bay]] even received [[death threats]].<ref name="bay conference"/> Nonetheless, the film began to draw in many new fans to the franchise.<ref name="never stopped"/> The 2007 [[BotCon]] saw its attendance rise from 2,200 to nearly 8,000.<ref name="never stopped">{{cite news | title = ‘Transformers’ fans never stopped playing | publisher = [[MSNBC]] | date = [[2007-06-15]] | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19251314/ | accessdate=2007-06-21}}</ref>
''Transformers'' had its worldwide premiere at [[Sydney]] on [[June 12]], [[2007]].<ref>{{cite news | first= Patrick |last=Kolan | title = Transformers World Premiere in Sydney | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-06-13]] | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/796/796054p1.html | accessdate=2007-06-23}}</ref> It premiered at [[Sitges]] during the annual Film Festival on [[June 20]], [[2007]] and in [[Taormina]] the following day.<ref>{{cite news | first= Dave |last=McNary | title = 'Transformers' to bow at LA Film Fest | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2007-05-30]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117966019.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-05-31}}</ref> It premiered at the [[Los Angeles Film Festival]] on June 27 via digital satellite feed,<ref>{{cite news | author = Microspace Communications Corporation | title = Transformers Premiere to be Shown at L.A. Film Fest | publisher = Superherohype.com | date = [[2007-06-25]] | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5912 | accessdate=2007-06-25}}</ref> and in [[Rhode Island]] on June 28. The Rhode Island premiere was a freely available event offering fans to buy tickets for $75 to benefit four charities: the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Autism Project of Rhode Island, the Adoption Rhode Island, and the Hasbro Children's Hospital.<ref>{{cite news | title = Transformers Movie Premiere to Help Change Kids’ Lives | publisher = Business Wire | date = [[2007-05-01]] | url = http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070501005912&ndmHsc=v2*A1175425200000*B1178059402000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N1000837*Ztransformers&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup | format=subscription required| accessdate=2007-05-01}}</ref>
===Box office performance===
The film was released in ten overseas markets on June 28, including [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Singapore]] and the [[Philippines]]. ''Transformers'' made $29.5 million in its first weekend, topping the box office in ten countries including a $1.7 million four-day weekend gross in [[Singapore]], the biggest yet.<ref>{{cite news | first= Dave |last=McNary | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117967937.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | title = 'Shrek' tops overseas box office, 'Transformers' int'l release brings in $34.7 mil | date=[[2007-07-01]] | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> The film was released in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] on July 3, with 8pm preview screenings on July 2. The previews earned $8.8 million,<ref>{{cite news | first= Pamela |last=McClintock | title = 'Transformers' nabs hefty haul | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2007-07-03]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117967996.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> and in its first day of general release it grossed $27.4 million, a record for Tuesday box office attendance. It broke ''[[Spider-Man 2]]'s'' record for the biggest July 4 gross, making $29 million.<ref name="week one">{{cite news | author = [[Dreamworks]], [[Paramount Pictures]] | title = Transformers' Week One Records | publisher = Comingsoon.net | url = http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=5992 | date = [[2007-07-11]] | accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref>
In its first weekend, ''Transformers'' grossed $70.5 million, amounting to a $155.4 million opening week, giving it the record for the biggest opening week for a non-sequel.<ref>{{cite news | first= Pamela |last=McClintock | title = 'Transformers' change weekend take | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2007-07-09]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117968252.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref> The opening domestic gross was 50% more than what [[Paramount Pictures]] expected, with one executive attributing it to [[word of mouth]] telling "parents that it's OK to take the kids." A Cinemascope poll indicated the film was most popular with children and parents, including older women, and attracted many [[African American]] and [[Latino]] viewers.<ref>{{cite news | author = Nikki Finke | title = 'Transformers' Huge $152M First Week Sets 7-Day Non-Sequel Record Past 'Spidey', 'Passion' & 'Potter' | publisher = [[LA Weekly]] | date = [[2007-07-08]] | url = http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/transformers-on-target-for-150m-first-week/ | accessdate=2007-07-14}}</ref> ''Transformers'' opened in [[China]] on July 11, setting a record for the biggest foreign language film opening with $3 million.<ref>{{cite news | first= Dave |last=McNary | title = 'Transformers' smashes China record | publisher = [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] | date = [[2007-07-13]] | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117968497.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-07-15}}</ref> The film has grossed $233 million in the home country of the United States and $380 million worldwide.<!-- Do not use BOM as an analysis for daily or weekly numbers, only to monitor the overall gross--><ref>{{cite web | title = Transformers | publisher = [[Box Office Mojo]] | url = http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers06.htm | accessdate=2007-07-17<!-- Update every time gross increases.-->}}</ref> The film will be released in the [[United Kingdom]] and the [[Republic of Ireland]] on July 27.
