Dempsey's Character's Job, More Rollbar and Behind the Scenes (Updated)

In a new article with the Herald-News, Patrick Dempsey revealed "my character is a race-car drive...". He also mentioned after next week he will be returning to Los Angeles "to shoot the second episode of Grey's (Anatomy)." This suggests to me that his work on the film may be completed then. I guess Transformers 3 production loaded the front of the schedule with his scenes to free him to return to the television show. Nothing else is revealed as the focus was on his visit to the Autobahn Country Club to look at the race-car collection they have. The article is here, image gallery is here. Thanks to Chris and Ray for the TFW2005 with the article links.

Next is another behind the scenes video from Swggrwag0n. His first one proved the security truck was a Decepticon and showed some of the prep that gets done to put a scene together. Part 2 continues that from "Hotchkiss Gould Investments" aka the local 7/11 on Wacker. The scene seems to involve a little crowd panic as police and firefighters respond to probable TF related chaos. Thanks to Sam for the link.

For whatever reason a week old video about Rollbar that was first posted on Seibertron and here is making the rounds as new, such as on Trailer Addict. Having said that, turns out MischiefChavez has posted a second video this time with a piece of heavy artillery in the back that is probably perfect for a scene with NEST soldiers.

Last, but not least, a reminder that Van Buren Street will be closed from Monday to Wednesday as Transformers 3 production moves to the Old Post Office. The production will be working from 7AM to 10PM with the expectation of pyrotechnics going off. Thanks to ZzTopeurope for the reminder.

Update: Added 3rd video below that breifly shows Rollbar driving by on his huge wheels. (via the Movie Chronicles)Read More »

Dempsey in Action, Rollbar and More

Transformers 3 production is about to enter week four of production in Chicago. This update covers a rather wide range of topics with two photo galleries, another look at Rollbar, and info on next week's location. To start with, one of locations for next week. Thanks to Tatjana, it seems that production will be at the Old Chicago Post Office Building off of Van Buren Street (and across the river from Wacker Drive). This is the same location used in the opening scenes of The Dark Knight. The shoot there will be from Monday to Wednesday from 7AM to 10PM. The shoot will require surrounding streets to be closed and will involve pyrotechnics.

So back to where we have been, JustJared.com has posted more photos of the cast at working, with special focus on Patrick Dempsey who seems to be in full bad@#% mode. I can't tell the location but might be the same Wacker Drive set with the rooftop debris. It makes me wonder if what is being filmed there isn't the two versus a Transformer but those two fighting each other. An anonymous source tells me the character might be named Dylan and JustJared suggests that the rumors of the character being "dark" is true as he was seen "aiming a gun at his co-star Shia LaBeouf." The expressions in some of these photos suggest this might be a bad guy in disguise. I keep thinking the story involves a third faction that just sees all Transformers as enemies, based in part on the "Autobots Go Home" graffiti used on some of the sets. Some more photos below, the rest of the 20+ picture set can be found here.

As we learned yesterday, it seems that the Autobots have a new ally with Rollbar. Also below are three images that show off the vehicle, including the interior. I have to admit to being confused on what the photos are for but they provide an idea of just how large the Jeep is. Thanks to Todd for the pictures.

Megatron, Rollbar Confirmed for Transformers 3 (Updated)

It has now been confirmed that Megatron is part of the action in Chicago and that the jeep from the other day is the Autobot Rollbar. The image of Megatron comes from an anonymous source that spotted the head cut out on the set. He also mentioned that there is another Decepticon involved in the battle that has yet to be identified by fans or even named which means that Megs, Shockwave, Soundwave and Starscream are out. This unidentified Decepticon is part of a shootout on top of a building between cops and SWAT.

As for Rollbar, as the pictures show, there is no room for doubt with his name being spelled on the vehicle and the Autobot logo on the door. The TB on the license plate (below) is probably a nod to his G1 Throttlebot origins (basically legend class with a pullback motor). The character has since popped up in name only for various Transformers toy lines over the years including as a scout class delivery truck in the Revenge of the Fallen. While a long history as a toy, the character and personality doesn't really exist creating a blank slate for the Bay and company to work with. The rest of the pictures of the character can be found at TFW2005. Anyone know the year, make and model of the car for the cheat sheet?

Last, it seems Transformers 3 production has moved to Trump Tower according to ChicagoBreakingNews.com. At least they were there last night when "from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., flame effects and smoke will be used on adjacent building rooftops along the Chicago River between Wabash & Columbus. Also, there will be flame effects on boats in the Chicago River and on cars on the Columbus Street Bridge and Wacker Drive." The article did not identify how long they would be using the location.Read More »