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Funkatron
07-21-2004, 10:42 PM
LEGENDARY TRANSFORMERS PROPERTY FROM HASBRO WILL COME TO LIFE WITH LIVE ACTION FILM FROM DREAMWORKS AND PARAMOUNT

-- Steven Spielberg to Executive Produce --

LOS ANGELES and PAWTUCKET, R.I., July 23, 2004 - DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS), will develop a live-action, motion picture based on the globally popular TRANSFORMERS franchise. Steven Spielberg will executive produce. The film is slated for release in the summer of 2006. Lorenzo di Bonaventura ("Constantine"), Don Murphy ("The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen") and Tom DeSanto ("X-Men" and "X2: X-Men United") are attached to produce.

DreamWorks Head of Production Adam Goodman stated, "Steven and everyone at DreamWorks are very excited about the prospect of expanding the world of TRANSFORMERS into the live-action feature film arena. The possibilities for a thrilling action adventure are virtually endless, and a film holds the definite promise of expanding an already worldwide fan base to new audiences."

"This is a tremendous franchise that offers us the opportunity to create an inventive and thrilling action-adventure film," said Donald De Line, Vice Chairman, Motion Picture Group and President of Paramount Pictures. "We're happy to work with our colleagues at DreamWorks to develop this project with Hasbro. There couldn't be a better team to bring the TRANSFORMERS to the big screen."

"We are truly fortunate to have the best talent in the entertainment industry on board for the TRANSFORMERS movie and are excited at the opportunities this powerful collaboration will bring to the property," said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro's toys segment. "The TRANSFORMERS franchise has been successful in many entertainment arenas and we are thrilled to give millions of fans an extraordinary experience that's never been done in the history of the brand."

Hasbro will work with the production team, DreamWorks and Paramount on all aspects of the film's creative development, marketing, promotions and will manage merchandising in conjunction with the release of the film. Hasbro will also team up with Takara, who has been the co-developer of the TRANSFORMERS brand since its beginning in the early 1980s.

"The TRANSFORMERS brand has always struck a chord with fans around the world and remains one of our strongest franchises since it was introduced 20 years ago," said Keita Satoh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Takara. "Together with Hasbro, DreamWorks and Paramount, we will bring the property to a new level for fans in the Japanese market, as well as around the world." DreamWorks will distribute the film domestically, while Paramount will distribute internationally.

In 1984, the TRANSFORMERS brand took the world by storm with its compelling saga of the ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, and quickly became a childhood rite of passage with a tremendously successful toy line from Hasbro and Takara, comic book series, television program and animated feature film. Twenty years later, a new generation of kids has discovered the excitement of the TRANSFORMERS brand and the legendary characters, such as OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON, that truly are "more than meets the eye." Today, the franchise features a popular toy line, an animated series on Cartoon Network and a chart-topping comic book series from Dreamwave Productions, which sold two million TRANSFORMERS comic books last year.

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys, such as MONOPOLY and G.I. JOE, ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal partners-Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen-to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network and cable television programming; home video entertainment; books; toys; and consumer products.

Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom, Inc., one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and music. Creative Artists Agency represents Hasbro and Steven Spielberg. Creative Artists Agency is a talent and literary agency with offices in Beverly Hills, Nashville and New York City. CAA represents the most creative and successful artists working in film, television, music, theatre, and video games, and provides a range of strategic marketing services to corporate clients. The agency serves as the access point through which artists, consumers and global brands intersect to create, acquire and sell entertainment properties, and to enrich entertainment and brand experiences. CAA has an equity relationship with Shepardson, Stern and Kaminsky, a strategic communications consulting firm. Youth Intelligence, a youth market research and trend forecasting company, is a division of CAA.


Yess, Yes YES!!!!

Funkatron
07-23-2004, 09:19 AM
Sorry to bump up: wanted to recycle this thread rather then start a new one :D

Obi
07-23-2004, 12:15 PM
It's not a rumor. It was a press release Hasbro sent and the fansites got.