===Critical reception===
''Transformers'' was met with mixed reviews from [[film critics]], receiving a "rotten" rating of only 57% favorable reviews out of 175 reviews on [[Rotten Tomatoes]],<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_the_movie | publisher= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] | title = Transformers | accessdate=2007-07-11}}</ref> and a [[Metacritic]] score of 60/100 (mixed or average) from 34 reviews.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.metacritic.com/film/titles/transformers | publisher= [[Metacritic]] | title = Transformers | accessdate=2007-07-08}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'s'' Todd Gilchrist found it [[Michael Bay]]'s best film, and "one of the few instances where it's OK to enjoy something for being smart and dumb at the same time, mostly because it's undeniably also a whole lot of fun."<ref name="gilchrist">{{cite news | first= Todd |last=Gilchrist | title = Advance Review: Transformers | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-06-29]] | url = http://movies.ign.com/articles/800/800501p1.html | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]]'s'' Sean Fewster found the visual effects so seamless that "you may come to believe the studio somehow engineered artifical intelligence".<ref>{{cite news | first= Sean |last=Fewster | title = The rule of robots begins | publisher = [[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]] | date = [[2007-06-25]] | url = http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21963548-5006343,00.html | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''[[The Denver Post]]'s'' Lisa Kennedy praised the depiction of the robots as having "a believably rendered scale and intimacy"<ref>{{cite news | first= Lisa |last=Kennedy | title = "Transformers" toys with human emotions | publisher = [[Denver Post]] | date = [[2007-07-01]] | url = http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_6270283 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> and [[ABC Television (Australia)|ABC]] presenter Margaret Pomeranz was surprised "that a complete newcomer to the Transformers phenomenon like myself became involved in the fate of these mega-machines".<ref>{{cite news | first= Margaret |last=Pomeranz | title = Transformers | publisher = [[ABC Television (Australia)|ABC]] | url = http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1950144.htm | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''[[Ain't It Cool News]]'s'' [[Drew McWeeny]] felt most of the cast grounded the story, and that "it has a real sense of wonder, one of the things that’s missing from so much of the big CGI lightshows released these days."<ref>{{cite news | authorlink = Drew McWeeny|first=Drew|last=McWeeny | title = Moriarty Makes First Contact With TRANSFORMERS! The Movie, The Comics, The Books & More! | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2007-07-02]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/?q=node/33213 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> Author [[Peter David]] found it ludricrous fun, and that "[Bay] manages to hold on to his audience's suspension of disbelief long enough for us to segue into some truly spectacular battle scenes."<ref>{{cite news | first=Peter|last=David|authorlink = Peter David | title = Car Toon | publisher = Self-published | date = [[2007-07-07]] | url = http://peterdavid.malibulist.com/archives/005515.html#more | accessdate=2007-07-10}}</ref>
