The Concise Bob Orci Thread

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by StarSaber
firstly, being new to this board, i'd like to take my own opportunity to welcome both you bob, and of course the forever present non posting alex its not often, well; actually it doesnt happen- having the writers interact with the fan base to this degree.

secondly, as soon as i heard about this movie, i have been litterally overwhelmed with childhood nostalgia. i cant wait... and the UK release feels like an eternity away

ok so to my questions...

1. in an interview with quint form aintitcool.com, shia labeouf discloses, or perhaps speculates that Megatron's alt form is indeed a top secret jet...



now can you confirm this to any degree what-so-ever?

2. with regards to the possible sequel... from what i gather, once the TF's are revealed to the world in this movie, it would be feasable to see the Dinobots in any follow up, even in the dinosaur earth mode we all know and love... going back to a comment posted about them being to stupid to realise that dinosaurs are extinct and the alt form really isnt effective camouflage. lol (this wasnt a question per-say, more an observation)

3. having not read, or intending to read the scripts floating around (self control is fading lol) what can the general fans and hardcore collecting fans expect as a whole from the movie... is there really enough depth to the script to substansiate both? eg, enough cliff hangers to keep us in awe and enough reference to the origional G1 we all long for?

personally im not going to get into the debate with the designs, as i like them (minus the not-so-looking-like-megatron-megatron), and as long as the bots retain their soul, or ''spark of life'' im happy and applaud any GOOD changes made to keep with the task of real action flick and that of a 2007 movie

4. is there anymore news on the voice over actor's?

welker just has to sign up if indeed meg's wont even resemble his G1 form...

5. an after thought to my post really... hoping that the seqeul gets the green light and we see more of cybertron, can Metroplex make an appearance .... please, please please please... id love to see an autobot of that magnitude and size in action against Trypticon or alike...

thanks

Ss

1.) Can't confirm that.

2.) Maybe.

3.) You'll be the judge.

4.) No news on voice actors.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BaWeepGrannaWeepNinnyBang
Just finished reading the Concise Thread. Took a while. I'm probably one of the few here that was never a big fan of Transformers, at least that I remember. Before buying TF:TM a year ago, all I could remember from it was they said Damn in the movie, there was a funny looking dance scene, and Optimus Prime died.

So my questions are:

Will any of the Autobots say "damn"? I don't know why I liked it so much, but I did. I am one who doesn't like profanity in general, and i'm assuming it will be limited if at all present from what you have said. Just curious if there is a well placed "damn" in there or not.

Please tell me there's no funny looking dance scene or one where everyone starts inexplicably laughing.

Do any autobots die in the movie? Remembering that Optimus Prime died was the one thing that got me to buy the movie. I'm not saying that a good guy death is necessary, just oddly appreciated. I was one of the few that I know of that liked it in the Star Wars books when Chewbacca died. Sad as it was, changes like that are things I find entertaining. Also, I'm assuming the answer will be "7.4.7" or something like that, which is fine, just doesn't hurt to ask.


I'm stoked about this movie. I only found out about it 2 days ago and have been pumping the internet for info. Trailer looks sweet, although it looked weird when that Deceptifool moved like a bear when chasing the military men, but it might look heaps better when seen in context. I assume its Skorpinok hiding in the sand and he is jumping out during that brief clip. That seems fine I guess. Anyway, gotta get back to watching G1 so I can pick out references in the movie.

Welcome.

We're still writing TF dialogue, so who knows what will happen. Your preference is noted.

No funny looking dances in our movie.

Facing Decepticons and savage humans is risky business. Someone may defenitely get hurt.

Hope you like it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jegoing
Oh, but I think the fans were underestimated. Let me say, the fan equation didn't play in the minds of the execs at paramount or even Michael Bay. I can look at his interpretation of the Autobots and Decepticons and see he didn't realize the concept he was working with. Bay is good with working with Humans, he is not equipt and or capable at creating entirely new worlds or characters. This could have been something epic and instead it turned out to be just another ho hum human/hate/love/invasion story. Transformers as a property are not going to get the story it deserve and for the public to see it on the big screen, as it stands now it's relegated to tv/comics. The only thing that this movie got half-way right was Optimus Prime and then they took liberties with the character namely his faceplate. The rest of the characters are a mess and have no cohesive design ques.

To get technical, I meant that we didn't underestimate the size of the fandom.

But to respond to your point, yes, the fans did play a part in Bay's thinking and Paramount's, and I know this because Alex and I and Hasbro and Spielberg (and his kids, who are also fans) were there the whole way. We wrote our first two drafts before Michael even came aboard.

If you're basing your entire argument on the designs, then we have very little to placate you. But you cannot judge the "interpretation" on designs alone.

Thanks for the articulate thoughts, positive or negative.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
Have a good weekend Roberto, and thank You for the attention, You've given us.

I'm a proud Czech citizen, and I'm proud that the word ROBOT, was created by a Czech writer Karel Čapek. As a writer, You might be interested to know, that the word is a derivative from: "robota" [feminine] which translates to "work". So the direct translation to English for Robot, would be "Work-er". Hope that is in any way a neat trivia.

Really?
Wow.
Cool.
Thanks

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrangler212
Hey, Rob. I just wanted to take a minute to stop ranting and say thank you. I can only imagine how busy your schedual is, and you still take the time to answer our questions and read our thoughts. I appreciate you doing this for us.

Your welcome.

Thanks to you for caring about Transformers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimuschris
mr. orci, did you get the impression that spielberg's kids were amped to see this movie? just curious cause i'd figure any kids of spielberg might be pretty jaded towards movies.


From what we can tell, that's not the case.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogzilla
Roberto,

I'm very curious how the topic of war is addressed in this film. One of the things I've always enjoyed about Transformers was that it was an epic war story. Or rather an anti-war story that looked at the state of war in the world at the time it was produced. If you look at Gernation 1 Transformers it was a metaphor for the Cold War. With humanity caught in between to superpowers, the Autobots (USA) and the Decepticons(USSR) and their war threatening to destroy our world. (a nuclear war). Beast Wars was a post-Cold War story. With scaled down Transformers(Maximals and Predacons) being a metaphor for significantly reduced armed forces of the time. They were fighting a smaller scale conflict that had huge ramifications for the rest of the universe and time itself. Similar to the small conflicts of the 90's such as Bosnia, Somalia, Haiti, etc. Beast Machines was a bit more spiritual but war nonetheless. But a war between the organic (Maximals) and technological (Vehicons) as a cautionary tale of losing our humanity with the increasing digitization of our society. So I'm curious what kind of metaphorical stuff will be in this film? Are we going to see the issues of terrorism and war in our post-911 world? Or will it be more of a spiritual/technological approach? Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

A modern theme was absolutely on our minds, and it begins with "more than meets the eye."

The only hint I'll give as to the organizing principle is that all Transformers look alike.

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
Who is the transformer in the pool? I asked this before, but got a non definitive answer. I want a definitive answer, please.

More fun to wait and see.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoundWave82
Hi Roberto,

Just a few quick questions

How much dialogue can we expect to hear from the transformers??

and

Will the transformers have a good vocabulary?? i guess what i mean is i have always liked the fact that in previous transformers installments, the transformers have used cool and big words at times.... unicron is a good example of this ('obliterated' and 'dismemberment' just some of the words he used) i always found that to be quite interesting and i know it is also based for kids but i do hope it is not dumbed down.... if you know what i mean

thanks for your time


We did not dumb it down.

Quote:
Originally Posted by obin_gam
Hello mr. Orci!
Please answer this

1. From what I understand, this film will (for the most part) take place from the humans (e.g. spike's) Point Of View. Is this a correct statement?

2. When talking about a possible sequel - from whos POV do you think it should take place from? the humans? or the transformers? what would be best from entertainment purposes, and what would be best from an economic standpoint?

again, please answer this, mr orci

thanks in advance/

The emotional core of the movie is from Sam's POV, but we track parallel stories from multiple POV's, including objective cutaways to TF's.

2.) In a sequel, which assumes the first one worked, we would probably have more freedom to give the TF POV more weight than is possible in the first movie, but the human POV would still need equel weight. In my humble opinion.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BumbleConvoy
I have a few questions and prehaps a positive comment:

1.) Are you going in depth with the Cybertronian Anatomy?

2.) Will there be any mention of the Resting Deity Primus?

3.) Did the designers base the insect looks of the rough draft designs on cockroaches, the only creature that can survive a nuclear war?