Having Spielberg onboard is AWESOME, but who's going to direct?

PaQ
07-23-2004, 03:38 PM
Wow.. It's pretty cool to see Spielberg aboard to Exec Produce.. And slated for Summer 06. It would be awesome if they could keep that schedule. Looking good so far.

Funkatron
07-23-2004, 04:19 PM
Can somene change the title to this: Transformers Live Action News: Picked up by Dreamworks and slated for 2006

Duke
07-23-2004, 04:44 PM
Can somene change the title to this: Transformers Live Action News: Picked up by Dreamworks and slated for 2006
It. Is. Done.

SSJPabs
07-23-2004, 05:43 PM
Having Spielberg onboard is AWESOME, but who's going to direct?As long as Spielberg or Ron Howard stay out of the directing process I'll be happy.

Funkatron
07-23-2004, 06:40 PM
Don Murphy(whom I think is the producer) had a few things to say on his message board:


"No script, no voice actors, plot confidential, just trying to get things done on time"

"Megatron is NOT gonna be a gun That was lame anyway"

"one giant robot doesn't turn into the gun for another nor does a giant robot turn into a tape deck

We MAY have Soundwave- but we'd keep him proportional and make him a cd player or something.

Think REALITY

If Megatron is a tank, then when he transforms it is to scale."


And another quote:

"Zemeckis is in no way involved- Harry Knowles hasn't seen the truth (or his feet) in a very long time.

We are staying focused on the original mythology.

We are working to get permissions for REAL vehicles so that Bumblebee turns into a VW for example.

Steven is COMPLETELY behind staying true to the mythology- no supersoakers.

Hasbro has exerted a ton of pressure so that the film happens QUICKLY.

Your voice is being heard."

Captin "Hank" Murphy
07-23-2004, 08:23 PM
*Gets up and shakes his booty*"Praise the Matrix(PRAISE THE MATRIX), Praaise the Matrix(PRAISE THE MATRIX), praise the matrix for it has lighten our darkened dreams..."

Superhero Hype! has an article about it too.
http://www.superherohype.com/index.php?id=1772

WingZombie38
07-23-2004, 09:26 PM
Great, wonderful, extrodinary news!!! I'm loving it all. :D 2006 couldn't be farther away. The best part for me is that Hasbro and Takara are going to have a big say in what's going on and not let too much un-needed "creative licenses" take place. At least I hope not.

*Goes back to read all the complaining on a bunch of Transformers boards* :/

Conekiller
07-24-2004, 02:28 PM
Hopefully hasbro and takara won't have too much say tho, as I don't want to see something akin to the aforementioned "supersoaker"

But we all know this will make way for a whole new wayve of toys, that will be so sweet beyond reason!

Squall
07-24-2004, 03:18 PM
I was hoping it would be completely G1 (even more, I was hoping it would be a live-movie adaptation of the pilot three-parter "More Than Meets The Eye")... as much as I love Transformers, not being true G1 means that Dreamworks had better impress me, or I'm gonna be real dissapointed...

AlphaPrime
07-25-2004, 01:34 AM
I hope it looses ALOT of the G1 stuff, cause G1 truthfully sucks :p definitly not the worst though*that was BM, shudders* But aslong as Frank Welker is kept away from Megatron i'll be ok with it.

The Dork Knight
07-25-2004, 01:59 AM
A live action Transformers movie?





YES!

- The Dork Knight

Chris Wood
07-25-2004, 02:02 AM
I hope it looses ALOT of the G1 stuff, cause G1 truthfully sucks :p definitly not the worst though*that was BM, shudders* But aslong as Frank Welker is kept away from Megatron i'll be ok with it.
??? What would you prefer they focus on? Armada? G1 is da bomb yo.

shogunthethird
07-25-2004, 02:08 AM
WOOOOOOOOO! WOO-HOO! WOO-HOO! WOO-HOO!


*spins around on the floor* WOOB WOOB WOOB WOOB WOOB WOOB WOOB!

