Director Michael Bay discusses the 3D process of Transformers: Dark of the Moon
"People were going on the Internet, saying we didn't do any 3D and there's all this talk, so we're just trying to set the record straight, you know? Studios are rushing through their 3D. There is a right way to do it and a wrong way. I think, personally. If you want to do proper 3D it's a $30 million price tag. You don't want to admit it, but that's what it really is to do proper 3D. Studios will sometimes do it for $10 million, or $12 million. We spent about seven months or eight months before the movie investigating all the conversion companies. We gave each one some test footage to do and, like Warner Bros., I kind of knew that the latest Harry Potter would fall apart, that was just because they were working with a company that just didn't have the firepower. This was supposed to come out on the same 3D, conversion system but that obviously didn't work out..."
He also spoke of the demands that shooting a big-budget movie like Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 3D has on the production schedule:
"It's a whole new animal and that's why I'm so tired, because I've had a portable Avid system installed at every residence. I go home from the edit room and I'll work sometimes until two at night, because I'm trying to jump on this movie like a m**********r. I'm trying to hit it really hard before Christmas so that we can be ahead of the curve. Compared to what our shot count turnover was from the last movie, where we are in terms of cutting time down, we're well ahead. So I'm putting the pressure on myself so that we can really do pristine 3D."
We'll be sure to keep you posted with any further information on Transformers: Dark of the Moon as soon as we have more information.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon was released June 29th, 2011 and stars Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Julie White, Kevin Dunn, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Alan Tudyk, John Malkovich. The film is directed by Michael Bay.
Comments (60)
To leave a comment, please sign in or use
Facebook or Twitter
Diaigma
Cool, @Narrator - storytelling is what I do (even though it's not paying well at the moment), but it's nice to see such agreeable feedback. Why the heck aren't we making movies? :P
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
the Narrator
@Diaigma, I know exactly what you're talking about. I'm surprised since a lot of peers I know wouldn't change a thing in TLA, and I thought you might be that type. My bad. Fantastic ideas my friend, and I honestly agree with all of them. Another example is how Jackson kept Sam and Frodo out of Mordor till the final film, whereas the books had them in the Tower of Ciritch Ungol near the end of The Two Towers.
I love your core aspect idea. Katara for book 1, Zuko for book 2, and Aang for Book 3: fantastic. I understand that they shouldn't get oversold as the main characters or anything for their respective books, but I agree their stories should reverberate throughout the individual films. As for Zhao killing the mother and what not, you have my respects for thinking of something so fitting. Well done, and I will try to think of other ways to incorporate important scenes in the books.
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
DS177
@TheDude1 yea me either but I finally seen the trailer and it looks quite interesting, and I've also heard about the Thor trailer being released along with the Fighter
3 years agoby @ds177Flag
Diaigma
It's cool, @Narrator - Supes and I derail news post on occasion :P
It's a good breakdown, but you broke down sequentially by season rather than taking apart the entire series and reconstructing it - in other words, some elements of book 1 will be in 2, or 3 in 1, etc, depending on how it helps the story flow. If you've read Lord of the Rings, you'll notice that it's made up of 6 parts, 2 parts per book, and one part in Towers (for example) followed Frodo and Sam and nothing else. The other part was nothing but Aragon and the gang. To make a more interesting film, Jackson often went back and forth between the two. He also saved the story of Smeagol getting the ring for the prologue of the third film, rather than tell it like it was in chapter 2 of the Fellowship. Good break down, but the third is too long. Cut Ember Island players, Nightmares and Daydreams, and The Beach.