4.) Will there be any other ties in from Hasbro, like the My Little Pony plushie in the trailer or prehaps G.I. Joe?

5.) Will it take place in a world (earth namely) where the Transformers franchise never existed?

And keep up the good work, never let anyone (especially Star_Scream) get you down.


1.) Visually, yes.

2.) Maybe. It's been in and out of drafts.

3.) I don't think so.

4.) "Tie-in" is a cynical way to look at it. Think of this way -- when we wrote the scene of the little girl waking up, we wrote that she takes her security toy with her (like almost all chidren do). CUT TO: you're planning the shoot for that day, and you realize you have to give the little girl a toy, and thanks to the red tape, you have to legally "clear" the use of any toy. And then you remember, "We're working with Hasbro!" and you realize you can save a ton of money and hassle and staff power and legal maneuverings by using a Hasbro toy, which many real life little girls probably have.

5.) We're trying to resist any self-referential post modernist temptations.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Hello Mr. Orci,

One quick question. Did you have a character that you liked writing for the most, and why?

Personally I think Megatron would be the most interesting. To really be able to explore what drives his hatred would just be fantastic material.

Thanks and good luck with Star Trek, personally I'm an Andromeda fan, but Trek is great too!


Prime is my fav, always.

Thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Bob,

Somewhere on here I remember reading that you had agreed that the TF's were more than simply sentient robots. Whether that means the presence of a spark or soul like in previous storylines, I guess that would mean that you see the TF's as lifeforms, a race, not simply smart machines like in the Machine City in Matrix Revolutions, right? Is this something that you think the average movie goer will come away after seeing this one? Or is that something that might be left more to a sequel, if at all?

Yes, we think of them as life forms. That's why we wanted to emphasize the fact that they are alien robots -- not just robots.

I'm sure it's an issue that could be explored endlessly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by luigoalie
hello mr Orci again!

im not sure if you involved in the advertising side of thing but what would you imagine (or know of) the amount of advertizing and merchendising (eg lunch boxes, school bags, party supplies, clothing, sticker album ect.)

is this type of stuff discussed b4 or after the movie opens.

This kind of stuff has to be discussed long before the movie comes out.

The closer we get to launch date, the more you'll see coming out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Archer
trust me, If I were working on a big hollywood film like this one I'd have more impotant stuff to do, more important places to be and more importan people to speak than hanging around here.



Ii seems to me that this is exactly what's gonna happen with the way the movie is been made right now.

oops. Maybe I need to get a life!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDepressed
I have a few questions for Mr Orci.

a) if you had a director of your choice to direct this movie except for Mr Bay, who would it be, and why?

b) are there any specific scenes from the cartoon/movie or the comics that have recreated shot by shot for this film?

Cheers for your time, Roberto! I know everyone appreciates the work you have done on this forum for the film (even Star_Scream), obviously you and Mr Kurtzman are well educated fans and you two are definitely trying your damnedest to make this film become a worthwhile addition to anyones favourite film list

EDIT - OK, as proven with the above post, Star_Scream doesn't appreciate your work. Ah well, I'm sure one out of a million isn't gonna hurt you in the slightest


a.) if Bay didn't do it, I would've wanted Spielberg.

b.) No scenes were taken shot for shot, but some images from the series and movie were clear inspirations.

Hope you like it... cheers!

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Dude Stuck In The 80s
I like to think of myself as a pretty big fan of Trek, but this line and the rumor that Matt Damon will be Kirk Make me shudder.

Anyway on to my question for Roberto, although I'm sure you might not be able to answer, but here goes.

Were the design cues from the Citroen commercial not realistic enough? When that came out I was totally thinking thats what an updated Transformer could look like. And I didn't see any evidence of mass shifting there, which I realise everyone was trying to avoid with this movie.

Loved the ad. Used it to convince Bay that the tech existed to do this movie right.

Ultimately, Citroen has an interest in keeping their car as recongizable in robot form as possible -- they are not claiming their car is an alien. We are claiming our vehicles are alien, and we wanted their designs to reflect their origin.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Firefalcon
Mr Orci,

Forgive me if this has been asked already(and I missed it).

How do you feel about the design about Starscream for this film? I ask because this seems to be the hottest topic in almost any thread that has been made.

We're reserving judgement until we see a final version of him in motion. We've seen finals of some of the TF's, but not all, not Starscream or Megs.

Ask again later.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 7th Level Shutdown
Any recent developments on the Ark? Is it possible for significant changes/additions to the film even at this late stage? There was a leaked toy image a while ago of a Stryker A.P.C.. is this an alt.mode for a fan favourite character?

All we'll say is that the Ark is not precluded by TF-1.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
whew. what a topic. thanks for all these answers, Mr. Orci

and Star_Scream, i completely agree with you on what has become of good ol' Starscream. while i can agree with the clothes not making the man, a change THAT extreme was just too much. i dont mind the new look for Bumblebee, Blackout, Barricade, Prime, and Brawl. but lord i can't stand Starscream. new updated movie looks are great yes. but Starscream's persona doesn't fit a top-heavy sasquatch. i wouldn't have cared if his new look veered rather far from his original design as long as he remained the sleek and slender warrior i knew and loved from his past incarnations.

i mean, if such a clunky fat looking thing were to have SS's persona from G1, he wouldn't come off as Starscream at all. he would moreso come off as Eric Cartman

so my question is this: will the Starscream in the movie look much like his toy prototype does?

So difficult to answer because I don't want to bias you either way.

And their motion is such a key part of imagning them.

All I know is that my Luke Skywalker and Han Solo plastic dolls resembled their on-screen counterparts, but it wasn't exactly the same as seeing HARRISON FORD in "real life" up there on the screen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
Dear Roberto, and Alex,

I too wish to humbly express appreciation to both of You first and foremost, but also to the entire hierarchy, that is Your team of filmmakers. You're all making our dreams come true, in more than one way.

Will the movie-Optimus Prime be able to bench press as much as the original toy's biography used to claim [1,000,000 lbs. was it?]? It's OK if You can't answer that.

I suppose nothing in the movie precludes this from being the case.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Well, my question got deleted somewhere in there, so...

Roberto,

Thanks again for taking time to answer fans questions and concerns. I hate to bother you with design-related questions because I know it's not your department, but perhaps this one is general enough; do you know if Starscream's squaty robot design was done in an effort to retain the dynamic between him and Megatron? Bay has told use that Megatron is 34 feet tall, so for him to still dominate over Starscream (a 62ft jet), it would seem keeping Starscream's height down would be an important factor if we are to believe there's anything keeping him from usurping Megatron. Yet, all that jet has got to go somewhere, so if it can't go up it'd have to go out. Was that a factor for Starscream's design, or does someone just have a thing for wide robots with long arms and goat legs?

Thanks again Roberto for your time, and your patience with the fandom.

LOL! Very diplomatic

Again, it all goes back to motion. We've got the master of speed and motion (BAY) doing things that were never even visually attmepted in the comics or cartoons --

So things like extreme mass shifting were rejected outright because it would come at the expense of a degree of realism and spectacle.

Not sure if that answeres anything for you

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixgun
Hi Bob,

There are a few questions about Star Trek popping up in this thread, so I was wondering if there are plans to have a Q/A thread like this on a Trek board somewhere?

Thanks

I can't even begin to face that prospect right now, but I guess we should start preparing for the inevitable

No plans yet, we'll see.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MindChamber
you Do understand that is the asthetic that defines a transformer correct?


my question. any chance we might get some cameos of other transformers with the cybertron sequence?

Your first point is up for debate.

Cast of thousands.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogzilla
Roberto,

Obviously Transformers is very much an ensemble cast of both villians and heroes. And now you are working on Star Trek which is also very much an ensemble effort. The benefit of an ongoing Transformers comic is that if you don't feature one character say Bumblebee this month, next month the story could spotlight that same character. But in a film, you may not get the chance to feature everybody equally. Scorponok for example actually led the Decepticons for awhile in the comic books, yet in this film he shares screen time with 7 other Decepticons, 5 Autobots, and the human characters. What are the challenges to writing for so many characters and keeping them interesting?

Almost forgot, thanks Roberto for answering our questions and taking the time to help make sure the fans concerns are considered in the production of this film.


You just hit the nail on the head as to the main challenge of the whole thing.