*Falls to his knees* I know I haven't asked you for much, but please don't let this movie suck Primus
(please refrain from making "passion of the Prime" jokes until we start seeing some production photos/concept art)

Funkatron
07-25-2004, 11:18 PM
More news from the producer:

Don Murphy has posted more info at DonMurphy.net (http://www.donmurphy.net/) about the Transformers Live Action Movie.

Many things to answer here on the fly.

There's a sh*tload of rumors that you guys take as facts out there. There are NO voice actors yet. There may be soon. I will personally make sure that our director considers Frank and the gang. I think celebrity voices for a film like this is moronic.

Someone out there is telling you that there aill no be toys for this movie from Hasbro? Dream on. That's the very reason they WANT a film from Steven Spielberg.

NOTHING is decided. IN MY OPINION knowing how Hollywood works---

1- I do not see mass shifting happening.
2- I do not see a giant robot turning into a cassette player.
3- Hasbro will not have a toy that turns into a pistol.
4- I just saw the robots in SKY CAPTAIN at Comic-Con- we want ours to be the opposite of those. Personalities!


We are NOT doing anything to do with Beasts and Dinos and sh*t.

I think Soundwave is the burger with cheese and sauce. I think his "tapes" are badass.

Maybe you're right- maybe he never changes.

Dunno.

Keep talking- you can tell we are really listening.

The next few weeks will have us, ala X MEN, decide on 7 core members of each team. Desanto will be there to make sure we stay true.

Your input is NOW.

Wounded_Dragon
07-25-2004, 11:29 PM
No Beast or Dino stuff? Wouldn't that mean no Grimlock?

*enthusiasm dims considerably*

Funkatron
07-25-2004, 11:32 PM
No Beast or Dino stuff? Wouldn't that mean no Grimlock?

*enthusiasm dims considerably*
only so much they can fit in a movie. Remember, it is a movie and not a whole series. limiting themselves is good

Chris Wood
07-25-2004, 11:33 PM
If that really is the producer it sounds like he's still in junior high. And dumping on Megatron and Soundwave - what's up with that?

Wounded_Dragon
07-26-2004, 12:00 AM
If this "Hollywood" he spoke of had its way, the TF movie wouldn't be made. Or it'd be some kid of mutant Spy Kids variation.

Grimlock doesn't need to be explained much. He just has to be there

Duke
07-26-2004, 12:10 AM
If this "Hollywood" he spoke of had its way, the TF movie wouldn't be made. Or it'd be some kid of mutant Spy Kids variation.Of course there'd be a Transformers movie. Hollywood loves remakes, you think they'd leave TF alone? Hell, I'm surprised there hasn't been a Jem or He-Man or ThunderCats live-action movie announced yet.


Grimlock doesn't need to be explained much. He just has to be therePersonally, I wouldn't expect him until the sequel, if there is one.

Squall
07-26-2004, 01:33 AM
7 Core Members each for the Autobots & Decepticons, but no Dinobots or Insecticons, etc.? Hmmm... How about:

Autobots
---------
Optimus Prime
Jazz
Ironhide
Ratchet
Wheeljack
Bumblebee
Brawn

Decepticons
------------
Megatron (maybe he'll turn into a tank?)
Starscream
Thundercracker
Skywarp
Astrotrain
Blitzwing
Devastator (the six Constructicons can more or less be mindless minions of Megatron)

How's that? :D

shogunthethird
07-26-2004, 02:16 AM
7 Core Members each for the Autobots & Decepticons, but no Dinobots or Insecticons, etc.? Hmmm... How about:

Autobots
---------
Optimus Prime
Jazz
Ironhide
Ratchet
Wheeljack
Bumblebee
Brawn

How's that? :D
I'll give ya the autobots but you're WAAAAAY off on the Decepticons, this is the roster they should have

Megatron
Soundwave
Skywarp
Starscream
Thundercracker
Rumble
Ravage
Laserbeak
in other words, just the ones that came to earth

Conekiller
07-26-2004, 03:53 PM
Of course there'd be a Transformers movie. Hollywood loves remakes, you think they'd leave TF alone? Hell, I'm surprised there hasn't been a Jem or He-Man or ThunderCats live-action movie announced yet.