::spoilers!::
I'll throw you an example. Remember The Southern Raiders episode? Filler resolve for Katara in the show, sure, BUT . . . imagine cutting out the part when they are invaded and the mother gets killed and put that at the beginning of the first movie, after a short intro to the elements (which the movie half-assed on). In 3-5 minutes, you achieve sympathy for the character, a reason for her father to join the war effort, and a fuller scope of what is at stake in this world. That's how I wrote my alternate beginning, and people like it. Show, don't tell. Also, I toyed with the idea of Zhao being the one who killed the mother, while still a low ranking officer. To adapt an epic like this, you have to ask yourself, "okay . . . with all this material, what is the core focus of each film?" Since Katara is telling the story, the first book would revolve more around her, so any vengeance issues would be settled with Zhao's dead (by a the ocean spirit, as it should have happened). Katara, the focus of book 1 so she can help Aang later. Zuko, the focus of book 2 so he can discover his true destiny (teach Aang). Aang, the focus of book 3 so he can save the world. I'm not saying we follow Katara or Zuko more than anyone else, but they are the core focus. Notice how Smeagol was focused on so much in Return of the King? Why? Because of him, the ring is destroyed. I hope you get where I'm coming from here. I haven't thought much beyond my 11 page script which I'm really not planning to continue since I have my own epic works to write :)
I would be all for a reboot if it's done right, and it can be. Just don't rush it.
What do you think?
@Todd89 - you won't regret it. Show really picks up after episode 4.
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
Mutant
I've been following Transformers since I was a kid, seen most of the series except the newer versions.
When I first heard M bay was directing it I was hesitant since he is an action director, but I enjoyed first film despite the crude jokes. Well, I still enjoy the series but I'm no longer a die hard fan of it.
What should he done was to have one film. The films are pointless dribble, but I do enjoy the action most of all.
Long ago I was very fat, eating popcorn with butter, drinking soda and eating the wrong foods. Now I'm fifty pounds lighter, I stay away from fatty foods now since I got a scare when I was in my twenties.
Thanks Diaigma: I'll take a look at it
I'll look forward to seeing this film, I wonder if it might get rebooted once this trilogy end and with a better director. I think Del Toro could pull it off just nicely - well I think so
3 years agoby @zenderFlag
the Narrator
Just noticed how that entire comment had nothing to do with the above article... Lol.
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
the Narrator
@Diaigma, I remember when you showed that clip to me, nearly a year or two ago. I too, still think they were hinting at something. Lol.
Overall, I am opting for a full on reboot in a few years. Also, I am not a "race-bender", but I would appreciate the series going the way it was portrayed in the show. It is speculated that the water tribe was of the Korean type, the Earth Kingdom was China, and of course Japan was the Fire Nation. Makes sense when you think about how Japan invaded most of Asia and occupied several parts of China and Korea, etc. Again, I just like a little authenticity, but whatever serves the story best I guess.
Also, I am serious about the split. Here's the episodes I put in each film.
1st: Boy in the Iceberg, Avatar Returns, Southern Air Temple, Warriors of Kioshi, The King of Omashu, Avatar Roku (Winter Solstice Part 2), The Blue Spirit, and the final 3 episodes in the season.
2nd: The Avatar State, Cave of Two Lovers (maybe..), Return to Omashu, The Blind Bandit, Zuko Alone, The Chase, Bitter Work, The Library, The Tales of Ba Sin Sei, the Guru, the Crossroads of Destiny.
3rd: The Awakening, Sokka's Master, The Beach, The Avatar and The Firelord, Nightmares and Day Dreams, The Day of Black Sun Part 1 and 2, The Western Air Temple, The Firebending Masters, The Ember Island Prayers, Sozens Comet PArt 1, 2, 3, 4.
I know for a fact that with a 3 hour runtime, they can incorporate most of the important scenes in said episodes, while making it all tie together, and have a steady pacing. Since you were opposed to splitting the second book in half, I figured I would rather remove the unnecessary episodes, such as the Appa being stolen arc. I know this further shows the emotions and conflict within Aang, but it isn't all that necessary. I would also remove the whole coup thin from the book as well, so that we can focus on the main antagonists in the show ,and not Long Feng. it's just unnecessary. Also, I think Jet and Co. might be necessary, to add to the amount of friends that Team Avatar has on the day of The Black Sun, but then I got to thinking, "Won't their Father, Bato, and the few friends they encounter in the above episodes be more than enough?" So I am not sure about that. I really wanted to focus on the second book for it's change of pace. I mean its so interesting how Iroh is settling in the city he set out to claim, and how Zuko goes through am metamorphosis. Not to mention the beautiful scenery BA Sing Sei would provide. It would really be a strong middle film, not being the front runner, but not having to tie everything up.