The challenge is introducing everyone in the right order in a sequence of events that continues to escalate naturally and without overwhelming the audience with information they don't yet need to know so that it is all MAXIMALLY ENTERTAINING!:

Difficult choices have to be made in terms of emphasis for a fan. Non-fans will never know the pain.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Armpit
Bob,
Sorry if you already answered this but this thread is silly bignow-will there be another trailer out?

Yes. Don't know when.

And Alex and I will be happy to come on here after the movie is released, and we can be even more free to answer questions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by AJBek

In his recent interview in Canada Don Murphy spoke about the multiple converging human perspective storyline of the film. While I was not too keen on this initially (seemed too much like ID4 to me) what Don said did put me more at ease with the idea (i.e no soap opera relationships between the various groups such as in ID4). However I am a bit concerned with how the autobots may be portrayed in this type of storyline. The impression I got was that the autobots and deceptions will be fighting it out, no holds barred for the allspark (or whatever it is called) and the humans will be caught in the middle trying to survive. If this is the case I think it seriously devalues the autobots compared with G1. In G1 the autobots main aim was always to protect humanity from the decepticons, to the detriment of their mission and even at the cost of their own lives. While some of the autobots (notable prowl) did not fully agree with this (perhaps an interesting dynamic to include in the film?) G1 optimus prime always put the humans first. I just can't see him smashing apartment blocks to bits with while fighting with megatron, like what everyone says is happening in this film.

The general vibe of the film so far seems to be humanity Vs the transformers with plucky heroic Sam winning the war for humanity, when all appears lost. To me this seems like a generic disaster movie cop out much like the ending of ID4 (just because Randy Quaid can destroy one alien ship how do all the others get destroyed as well?).

I know you are a transformers fan so I am sure this is not the way you have written the script, so I am hoping for a little reassurance from you that this is not the way the film will play out.

Thanks you very much for reading this.

Agree with you totally. Optimus ins't some mindless Godzilla. He cares about humanity.

However, a fight is a fight, and you can't always control where you go down.

I keep hearing comparisons to ID-4, and I guess they're inevitable. But the basic template of what this movie would be has existed since the 80's: warring alien race on earth with key humans (Spike, Carly) caught in the middle. TF's were here first.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeShaun
I find it a wee bit funny that after Mod Bob specifically states this is a Q&A Thread, you make a post that has nothing to do with it. At all (except the fact that you probably reported the hijacking ). At least ask a question, or just PM him the high five, yeesh...



Someone asked that already and he said no. Too bad, that's actually the part I look forward to the most. I mean, come on, breakdancing robots! Weird Al! Come on!

* * *

Roberto, you said you wish you could do the sequel(s), but doubt that you'll have the time. I noticed though, that the Spidey/X-Men movies came out 2-3 years after the last. Did you you take that into consideration? I mean, I know you're doing the Trek movie and all, but I'm just saying with all the studios pushing out sequels like mass production units, that maybe the prospect of writing up another script would seem rushed to you guys.

Then again, I understand the script goes through mass amounts of rewrites, 100 some days of principal photography and like a years worth of post-production, so I guess that could equate to 3 years if you wrote the script now...

On another note. Who would you want to continue the story? As in writers. Also, would you be willing to do some consulting with the writer to make sure the story doesn't get lost in translation (more or less continuity)?


We'd be willing to help however we can.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot Shot Cheetor
Sorry for this very general question but what will the movie be rated? Please tell me there will be at LEAST some language and blood.

PG-13

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimuschris
AWESOME!

mr. orci, it just occured to me that i've never read how old shia and megan's characters are supposed to be (or if i did, i spaced it out). can you (or anybody who knows) clue me in?

Juniors in high school-ish.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Roberto thanks for giving us answers and taking up your time.
Ok now for my question any news yet about Welker?


Still talking to him.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamma Ray
Mr. Orci,
how come you guys ended up using a completely different design for Ratchet? Do you know if there are any future plans for that fire truck design?

We wanted a heavy duty, all purpose Emergency Vehicle. Anything can happen in the future.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Mr. Orci,

Is there any chance you or Alex might be appearing at any Transformers conventions this year?


We'll have to grab a schedule and see.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hiroziro
Orcimeister,

Do agents shop around scripts written about alternate timelines for already established shows? I have a script written based on a TV show. It's a pilot. What is your advice?

An agent would read it as a writing sample, which could be highly useful. But the chances of spec script about an existing property finding a home are slim.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
Mr Orci,

any chance you could tell us what stage the production of the movie is currently in? is it close to done?

The movie is still being edited, and new ILM FXs trickle in every day.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrangler212
¿Will there be any mention or reference to Unicron in the movie?

No.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jawnee
That is a very poor excuse. Yes everything in the "real world" goes through a development process and yes things change in that process. But if you say you're giving your clients X you try to give them something as close to X as possible. In this case we might be better suited using a flavor analogy. Don said we were getting "classic" flavored coffee, or more accurately a fresh new coffee with a classic taste... and while I don't necessarily HATE anything about the designs we've seen few of us could deny that they lack that classic taste we were supposed to get. You can find 100 ways to blend coffee with the same base classic flavors and still call it "classic" but if you reinvent the entire thing from scratch you can still call it coffee, but it's hardly classic.

I prefer tea.

To use your analogy, if cartoon=coffee then live action film = tequila. And even if it's classic coffee flavored, it's still gotta/gonna taste like tequila.

I hope this clears everything up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, have you had the opportunity to see a fully rendered transformation sequence yet? If so, how was that? Thank you!

-- bits and pieces -- awesome -- feel it in your bones when the speakers vibrate!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Actually, this raises something I've been very curious. What made you decide on Scorponok in the first place?


Many reasons:

We knew we wanted to be open to not just the classic vehicle TF's, and we were looking for the opportunity,

Story wise, he really fit the terrain without seeming too cartoonishly out of place like a Dinobot.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrangler212
Just a guess, but I think they can get away with a giant scorpion being his alt mode because of their ability to move in sand rather than use it as a disguise.

both

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Roberto

Is the cd player robot going by the name Frenzy or Soundbyte? Also, I remember you mentioning how you were trying to add more dialog for the bots, as well as seeing how much of the Cybertron language to use. Hows that coming? I'm particulary curious about how much the Cybertronian language is gonna be used.

We're literally making those decisions as we speak. We're finding a good balance, we think. The language is more sound based than linguistic.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
roberto, can you tell us how old those new images of Starscream, Bonecrusher, etc are? it says "work in progress" on the bottom and you said you never saw the final SS, so i was wondering if those "new" images only recently were leaked to the public. again, thank you so much for your time

Sorry, haven't seen leaked images.

I'll check them out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Somewhat off topic question to Mr. Orci:

Is J.J. Abrahms in or out of the director seat of the new Star Trek movie? There's been rumors he's out, but will still produce. Can you clarify?

J.J. who?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fit For Natalie
As a reformed Star Trek fan, I am also anticipating the next Trek movie. I hope it gives the dying franchise some cred and makes less considerably less dorky.

Only because Takara likes to screw Hasbro over.

Done deal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by boy from beyond
Hey Roberto why do you claim to have written the script for this movie when all you have really done is change a few things and added some dialog?

The WGA will determine who did what, as always.

Quote:
Originally Posted by pristine_matrix
A) Can you not answer Roberto's questions for him?

B) I dont see the logic in Scorponok. They're an alien species. Chances are, they have better/more advanced ways of moving through sand than a Scorpion style body with it's gears exposed that can get clogged up with sand.

C) Keeping with Scorponok, if the creature can move through sand, SAND would be his disguise because he'd only need to show himself upon attack. Like Blackout. Or Barricade.





It's not an assumption.

We were told many times, and have read in some pieces on various websites, that the decision to move away from the "boxey look" of the original show was to have something that was more dynamic and alien.

A chicken head is not alien.

A scorpion, is not alien.

Therefore, both of these stand opposed against the choice to make the Transformers more alien.

That is not an assumption.

My question still stands and I put it to you:

Can you explain why these design faux pas'(because they do not look alien) have actually made it through? (As in, who approved them and why?)

Now you're splitting hairs. A semi-truck is not an alien, either. Disguised and not disguised: two basic modes they must all fufill. Scorpy, too, fits the bill.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Sorry, I'm gonna piss you off and answer. Don't get mad.

A chicken head is just your own perception.