Despite the praise for the visual effects, there was much division over the human storylines. ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'s'' Kirk Honeycutt liked "how a teen plot line gets tied in to the end of the world",<ref>{{cite news | first= Kirk |last=Honeycutt | title = Transformers: Sci-fi action that is both smart and funny | publisher = [[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date = [[2007-06-29]] | url = http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=tXWMGGpTdyjFZJ0dGGWfGlgHbw0MPhgRlybWwFB1T1vWcpNcw0pG!2116095088&&rid=9431 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> while ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'s'' Ian Nathan praised [[Shia LaBeouf]] as "a smart, natural comedian, [who] levels the bluntness of this toy story with an ironic bluster."<ref>{{cite news | first= Ian |last=Nathan | title = Transformers | publisher = [[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] | url = http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=11052 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''Ain't It Cool News'' founder [[Harry Knowles]] found the military storylines distracting from Sam, a conflict of Bay and [[Steven Spielberg]]'s styles.<ref>{{cite news | first=Harry|last=Knowles|authorlink = Harry Knowles | title = Harry reviews TRANSFORMERS which isn't really more than meets the eye! | publisher = [[Ain't It Cool News]] | date = [[2007-07-03]] | url = http://www.aintitcool.com/?q=node/33226 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> [[James Berardinelli]] hated the film as he did not connect with the characters in-between the action, which he found tedious.<ref>{{cite news | authorlink = James Berardinelli|first=James|last=Berardinelli | title = Transformers | publisher = Reelviews | url = http://www.reelviews.net/movies/t/transformers.html | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'s'' [[Kenneth Turan]] found the humans "oddly lifeless, doing little besides marking time until those big toys fill the screen",<ref>{{cite news | authorlink = Kenneth Turan |first=Kenneth|last=Turan| title = 'Transformers' heavy on plot | publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = [[2007-07-02]] | url = http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/la-et-transformers2jul02,0,445321.story | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> while ''Comingsoon.net's'' Joshua Stames felt the Transformers were "completely believable, right up to the moment they open their mouths to talk, when they revert to bad cartoon characters."<ref>{{cite news | first= Joshua |last=Stames | title = Transformers | publisher = Comingsoon.net | url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/reviewsnews.php?id=21711 | accessdate=2007-07-05}}</ref> ''[[Daily Herald]]'s'' Matt Arado was annoyed that "the Transformers [are] little more than supporting players", and felt the middle act was sluggish.<ref>{{cite news | first= Matt |last=Arado | title = ‘Transformers’ lacks substance | publisher = [[Daily Herald]] | date = [[2007-07-02]] | url = http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=328158 | accessdate=2007-07-03}}</ref> ''[[CNN]]'s'' Tom Charity questioned the idea of a film based on a toy, and felt it would "buzz its youthful demographic... but leave the rest of us wondering if Hollywood could possibly aim lower."<ref>{{cite news | first= Tom |last=Charity | title = Dim 'Transformers' thuds with action | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = [[2007-07-04]] | url = http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/07/02/review.transformers/index.html | accessdate=2007-07-05}}</ref>
==
Before its release, ''Transformers'' was voted "Best Summer Movie You Haven't Seen Yet" at the [[2007 MTV Movie Awards]].<ref>{{cite news | author = [[MTV]] | title = The MTV Movie Awards Winners! | publisher = Comingsoon.net | date = [[2007-06-04]] | url = http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=20777 | accessdate=2007-06-04}}</ref> ''Transformers'' was nominated for nine