Anyways, that was my hurried stab at breaking down the films. Forgive the numerous typos, I am in too much a hurry to correct them. What do you think? *Be gentle*
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
Diaigma
@Todd89 - the series, in my opinion, is the most epic animated series ever aired on television, and I don't say that lightly. There are 3 seasons, so 3 books. Watch and enjoy :)
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
Mutant
Never knew about the TV series until now.
How many books are there ? This sort of reminds me of Eragon since that flopped and now someone wants to make the sequel. I enjoyed that film but still it needs to be done right.
So many fantasy series are made into films and most of them flop due to bad writing, acting, story wise and lack of passion from the directors.
3 years agoby @zenderFlag
Diaigma
Sweet. Didn't realize you were an Avatard as well :P
Question. Who is they, and where can I find this list of potential directors?
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
Bane5000
@diaigma...Damn, u beat me to it with the clip lol
3 years agoby @bane5000Flag
Bane5000
@diaigma...No joking buddy, thats who they say are considered to take over filming of Book 2, if or when they greenlight it, which i hope they dont for any of the sequels
I even heard that the creators of the show didnt even go to the premier when it came out in theaters, since they knew how badly the movie was made, which is why i still think the Book 3 episode The Ember Island Players was a parody of the film and how horrible it was gonna come out, seeing as how they were filming the movie during the time Book 3 was being made...
3 years agoby @bane5000Flag
Diaigma
This little nugget cracks me up. Wonder if the show's creators knew something we didn't?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfDk3I6di5E&feature=related
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
Diaigma
@The Narrator - I think people are just messing with me now :P
If you're serious, I don't think a split is needed. Season two is the most dense, but with as much filler as season 3 had, you can easily shift elements around so they're all equal and pertinent. It's a balancing act. Shred it apart and rebuilt it while getting the same picture.
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
Diaigma
That can't be an official list, @bane5000 - not one of them is suitable. You're mess'in :P
And I agree, don't make a second one. The first is so bad there would be no point. They barely doubled their budget, so they should be happy recouping their investment and hold off for a reboot down the road. The only way it could be filmed is all at once, like LOTR (because kids age and it all takes place in a year in the show). I already had the three books long before the movie was out, so I know just what you mean.
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
the Narrator
I think @Youngrizo's statement was the most accurate, logical and well rounded comment I've yet heard concerning this film franchise. Well done sir.
@D, I too have been thinking of writing an optional set of scripts for TLA on my off time. I think the filmf should each get 3 hours, however, I recommend they split the second book in half, making four full length films.
1st film - 3:00:00
2nd film - 3:00:00
3rd film - 2:40:00
4th film 3:30:00
I say split the second book so you can get the full impact of the entire journey of the group during the second season, as well as the changes through the characters (maily Zuko). Also it would give a lengthy, but not overly long fight finale in the second part, leaving off with the final and most important film left to be the longest. I don't like splitting finales, because it's like dropping down the adrenaline and rush of things. Splitting the middle segments seems more logical, and I slightly like the 2nd book the best.
What do you think @Diaigma?
3 years agoby @narratorFlag
Bane5000
@Diaigma... theres already talk that Book 2 for TLA is gonna be made...without MNS as director, just hope hes has nuthin to do with it at all after that crappy " adaptation" as he called it...heres a list of the potentiail directors to take over for him:
Marcus Nispel (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre2003, Friday The 13th 2009, Pathfinder, Conan)
Samuel Bayer (Nightmare on Elm Street 2010)
Renny Harlan (Deep Blue Sea, 12 Rounds, Die Hard 2, Cutthroat Island)
Scott Charles Stewart (Legion, Priest)
David Slade (Twilight Saga:Eclipse, 30 Days of Night)
John Erick Dowdle (Devil)
...All in all, in honesty my friend, they should leave it be and not continue with the rest of the series, i would only accept it if they did the film over, and made it an epic film like Lord of the Rings and as long, other then that just leave it alone. I was more happy spendingmore money buying all three Book seasons then the movie dvd...