As for the scorpion thing, I really doubt Cybertron had any sand right? Soooo, if Scorponok was supposed to be stationed in a sandy enviroment for search and destroy missions where he didn't need to worry about disguise, wouldn't he look to see what species on Earth adapts best to that enviroment and model himself after that?

and yeah! what he said!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
Mr Orci,
If you can answer this: If one of the 'reasons' why the Transformers were redesigned to eliminate some of their humanoid qualities to emphasize they are aliens, then why does Megatron have a human like face complete with mouth and teeth?

They weren't necessarily redesigned to eliminate "human" qualities. Think of it more as redesigning them to eliminate their "cartoony" qualities.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
Going by that line of thinking then why was Prime kept cartoony?

He needed the least help. And we did alter him some, like no longer being a flatnose.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Again nobody is asking for G1 carbon copy, Bumblebee has bendy metal ie: his license plate, then the whole issue about where do the extra parts come from to make the battle mask and weapons and as for parts coming and going to nowhere there seems to alot of parts just disappearing in Primes head in the trailer. I would like to know what Roberto makes of this.

You're seeing the complexity under the surface that would always have to be there, but was usually covered by simple transformations and large plates in the cartoon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabodie
Where?

The bent license plate isn't even an issue. A bent license plate shoudn't justify the use of "bending metal". So what if there is a bent license plate? It's not like his waist is one solid piece of metal. Just think about what you're typing...a bent license plate...the question to be asked here is--So what?

Sorry to hijack with such a pointless arguement. Here is a question.

Bob, how do you feel about this "bent license plate" controversy?

EDIT: If you mean the blue parts that make the shape of his head, then you are wrong. Going frame by frame, you can see the parts stored at the base of his neck...


We've called an emergency meeting with Spielberg, and Bay, and all the heads of the five families to discuss BENTLICENSEPLATE-GATE.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
The least amount of help? So what was so wrong with the other images? Keeping Prime as he looks now he stands out like a sore thumb with the other 'helped' characters. Who decided that the others needed this supposed 'help'? I wasn't aware that removing all points of recognition to the other characters was 'helping' them.

Face it, we have been lied to and BSd far too long on why these images were butchered the way they were. Is it possible to get some sort of legitimate answer for once?

ATTICA! ATTICA!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Roberto,

Considering how complex alot of the transformations are, can we expect to see alot of them in the film? I know that sounds stupid considering it's a TF movie, but are they used for more shock or money shots, or are they a pretty frequent occurance when things get going?

Both. You'll see plenty-o-transforming, and it will hopefully be a cool shock every time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by El_Fezico
Hey Bob, have you gotten an ***-load of pm's from people suggesting this and that line for a TF in the movie, regardless it possibly being more or less "prohibited"?

Actually, no. Go figure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PunkMaister
Roberto why, why have we been lied too by saying this movie is based on Generation 1 when in fact it is not by any stretch of the imagination!

Why Roberto why?

Alex and I based our efforts mainly on G1. Just because you don't like the result (which you've yet to see) doesn't make it a lie.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PunkMaister
Hear, hear...

I just wish that from the get-go we would have been told this was a totally new incarnation period. Is that too much to ask Mr Orci?




LAWL

From where we sit, that wold have been a lie.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoundStreaker
Mr. Orci! Where's Alex? And what did you do with the body?

I'm looking right at him and he says, "Hi."

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabodie
What kind of T.V. shows do you like?

Love Studio 60, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, and all cable news

Quote:
Originally Posted by BumbleConvoy
Dear Bob,

Some more questions for you...

1. Will we see or hear from Shockwave?
2. Is that Cybertron on the website? It looks lifeless. XD
3. How will the Transformers get nutrients into their body, like humans or cellphones (Charging their battery)?
4. Has the vision of Megatron's old mission to dominate the universe still remained?
5. Has Hasbro been looking for some freelance designs for more robots (I.E. Fanart?)

Thank you for your time.


1.) Not in TF1
2.) I believe it is Cybertron.
3.) Exxon. Just kidding. It doesn't come up in TF1
4.) Megs still seems to want to dominate the universe, for sure.
5.) Don't know. Meeting with them next week, and I'll ask them.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 7th Level Shutdown
Hi Bob.

Do you have any comment on Optimus Prime having no faceplate in his standard mode? Some new footage was shown today at a convention, presenting Optimus speaking without his classic 'plate.

Thanks.

I hope he's as handsome as he deserves to be. Haven't seen final shots.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Hey Bob,

Just curious. They way you wrote Megatron in the script, I was wondering about his character.

Is he more of a calculating mastermind (ie like a Napolean Emperor type)
Or is he a full of rage head first into battle guy (kinda like a ghengis kahn)

I think that would be a very interesting character to write and really explore what makes him hate the Autobots so much, and why he turned on Optimus.

Also, did you have to develope the backstory before you wrote? In the prequel comic it says that Megatron and Prime were co-rulers of Cybertron, was that your writing or that of another author?

Thanks!


Megatron is defenitely calculating, but he's also willing to get his hands dirty.

We did develop some backstory, but we did not write the comics.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Hi Roberto who is your fav character in the movie and why?

Prime, Prime, and more Prime.

Why? He's the Transformer I would want to be. To me, he is the star of the movie.

I love the idea of a powerful dude like him caring about humanity.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Duststorm
hey Orci and HEY Alex whom is in the background all the time. Don't worry i can be shy too.

Anywho I am SO looking forward to this movie, it looks amazing well from what i've seen in the Teaser, and i too like how the both of you take the time to be with us. Definitly good luck on the Trek fans.

1) Has ILM contributed any ideas of their own that, we will be seeing in the movie, well as it being ILM we may not actually see it, as they are amazing with CGI?

2) hHow much do they help to contribute or do they just do the task they are told, not that is a bad thing either?

3) Also has any of the M-5 members LOL working to make this an amazing experience? (that would be the people who do Mythbusters)


Absolutely. ILM has contributed immeasurably to the characterizations through motion and body language ideas, and countless other things you'll see. They rock.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gotterdammerung
Hey Roberto,

Will the fans be privileged to see scenes from Hasbro's Transformers movie event?

Yes.

On 7-4-7!

Quote:
Originally Posted by RD_Blade
Hello again, Bob.

Had Hound (the military Jeep) remained Spike's buddy (rather than being bumped in favor of Bee) in the cartoon, do you think he'd have been a better counterpart to Sam in the movie?

Interesting, but I think not because it would make it harder to organically get a military jeep next to our boy next door (Sam W.).

Originally Posted by Jabodie
I watched the "The Island" director commentary the other day, and Michael Bay mentioned that you and Alex wrote the scene where Ewan McGregor finds the moth. Nice

And yes, I actually enjoy that movie.

Thanks.

Haven't heard the commentary.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hiroziro
But, those are all new!?!? What shows do you really like?

All time favs: L.A. Law, Star Trek (original and next generation), The Equalizer, Felicity, Six Feet Under, Amazing Stories, It's Your Move, The Practice, and the A-Team.

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
This wouldn't be all that difficult. Surplus jeeps are really cheap, and quite a few of them are rustbuckets. You could do the whole Bumblebee "reformat into something nicer, why don't you?" thing, and have him reformat into one of the new Wranglers, which are based off a design based off the military Jeep.

Good point.

Still, we didn't want any autobots to be "military."

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
"Ba weep granna" Roberto, Alex, and the gang. Thank You again for answering all of our inquiries.

I have a question today, which may be "unanswerable" at this poit.

"When a TRANSFORMER transforms from disguise to robot, does the sound grow from shortest to longest, or vice versa? Does it matter? Is it thhrrrr thrrr thrr tr, or tr thrr thrrr thhrrrr!?" [You get the picture].

Haven't heard any final sound design yet.

Originally Posted by uraydo
hey, Bob.

If you could, would you give me a quick list of things that you think will attract non-fans to this movie. It's for a speech I am doing.

It's the first live action rendition of the incredible world of Transformers which has taken this long to realize because the technolgy DIDN"T EXIST to do it right until now.

The movie is a mix of the good ole' days of Amblin classicism (like Back to the Future, E.T., etc) when movies were at their peak of attendance and accessability, but it is also highly modern and reflective of the times we live in.

The relevance of Transformers goes far beyond merely a toy. Transformers themselves are an amazing modern metaphor that personifies our fears, our desires, and our mastery of nature. Just as the Greek personified their surroundings (nature) through Gods, the TF's are our personifcation of our current surroundings (technology).

And of course, you'll see ground breaking, state of the art special effects and action sequences that MUST BE SEEN IN THE THEATER! It's the only way to see a sentient alien robot in ACTUAL SIZE!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Assassin_Bean
Hey, Roberto, are you still just adding more dialogue to the movie? Do you have any other duties?