[[Teen Choice Awards]] for Best Action Adventure, Movie Actor: Action Adventure - Shia LaBeouf, Movie Actress: Action Adventure - Megan Fox, Movie: Villain: Megatron, Movie: Liplock - Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf, Movie: Breakout Female - Megan Fox, Movie: Rumble - Captain Lennox vs. Blackout, Movie: Breakout Male - Shia LaBeouf for ''[[A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (film)|A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints]]'', ''[[Disturbia]]'', ''Transformers'', Movie: Chemistry - Shia LaBeouf and Bumblebee, and Female Hottie - Megan Fox.<ref>{{cite news | first= Josh |last=Foster | title = Teen Choice Awards: The Full List O’ Nominees | publisher = Portable Planet | date = [[2007-07-05]] | url = http://www.portableplanet.co.uk/2007/07/05/teen-choice-awards-the-full-list-o-nominees/ | accessdate=2007-07-18}}</ref>
==Sequels==
On [[May 30]] [[2007]], DreamWorks greenlit two sequels to ''Transformers''.<ref>{{cite news | first= Dave |last=West | title = Two 'Transformers' sequels in pipeline | publisher = Digital Spy | date = [[2007-05-30]] | url = http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html | accessdate=2007-06-02}}</ref> [[Shia LaBeouf]],<ref>{{cite news | first= Rebecca |last=Murray | title = Shia LeBeouf interview - Transformers the Movie and Michael Bay| publisher = About| url = http://movies.about.com/od/bobby/a/bobbysl111006.htm| accessdate = 2006-11-15}}</ref> [[Megan Fox]]<ref>{{cite news | first= Brian |last=Jacks | title = Megan Fox Confirmed For ‘Transformers’ Sequel | publisher = [[MTV]] | date = [[2007-05-18]] | url = http://www.mtvmoviesblog.com/2007/05/18/megan-fox-confirmed-for-transformers-sequel/ | accessdate=2007-05-18}}</ref> and [[Peter Cullen]]<ref name="news etc"/> are signed on to return. Producer [[Tom DeSanto]] has envisioned a storyline introducing the [[Dinobots]], [[Constructicons]], and [[Soundwave (Transformers)|Soundwave]].<ref name="cgi"/> Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] may not return, as "the next ''[[Star Trek (film)|Star Trek]]'' is taking up most of our time."<ref name="transtrek">{{cite news | first= Robert |last=Sanchez | title = Interview: Roberto Orci on Transformers and Star Trek! | publisher = IESB | date = [[2007-06-18]] | url = http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2718&Itemid=99 | accessdate=2007-06-19}}</ref> [[Michael Bay]] has not signed on, "trying to keep some leverage for the negotiations,"<ref name="news etc"/> but already has ideas, including an [[aircraft carrier]] character.<ref>{{cite news | first= Patrick |last=Kolan | title = Transformers Roundtable with Michael Bay | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = [[2007-06-13]] | url = http://uk.movies.ign.com/articles/796/796057p2.html | accessdate=2007-06-13}}</ref> The producers expect that with a bigger budget and the special effects worked out, the Transformers will have a larger role.<ref>{{cite news | first= Anthony |last=Breznican | title = Fan buzz: Flesh out those 'bots | publisher = [[USA Today]] | date = [[2007-07-12]] | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2007-07-11-transformers-bots_N.htm?csp=34 | accessdate=2007-07-12}}</ref>
==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
<!-- Try to keep links to a minimum, if you got information incorporate and cite it in the article.-->
*[http://www.
*[http://www.sectorseven.org/ Sector Seven Org] - Viral marketing site. Passwords are to be found in the various trailers.
*[http://movies.yahoo.com/summer-movies/Transformers/1808716430 ''Transformers''] at [[Yahoo! Movies]]
*{{imdb title|id=0418279|title=Transformers}}
*{{rotten-tomatoes|id=transformers_the_movie|title=Transformers}}
*{{metacritic film|id=transformers|title=Transformers}}
*[http://seibertron.com/events/gallery.php?event_id=70&size=0&start=225 Hasbro concept art gallery]
*[http://www.benprocter.com/SITEv2/HTML/PROJPAGE_Trans_01.html Ben Procter's concept art for the film]
{{ Box Office Leaders USA
| before = [[Ratatouille (film)|Ratatouille]]
| date = July 8
| year = 2007
| after = [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]
}}
{{Transformers}}
{{Michael Bay}}
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[[Category:Disaster films]]
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[[Category:DreamWorks films]]
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