3 years agoby @bane5000Flag
Chillyonehb
@Lineder, @Jkfgdffjgjkdgh, & @Lineder...Go Sell your Crappy Ass Sh*tty Wears somewhere else...Just keep changing your names, and we wont notice, Right? You know that "Server Bustin Crap" thats being done to "Wikileaks"??? Thank you Sooooo Much for posting your Website Address...Time to lock on, and Fire. Go Somewhere Else GDit. Movieweb...For the 100th Time, Please Flag these Spammers...PLEASE!!!
3 years agoby @chillyonehbFlag
Jay.A.Ottley
@Sly
Yeah i did, I totally laughed my ass off.
The trailer has already been shown in special previews......Apparently its going infront of Tron Legacy
3 years agoby @jayaottleyFlag
TheDude1
@ds177 I agree with that. There was a story on here this past Friday about Entrainment Tonight was going to air the first trailer but after that I heard nothing.
3 years agoby @thedude1Flag
DS177
enough talk I want to see the trailer already
3 years agoby @ds177Flag
slysnide
@JAO: Did you ever check out that "GL Ressurecting the Dead" story?
3 years agoby @slysnideFlag
Jay.A.Ottley
@Diaigma You said it mate
3 years agoby @jayaottleyFlag
Diaigma
Airbender can be done right. Anything can be done right if you put your mind to it. They simply chose not to and cut over 30 minutes of film to make the 3D conversion cheaper. As an exercise I wrote a screenplay for an alternate beginning to Airbender, and everyone I've shared it with thinks it's leaps and bounds better the entire movie! The best part, I wrote it in one afternoon. Wasn't hard. You just have to know the material and know where and what to apply. A three hour film for each of the Airbender seasons is VERY possible. But in this case, MNS truly messed up.
3 years agoby @diaigmaFlag
TheMime
Exactly @Youngrizo...... leave the Bender alone
3 years agoby @themimeFlag
TheDude1
Bay is not even in the top 5 or 10 of worst directors. Bad Boys, The Rock, Armageddon, and Transformers are all very good movies. Terrible directors don't have that many good movies in the course of only 15 years.
3 years agoby @thedude1Flag
Youngrizo
I also really don't think Airbender can be done right, and would rather they don't even try to continue. there is far too much to cover story-wise from the cartoon that cannot be conveyed in even a 3 hour movie without a lot getting lost in translation.
3 years agoby @youngrizoFlag
Youngrizo
A lot of people think movies are so easy to make, and that action movies especially are even easier to make, but the truth is they are not, when you have as much CGI as a film like transformers has, coupled with practical effects and have to bring it all together and make it look good, there are few directors who can pull that off.
I'm not saying MIchael Bay is a good director, I'm saying he has his strengths and they are the reason he is given charge of such films. When it comes down to it, most of us who like the Transformers universe may want something more meaningful than what he gave us with these movies, but hollywood is a machine that has to make sales to survive, so the movies are built to appeal to the most amount of people they can. The sad truth is most people are simple minded and don't think about a lot of those things us film lovers and critics think about, so while we may complain, they enjoy it, which is why i always choose to accept movies for what they are and not what I wish they were, they are easier to enjoy. It's kinda like life, the less you take seriously, the more fun you have.
Anyway, getting back to the point, Michael Bay has the thankless job, the one that people either love you or hate you for, but where the one's who hate you love to voice their opinions more. While the one's who love your work, show this by buying the movie ticket and or dvd/blu-ray whatever.
All the fussing in the world won't change these facts. I just wanted to put that out there and hope that some of you more sensible among us can at least, even if you choose to be hateful, make cohesive arguments about why you feel how you feel. Me, I didn't hate the transformers movies, they have a lot of problems, story being the main one, shot consistency being another, and i didn't really like the overall tone as I wish it was more serious, but I was really entertained by the action, so overall, i liked them.
3 years agoby @youngrizoFlag
Jay.A.Ottley
@Supes
Agreed :)
3 years agoby @jayaottleyFlag
Dan
@Dave Uwe Boll.
3 years agoby @dan1Flag