Yup. Yup.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
How about an honest opinion as to designs? Does Bob truly think they are what they should be?

Again, I want to see them in their final renditions in motion. If the goal of intense realism is achieved, then the designs will prove to be right.

As I've said before, their movement is key. Bay and ILM have designed some choreography that was never even IMAGINED in the comics or cartoons, a medium which can draw anything it wants!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rey
I think my post was deleted, not sure though. In any case, here it is again. Hey Robert, I was wondering if you could answer this:

What will be the height of all the transformers in the movie (in ft. lol)?

Thanks.

I think we have a chart somewhere. If I come across it, I'll pass info along.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Munrock
Roberto, I have a question: what do you think of video piracy?



Personally, Alex and I love to lose money and see all our colleagues denied reimbursement for their unbelievably hard work. I also love the idea of hurting the business enough that technology has to be invented to regulate the internet, which as we all know should be policed more strictly, and our activities more closely watched by powerful government institutions.

Thanks for asking.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
Transformers are indeed the personification of our fears and desires which is why them looking so human made the connection even stronger. I suppose no one on the 'design team' thought of that did they?

And who decided to shred their images to reflect the disgust of our current surroundings/world situation today? And at the very least who decided that technology was ugly?

Their faces will be more humanoid than you think.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pre98
Bob, I just saw Ghost Rider last night. There are little jokes throughout the entire movie that keep the audience entertained as the story is being set in the first half hour or so. The humor continues until the very end.

On a scale of 1-10, how much humor is throughout the film?

It's like a thin candy cane strip of humor woven with the serious red strip. But the humor comes from genuine situtions and reactions, not from parody or satire.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Autobloke
C'mon, Orci - what possible harm can it do to answer the question about Speedos?

The harm is my alzheimers. I can't remember if it turned up speedos or briefs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Hey Mr. Orci,

Just curious. Over at www.seibertron.com there in an article that says Megatron's Earth Alt mode is a stealth bomber?

Any truth to this or is this guy crazy?
Thanx

No comment. Megtarton would kill me if I told you what he was going to wear to the the July 4th bar-b-q.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
I hope you are right. And please please give me a straight answer on this: If this movie does somehow spawn a sequel, is there a possibility that the characters will be redesigned something a bit more respectful of their original images such as how Prime was done?

It's possible.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Munrock
Sorry if the question came accross as a bit snide, it wasn't intended to be. I just thought I'd invite you to follow up on the 'must see on the big screen' comment

If Soundwave appears in the sequel, is he going to have DRM problems?

Question wasn't snide at all. No worries!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
Dear Bob:
I'm curious if there will be nods to the original beloved Transformers theme in the musical score, too. One musical element done well in the original G1 animated series was the playing of the first few bars of "The Transformers" theme as a fanfare - usually as Optimus Prime was leading the Autobots over the crest of a hill or to the precipice of a canyon - before it morphed into the show's standard action score. It makes me think of the point in "The X-Files" movie where the famous theme from that show was finally played midway in the film.
Thanks!

I would hope so. Maybe we'll even get a band to cover the theme.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
Dear Bob:
Will all the Decepticons have the ability to fly in robot mode, as they did in the original series? Or, will the film be more specific about which Transformers can fly?

If the answer is yes to either of the above questions, in order to fly in robot mode, will Transformers be carrying thrusters of some kind? Or was this a non-starter when writing, as you and Alex appeared to have been going for the TFs being more real-world function based (than fantasy).
Thanks

We're going for more real world.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blacknife
Hello Bob,

Do you and Alex ever contemplate or do comic script writing? I know John Rogers has crossed that threshold.

I'd be interested to see you guys take on an IDW spotlight in the comics.

We've never done it. We don't know the format. Could be interesting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot Shot Cheetor
Bob, after the release of the movie and the action figures, will there be figure releases of other characters that weren't in the movie? I'm sure many people would enjoy seeing characters of later continuities with these new updated toy looks, and maybe some G1 characters that weren't in the movie. Such as a Soundwave with a movie look.

Also, I know it's very early to ask, but do you hope there's a sequel in the future?

I don't know if there will be other toys. When we see Hasbro, I'll ask.

Of course we hope there's a sequel! The first movie barely scratches the surface of the Transformers universe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXDeceptikonXXX
Bob/Alex,
Will Starscream's personality be similar to that of his G1 persona? I remember him as an impatient, ambitious, snake-in-the-grass who wanted nothing more than to lead the Decepticons, even if it meant the demise of Megatron. I know there are lots of story angles that could have been used in this movie, but I'm looking for a nugget on this specific topic of personalities and character interaction. Can you comment on this, or any other character personalities that will be presented to us.

Thanks and keep up the good work! Give Spielberg and Bay a dap for me!

DJ Deceptikon

All signs point to yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
My question Roberto, or Alex, is: how long does, or can it take You to write a new scene, that the team decides to insert inbetween existing scenes. Do You just go "snap" done-on-the -fly so to speak, or are You given a deadline? If the latter is the case, do You take all the time You need to write, to be sure it's perfect, or do You just tap into Your collective geniuses, and knock it out pretty fast?

[Sorry for the long windedness ]

We're pretty fast. We knock it out right there as we're watching the footage usually, but sometimes you gotta take it home and think about it overnight.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
So nobody finds it strange that a pair of binoculars that won't have alot if any electrical parts if any at all can come to life.

We have no transforming binoculars.

Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXDeceptikonXXX
Bob/Alex,
Thanks for the reply regarding Starscream. If I can recognize his personality, the new look in live action will be that much more impressive.

Were you able to work directly with Anthony Anderson and Bernie Mac? I enjoy both of their comedic styles and would like to know if they are just as funny off screen/stage. What caused the team to replace Michael Clarke-Duncan with Anthony Anderson? Was it simply the comedic angle of the scenes or character? You may not know the answers, but I know that Anthony Anderson seems to fit the role of Glen better IMHO.

Thanks!!!

DJ Deceptikon

They are just as funny in person.

Clark Duncan was up for a different part than Anthony.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Also, without giving away any details, how much was changed during filming by the actors wanting to do something different other than what was in the script, character dialogue or behavior-wise? Were there few or plenty on-site revisions to the script during filming and were there significant changes that greatly altered the story overall? And, if so, might there be "alternate endings" on the DVD release?

Michael let them do some improvising within a few scenes, but nothing that changes the overall story or intent of any scene.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Good answer.

This is the kinda thinking we like. Questions everything. Leads to unifying ideas and keeps a mystery alive. Hmm....

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
Mr. Orci,
this question [should You find time to read it] is concerning the arrival of the TRANSFORMERS to Earth. The reason for "no ARK" has been established in previous correspondence with You, and that is not my question. The name of the AUTOBOT ship ARK in Generation 1 was more or less a reference to Noah's ark, however the timeline of TRANSFORMERS crash landing heralded an evolutionarist's view [possibly alienating/turning off creationists, watching G1].

Has this angle [possibly a target audience question] been considered by You as the writers? Notwithstanding the ALLSPARK being somewhat analogous to creationistic approach?

Thank You

That never occured to us. Interesting.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Hi Roberto have you ever Rugby and if yes what do you think it.

Never played it. Looks painful!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
Bob and/or Alex,
If you were to become involved with sequels, would you be more interested in basing them on a Unicron menace, a menace like the Underbase Saga (G1 Marvel US issues 45 or so to 50- and bears a slight resemblance to the public prequel comic info), some other comic/cartoon based big story, or come up with your own?

Too early to rule anything out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, Any idea when we can expect to see another trailer? I believe you had mentioned the last teaser trailer was intended to be one in a series that would all focus on different aspects of the film. Perhaps I am mistaken, or perhaps that plan has changed. Thank you!

No idea. Probably closer to May. When I come across the plan, will let you know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mattjy
Hi Roberto

Do you know if we'll get to see a detailed transfromation of each of the robots during the film? It's killing me trying to work out how they all transform, as discovering is part of the fun. As the toys have been simplified they don't give much away, so I was wondering if we get to see much detail in the cgi. A lot of people don't accept that the designs take into account how 'real' robots would transform as it's not immediately obvious where vehicle parts go (windscreens in particular seem to be absent in bot mode, plus the interiors etc.) so it would be cool to actually see the transformation process from as many possible angles. If not, do you think this might be included as a DVD special feature? Presumably ILM have had to make such models to work from, so it'd be a nice addition.