Personally, I wouldn't expect him until the sequel, if there is one.
Isn't there a Jem already in production? I heard Pink was gonna be Jem and they were even gonna re-do some of the old songs. I dunno.......

If they decide to include Skywarp and Thundercracker I hope they don't make them (visually) Starscream clones. I'd like to see some variety tossed in there. leave re-paints for after the movie hype has died down.

How about soundwave turning into a concert sized audio system (since they don't want mass change)

Sailor Chibi Otaku
07-26-2004, 04:02 PM
I fell in love with the series back in the 80s (I do feel old).

I wonder if any Japanese will be working on it.

Supernovametalstar
07-26-2004, 04:25 PM
Isn't there a Jem already in production? I heard Pink was gonna be Jem and they were even gonna re-do some of the old songs. I dunno.......

Not to get too off topic, but Pink as Jem would be bad. She can't sing like the original actress. In fact, the original actress actually wants to do something with Jem if they bring it back.

As for Transformers, having Spielberg involved with it gives it instant cred, which I'm grateful for. However, because he is such a big name, if the movie bombs, it might mess things up considerably for future Transformers endeavors.

cartoonboy
07-26-2004, 06:29 PM
Alpha Prime - just a quick question....how old are you? The only reason I ask is the "G1 Sucks" comment. For anyone in there late 20's to early 30's, G1 rocked. There was nothing quite like it. Beast Wars follows behind G1.....then everything gets kinda grey after that. Beast Machines was good and kept me hooked as it picked up right after Beast Wars. Now, Armada, Robots In Disguise & Energon.....there is nothing really pulling me back to watch it. But hey, that's just me. Again and let me reinterate, that's just my opinion.

Anyway, 2006 can not come soon enuff. What about Prowl in the Autobot lineup?

I think the best scene was when in episode where Prowl battle systems were down and he linked into Chip's computer, allowing Chip to control his movements. The episode escapes me.

I'm pretty sure everyone has seen this by now, but I like watching this video clip from time to time.....
Go to http://www.themichaelsmith.com/ (http://www.themichaelsmith.com/)
click on VW Transformation

Chris Wood
07-26-2004, 11:13 PM
Isn't there a Jem already in production? I heard Pink was gonna be Jem and they were even gonna re-do some of the old songs. I dunno.......
It's hard to imagine anyone bankrolling a Jem movie. What's the audience? You might as well cut to the chase and do a Barbie movie.

Duke
07-26-2004, 11:20 PM
I hope to God they don't use Brawn, I always hated him for some reason. Use CliffJumper instead.

wrenchien
07-27-2004, 12:33 AM
i just hope the cars are done as well as the cgi in shrek 2.. so they're believable as well as smart looking .. also would save them a lot of money building actual changing things to be filmed, even on a scale.. especially if the models are twisted wrong by accident during filming.

i've had little experience playing with transformers in my long life, but still, i don't want to have to tell you the horrors of mistransforming a transformer toy until it breaks..

.. now do i?

Duke
07-27-2004, 02:04 AM
i just hope the cars are done as well as the cgi in shrek 2.. so they're believable as well as smart looking .. also would save them a lot of money building actual changing things to be filmed, even on a scale.. especially if the models are twisted wrong by accident during filming.
If you can get realistic-looking cars with high graphic quality in video games, it's easy to do it in a movie.

NinjaJack
07-27-2004, 02:39 AM
Ironhide should be a hummer

Squall
07-27-2004, 03:03 AM
Ironhide being a Hummer is a cool idea! A red Hummer! :D

I didn't use Soundwave or his tapes for my 7 choices because I was attempting to avoid the cassette/CD player problem altogether. Astrotrain and Blitzwing are really cool, and Blitzwing turns into a tank (like I'm betting Megatron will too, since they won't let him turn into a gun)... and how can the Decepticons seem menacing without Devastator?!? :)