Cheers


Matt

The Transformations are going to be unbelievably detailed. They're mindblowing.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maniacal
1. Hey... Any references to the year 1985?
Did Bumbleblee land then and choose the old Camaro? Then sit and wait for something to happen? A nod to the beginning of Transformers being 1985 would be nice.
2. Spaceships make sense...
Spaceship stuck in the side of a mountain unseen for years makes no sense... Spaceship orbiting somewhere or on a planet does. They have to leave at some point or the Autobots are just stranded. How will they complete their mission? Please... include the Ark and Nemesis. Comet modes suck. Comets have been done to death. Armageddon, Deep Impact, and every other SciFi film that ripped off those two.
3. Along the above: If the Autobots can only navigate the Americas due to the earth modes... how will they protect the world from Decepticons in Japan?
By the time they traveled across by sea, no one would be left to protect. How will they get around this issue?
4. Language.
I hate reading subtitles for too long. Cybertronian isn't permanent for everyone I hope. I want to hear the betrayal in the voice of Starscream.
5. Will we see a giant robot in New York City?
I don't mean in building size banners for the movie either. I mean.. will NYC be seen at all in this film. About banners, I remember driving towards the Lincoln Tunnel and seeing a banner on a building that made it look like a comet just burned through it... I had to stop just to look, banners that do that are amazing.
6. Will the Transformers "choose" their voices?
I mean... will they listen to someone on the street and mimick that person after some time?
Thanks... I'm really excited about the film. 747 cannot come soon enough.

1.) There is a cool visual reference to the past.

2.) Nothing we've done precludes them arriving in a Spaceship, despite how it appears in the preview.

3.) Distances are not an issue in this film, but you're right that it may come up in a sequel.

4.) No worries. You won't have to read much.

5.) No NY in TF1. We felt it's been attacked too much in the movies, and reality.

6.) No.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wynsickle
Mr. Orci, I am curious if the new images of Prime's face is the final movie version. To me, his face is very ugly, and makes Prime look, well, not that bright and while I do like his body design, it will make it very hard for me to watch a film with such an iconic character deformed this badly. Perhaps you haven't seen these images, but I do know that you have said Prime is your favorite character in this film and in the cartoon, so I'm also curious as to what your own opinion is on what appears to be Prime's new face. Thank you.

Keira

I'm reserving judgement until I see him talking. Haven't seen final FX yet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kormac
Hello Roberto!

I have a question for you. Actually, in fact, its more of a request! I've been over at DM.net for a while now and only found out thanks to Spanbauer that you have moved over here.
Over at DM.net I have recently posted in relation to my dissertation/thesis proposal. I've basically scrapped my plans to base it on cyborgs and although I have quite a bit of research done on that subject, I don't feel it can hold my interest for as long as say a good thesis based on transformers would.

So far I have not been able to come up with any fantastic ideas which raise worthwhile, interesting questions. The only thing that came close was that transformers is the extreme manifestation of paranoia in our own technology. That it will eventually be able to outsmart us by hiding in the very things we trust, like our armchairs and beds for instance.

I posted this problem and Spanbauer replied with a quote from you:

"The relevance of Transformers goes far beyond merely a toy. Transformers themselves are an amazing modern metaphor that personifies our fears, our desires, and our mastery of nature. Just as the Greek personified their surroundings (nature) through Gods, the TF's are our personifcation of our current surroundings (technology)."

I found this idea quite fascinating and in line with the type of things I wish to explore. I was wondering if you could expand on these theories in any way? You must have gone on a journey of ideas to come up with the story and get inside the heads of their universe and how it applies to ours, any of the deeper findings like the above example would be much appreciated Even any references you may have in relation to the ideas you based the movie on would be of great help.
Regards,
Kormac.
P.S.
Sorry for getting all academic on ur ***. I promise I’ll be more fun next time

Going off the Gods theme again, the idea of immortality is implicit and appealing to both ideas. We're the only animal on earth to invent technology. And our technology may save us from disaster (by allowing us to possibly avert a world ending asteroid, or eventually leaving the planet when the sun goes super nova). And many now beleive we will soon be merging with our technology. In a sense, humanity will be the ones to transform themsevles by evolving faster than nature would allow through technology.

Deep, huh?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, sorry if this has been asked before, but is there a story-based reason for the teeth on some of the Decepticons? I know the film isn't the first Transformers incarnation to include teeth, I was just curious if you and Alex were going to address it in this new continuity. Thank you!


Not in TF1.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Roberto, I was wondering if you could say anything about Jazz in the movie, as far as his personality goes. Did you guys get to explore his personality as the the bot that falls in love with earth culture as he's been portrayed before?

He finds his character voice faster than the others.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Star_Scream
But why was aesthetics and accurate character representation sacrificed for over complicated and unrealistic transformations?

And thank you for ignoring my last post wondering what your comments were. As I said, silence says more then anything else and you can imagine the conclusions I drew from you not answering....just like Im sure you wont answer the question above....

I don't know if I agree that the Transformations will be unrealistic. Complex doesn't mean unrealistic to me.

Again, the reality of live action motion seemed to require certain design aesthetics, in our (the productions) opinion

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
Roberto,
Your presence on this board seems to be giving you a celebrity status that's been uncommon for movie writers. I can't really remember another movie where the writers have been the face of the film as much as seems to be the case here. What do you think about this?
And is Alex jealous/grateful/other that you're the main recipient of this attention (on this board, at least)?
Thanks for your time.

It will probably be more common, as the ease with which a production can communicate with fans makes it difficult to have an excuse not to.

Alex is grateful. He takes insults more personally and has a hard time reading negative posts.

Thank you for posting and caring about Transformers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Bob. Do you see a sequel being made?
also, pie, no pie?

I'll tell you on July 5th.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheDepressed
Actually your last post prior to the ' Roberto, no comment regarding my last post?' was this -



I agree with Assassin_Bean that you should repost your question so we can see what you asked


MY QUESTION TO MR ORCI -

Obviously you're writing the current scripts for the new Star Trek film, and continuing the editing of the Transformers script. Do you and Mr Kurtzman have any other big projects in the pipeline that we're able to look forward to? Or are these two films your major objectives for the time being?

We haven't decided what to write yet. In the meantime, we are producing a few things and we'll hopefully get a few things up and running soon. Thanks for asking.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Super Shadow
Bob

Are there going to be any refrences to the dinobots.

Not in TF1, but we're amazed at how many people we respect who beg for it to be a part of TF2. Doesn't it seem like something more appropriate for TF3 or 4?

Quote:
Originally Posted by timshinn73
Personally, I'd rather see the sequels tackle Devastator or some of the classic Triplechangers before the Dinobots. Dinobots as a live action movie concept see like a stretch. Not much of a disguise.

From a screenwriting standpoint, Robert, which "gimmick" robots do you see working best in a TF sequel based on the world TF1 has established? Thanks.


I agree with you that Dinobots feel like a stretch, which is why I woul think of them more as TF3 and TF4 concepts.

I'd rather not think of them as gimmicks at all. We like to think: "what do we really want to see next?"

Quote:
Originally Posted by luigoalie
HI MR. ORCI. sorry, perhaps with all the post here mine got missed (i think ) i'll repost in hopes you answer. thanks!

We like to think of their symbols as a Coat of Arms.

No explanation required.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash
This came up in another thread and since you where the one who created the character the logic is you should know the character far better than we do at this point.

Anyway, how does Blackout's weapon work. Is it just an EMP pluse or it there more to his attacks than just the pluse. If it's something you can't explain until July 5th that's okay, but if you are free to talk about it then it would be cool to be able to better understand the scene we saw in the trailer and kind of how he will be fighting the squishies, er I mean humans.

It's both an EMP plus a shock weapon. You'll see the effects!

Quote:
Originally Posted by uraydo
I am glad to see at least someone not stuck in the trilogy frame of thought.

Fair point. We approached this movie as ONE MOVIE. We did not start thinking about sequels until this one was in the can.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
Roberto, i have a rather different question from most you've gotten. so please answer.

should there be a sequel and all and more TFs will be introduced, i was wondering. is there any chance we might get some Trainformers in the next movie? throughout transformers history, various road vehicles and aircraft got the bulk of the TFs. trains were always shafted. only a very miniscule few were ever made, like Astrotrain, who was the most famous of them. and he wasnt even entirely a trainformer

but as a bigtime train enthusiast, i would LOVE to see a modern-day american diesel locomotive transform into a huge robot with as much elaborate design as the rest of the movie bots so far.

again, to repeat the question and save you time from reading this post...

is there a chance we'll see Transformers that turn into trains in the next film?

even a slim chance is A-ok!

I don't think that occurred to any of us. Now that you've mentioned it, there's more of a chance then there ever was, no matter who does the sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
I'm very interested in this. Was G1 the only series referenced for research prior to writing the script or were any of the other series gone over?


No. We looked at everything and cherry picked accordingly.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dogzilla
Roberto,

What was the reasoning behind having the Autobots as civillian vehicles and the Deceptions as military vehicles (mostly)? Is this because their Earth modes are the closest thing to their Cybertronian forms? (as in the original comics/cartoons) Or is it because the Decepticons use military vehicles to create conflict when they invade a planet? Whereas the Autobots prefer cars because they can go anywhere? (As in the recent comics). I'm curious why no Autobots with military vehicles for alt. modes? Do you like Omega Supreme? He's a great character and a lot of fans like him. Was he ever considered for this film? It'd be great to see a Transformer so big he's a giant even by Transformer standards. Maybe having Omega show up in TF2 as a warship. In the original G1 he was a Cybertronian defense base, but a cruiser or aircraft carrier might give Omega enough mass to make for a truly huge character.

Regarding beast modes, Scorponok is in the film, and folks have mentioned the Dinobots a lot on these boards. Every version of G1 has had an explanation for the Dinobots having a beast mode instead of a vehicle. I have no doubt that you and Alex could come up with something that works in a sequel. But how about the Insecticons?

Perhaps after the film is released, if you have the time, could you please give us some insight on how the characters that are in the film came about nd what characters almost made it in? Thanks for your time Roberto.

P.S. - I'm also looking forward to Star Trek! Have you ever considered doing a live action Robotech?

Having Decepticons hidden among us as our own weapons (military) just seemed right. It also made it more difficult to see how our Autobots could win. It makes them the underdogs.

It also seemed to fit their personalities better, to have the Autobots assuming benign forms and the Decepticons assuming lethal forms. That's how it's always been.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Black Nova
I'm not sure it's possible for a "theory" to be flawed. A theory is just an idea that you set out to then prove. I guess if it's proven wrong, then it's flawed. I guess I see theory as fiction until it's proven. Not that I have any issues with Darwin for or against.

For the most elegant discussion of the subject I have found, see: "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" by Daniel Dennet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Black Nova
Oh. That was off topic. But I can never think of any good questions for Bob. Let me try. *wracks brain*

Actual question ---> Okay, Bob, you probably can't answer this one, but the hologram in the trailer (with Blackout) appears to concealing an actual robot. The human face that phases in and out matches a sort of robotic face behind it. Is this a smaller transformer who works together with Blackout? Like Rumble or Frenzy with Soundwave?

No.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
Bob,
A couple threads have started recently claiming that the movie was submitted for a rating and narrowly escaped an R. As I recall, you've been in favor of PG-13 or so rating. Could you shed any light on this story and/or the rating process?
How often, as a writer, are you asked to come in and change your work to fit a rating system? How do you feel about such a request?

For your convenience, the threads are
http://boards.transformersmovie.com/...272#post303272
and
http://boards.transformersmovie.com/...271#post303271

Not aware of that rating rumor.

We normally know what we're aiming for, ratings wise, but sometimes we'll speficially describe that certain violence is to be implied, not shown in all its gory detail.

We've been asked to change stuff only once or twice.

Quote:
Originally Posted by razgriz
OK, my first post.

Dear Roberto and Alex,
Was it a challenge to balance BOTH the explosive action and human elements of the movie?

Will there be car chases and multi-car pileups?


Adam

!.) Heck yes.

2.) Double heck yes.



Quote:
Originally Posted by uraydo
hey bob,

I have a question about the exclusive viewing a couple of weeks ago (the following includes a mild exclusive viewing spoiler.) in the reviews I have read, there is a scene were Sam gets toted off for having traces of an "alien radiation signature" this of course implies that the Transformers are radioactive, and if K-19 has taught me anything, it's that radiation is bad. so what does this mean? does befriending a Transformer ultimately spell out DOOM. or is the afore mentioned "radiation" not harmful to humans?


WOOT, I have done as Bob Seger has done before me. I have "Turn[ed] the Page."

the latter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
Was there something wrong or inappropriate with the questions I asked Roberto?

never. refresh my memory?

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
Here is my previous post Roberto.

"Hi Rob. I have a few questions.

Will the narrator(Victor Caroli) from the original G1 series do any voices or narrations for the film? He had the perfect voice for his role in those cartoons.

Please confirm that none of those awful songs from the transformers animated moive will be included in this film.

Can you also confirm the heights of all the transformes? I've heard conflicting reports on multiple websites so I still don't know if Ironhide's height will be 26 or 22ft.

Will hasbro release a transformers CD of all the classic G1 music? Not including the crappy transformers movie music.

Finally, will skorpnok have a robot mode in this film?

Despite all the deviations to the source material I'm hoping that I still enjoy this film. The only deviation I'm really having a hard time accepting is Starscream's design. I can't stand the way his legs look."


No outside narration.

No awful songs.

No idea.

No comment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash
After reading the MTV interview and reading most of the stuff out from Bay I've got to ask. Where the sales pitch to the Decepticon fans?

It just seems like Autobots this, Autobots that, Autobots, Autobots, and the only way Decepticons get a mention is if it's a statement of Autobots and Decepticons.

So what exactly is in the film for the Decepticon fans who could care less if Bumblebee gets fragged or not? Did the Decepticons get shorted on more than just some of the designs? You know why are you guys only pitching one side and not the other side. As a Decepticon fan why should I watch the film, what's in it for me?

If it seems slanted, it's just because we know that non-fans out there didn't even know that there are "good" Transformers. They think it's only War of the Worlds, or Independence Day.

You'll find out what's in it for Decepticon fans real quick when the movie starts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto,

I actually have a two-part question:

1. Are you and Alex happy with the amount of Transformer dialog in the current cut of the film?

2. Do you and Alex feel the fans will be happy with the amount of Transformer dialog in the current cut of the film?

Thanks again for taking the time to answer our questions.

1.) We're satisfied.

2.) I don't know yet. 50/50.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
50/50 human to Transformers, or 50/50 happy to angry fans (in referrence to the Transformers dialogue)?

the latter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MegaGearX
Orci,

Will Transformers have any memorable one-liners that the media or the commericals might focus on? Like King Leonidas in 300's little lines...

"THIS is Sparta!"
"Spartans! Tonight we dine in hell!"

So far the only given is "Autobots, transform and roll out!"

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by anthonyg
Are you guys at all worried that you have another Godzilla (USA) on your hands? Remember all the hype and then the movie came out and just because of the redesign the movie failed. It failed horribly maybe not money wise but still. I know this is all about making money you cant say it isnt but still Tyrese? I am 29yrs old and grew up on G1 and yes I favor the old robots but I can accept SLIGHT changes. No one cares to see a sequel to Godzilla (USA).

We are not worried about Godzilla. We feel that we understand the analogy to Godzilla, yet have our own opinions as to the lessons to be learned from that movie, and we think we've avoided the pitfalls.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rezonax_Noir
To Roberto Orci...

You guys say that you are HUGE fans of the G1 series, yet many aspects of the information & pic of what we know make me & many others wonder this...

Did Exec-Producer & Director do it the way you wanted guys to make it...or did Speilburg & Bay totally shred most of your stuff & do it their way anyway ???

Thanks for the opportunity to blame others for the changes, but we won't do that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by *Dead*End*
Roberto, You, and Alex [respectively] have been mentioned last night on Coast-To-Coast radio [AM 570 here in Washington], in connection to the TRANSFORMERS, along with Michael Bay, by George Noory [ever heard of the paranormal talkshow host? Or of Art Bell?] I just wanted to let You know, because I often listen to that program, and it has about 20 million listeners, which is a great thing I think.

Thanks for the heads up!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabodie
Bob,

Have you seen any NEW effects recently that have WOWed you?

Yeah, every single one!

Quote:
Originally Posted by razgriz
This probably has been answered before Bob, but I'm going to ask it.

What rating do you think the MPAA is going to give Transformers?

I'm holding out for a PG-13 or an R rating.

PG 13

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot Shot Cheetor
Orci, if there's a sequel, do you predict that there will be different Transformers introduced from more recent continuities, (while still keeping Prime, Megatron, and Starscream) or will the current characters just take different forms or take new names? I'm sure a lot of people are looking for more characters.

I would imagine the sequel would want to be open to anything, so yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TransGoJoBot
Bob,

It has been reported on another website that in during a scene at Sam's house, his mother asks him if he was masturbating. Can you tell me if a joke like this is in the current cut of the movie?

Thank You.

I would love to tell you, but I seem to have suddenly gone blind and haven't been able to see the latest!

Quote:
Originally Posted by kup
Roberto,

What will happen to props from the movie such as the awesome police mustang, the 74' camaro and the mock up of bumblebee in bot mode?, will they be auctioned or have you claimed them already?

cheers

no idea. Probably saved in case of a sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Roberto,

How are things on the ILM front? Any new things you've seen, progress they're making that you can share without spoiling anything?

I so envy anybody who only sees the finished product. We have to go from watching blue tennis balls on the ends of sticks, to slowly seeing the FX come in, layer after layer, like coats of paint. AND STILL, at the end, we're blown away by everything we've seen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Lets rephrase. Robert did you or Alex at some point write a wanking joke?

Oh, and I heard you might be pushing for the faceplate to be on all the time, instead of retractable. This true?

We did. A subtle one. Improvisations took it to another level. Too early to tell what of it will end up in the movie.

Yest, it's true. Pushing for faceplate.

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
Roberto:
Quick Question,
Optimus Prme's Alt: Kenworth or Peterbilt?

Peterbilt.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me_Grimlock00
Hey Robert, do you think that when the DVD comes out we will get to see the full process of creating a Transformer, from tennis ball at the end of a stick to final rendering?

For sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Roberto any idea when we will find out who the Voice Actors are?


Soon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jabodie
HAHA!! Bobert is going to stick around after abandoning the Don Murphy boards.

It's Boberto

Quote:
Originally Posted by TransGoJoBot
Bob,

Some people on the boards are hoping and wishing for carnage and full views of limbs being lost by humans, etc. Can you tell us if that level of violence will be shown in this movie?

Will this movie be bloody or gorey?

(I seriously hope not on all accounts.)

The movie is action packed. It is surely intense. It is not bloody or gorey.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Rob

will there be any mention of a ship at all. I don't care if its called the ark or Steamboat Willy's steamboat, but I really think there needs to be mention of a ship, even if we don't see it. The idea of cometformers making it all the way from Cybertron to earth without one...well, its just too ridiculous, especially in the context of this film.

It's in a draft. Let's see if it survives the editing room.

Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXDeceptikonXXX
As cool as it would be for the faceplate to only slide into place in battle mode, I would have no problem if the faceplate was a permanent fixture as homage to previous Prime incarnations. Either way I think he looks badass.

BOBERTO,
Any new info on the release of the next trailer?

Any truth to the rumors about Jetfire making an appearance?

Is your wife/girlfriend tired of hearing about TF? (I know mine is)

Next trailer is nearly done. Don't know dates yet.

Haven't heard rumors about Jetfire.

Yes, my wife is tired of hearing about TF's big time!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
but it was said he had the mouth in the footage shown at toyfair. is it honestly possible to change those scenes if they're already done?

speaking of done, is the movie past the 75% complete milestone yet?

Yeah, I think we're probably approaching the 75% point right now.

Good guess!

Quote:
Originally Posted by transeeker
how long is the movie?

at least 2 hours and maybe a few minutes more.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Fwiffo
Or, more importantly, are you the ones responsible for the most awesome VA reveal ever?

No. Always a team effort.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Hi Roberto,

What made you and Alex decide that Hugo Weaving was the right choice for the voice of Megatron? Thank you

Hugo Weaving joins a long list of distinguished talent who have voiced the Transformers over the years. We know many fans will be disappointed to learn that Welker will not reprise his excellent role. Ultimately, we all felt it would have been pandering to use Welker's voice when so much of the character of Megatron has been changed. Prime remained basically as he was in the original incarnation, therefore, Cullen made sense -- Megatron, however, evolved siginificantly, and it would've been a transparent ploy to placate fans.

As far as Hugo Weaving is concerned, it seems to us that hardly any explanation is required. We're lucky to have him and his distinct voice. Again, he joins a long line of distinct voices.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 7th Level Shutdown
Hi Roberto.

Has Weaving been confirmed as Megatron? I think it a truely dreadful choice.

How come?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hiptomus Prime
Hey Boberto!!!

Good call on Weaving! I know there are a lot of folks who will never get over the fact that it's not Welker, and honestly, I'd rather it had been him too. Seeing how it's not my decision though, I'm glad it's someone I at least think will do an excellent job.

Also, I'm sure it goes without saying that you already are, but please please PLEASE do whatever you can to keep Prime's faceplate on the whole time. I'm really OK with and understand most of the changes that have been made, but Prime with a mouth just seems too creepy to me. I always thought the faceplate gave him a certain dignity that would be lost if you actually saw his mouth moving.

Ok, here's my question: This may have been asked already, but how involved were you and Alex (Hi Alex!) with writing the storylines for the prequel comics. Obviously you didn't "write" them persay, but how much input did you have on the story? I thought the first issue was pretty meh, but the second one has definately started peaking my interest.

Thanks!
Take Care!


The prequels are based on our script and we were consulted at the story level, but the talented writers who developed and wrote those stories did so on their own.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
I have two questions for Robert.

1. Will there be any scenes in this film that have the aubot deception symbol scene transitions from the G1 cartoon? Those scene transitions were cool to see but, cheesy. Too bad it probably would never work in a transformers movie. I think I already know the answer to this question.

2. How much music if any from the G1 cartoon will be in this movie? Overall I liked the G1 music. I would I at least like to hear the theme song. I also, enjoyed the music that would play when Prime told the autobots to transform and roll out at Autobot headquarters.


1. I think you do indeed know the answer.

2. Very little if any.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett_14
Sup roberto

are you connected to the whole sector seven arg and if so could you give us any information or clues to passwords for the site?
Thanks!

Never heard of it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jegoing
So the Transformers Theme was chunked in favor of having the hot new boy band perform it on the soundtrack?

We'll see about the theme.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by anthonyg
Boy the idea for this movie seems to get worse and worse! First these guys dont stick to anything Transformers then the horrible actors plus a love story but now they boot the original voice actor for Megatron? Speaking of Megatron why does he look like Guyver? This movie is going to be HOT just for the teeny boppers. At least change the title of the movie so when I go watch it im not thinking Transformers G1. Maybe someone will make a CG Transformers movie and stick to the origins. Its going to take a japanese studio to do it right. Let the ranting continue...

Don't stick to anything Transformers? How about the Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime, battle the Decepticons, lead by Megatron, in their quest for replenishing energy for their planet. Sam Witwicky gets caught in the middle. Sound familiar?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, I just watched the new 30 second Transformers tv spot on IGN. Brilliant work. This film is going to be HUGE. Seeing the stills of Ironhide and Starscream fully-rendered, they definitely have G1 vibes running through their veins. Ironhide's face looks like a super-cool, modernized version of his old hard-*** self. Starscream's cockpit chest and winged back is clearly visible; lapsed fans will have no trouble making the connection Anyone who says they can't recognize Starscream in the film is just being a fuddy duddy

I presume this 30 second spot is an abbreviated version of the next trailer? Again, great work to all those involved

Not sure if it's just an abbreviation. I think each trailer has it's own thing going.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eight Legged Freak
It's not so far fetched after you consider the fact there was nothing organic on Cybertron.

Good Sir Orci, are you happy with what the TV spots reveal, like getting the gist across without spoiling too much happenings? How does one wind down after gruelling Q & A sessions?

I like the spots quite a bit.

One winds down by clearing one's Tivo of all of his favorite episodes of "Heroes".

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eight Legged Freak
A 'happy accident' is called "serendipity", by the way.

True enough. We veered away from serendipity.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
Was that Victor Caroli's voice in one of the TV spots? If that was him I'm confused about why he wasn't allowed to do any narration for this movie.

I believe it was Victor. If any narration ends up in the film, we'd rather have Optimus do it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Roberto, what would be the one thing you would say to convince people who are not sure if they want to see this film at the cinema change their mind?

In a summer full of nothing but sequels (in some cases part 3 or 4!) why would anyone not see the only original groundbreaking summer movie that will be TRANSFORMERS.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BumbleConvoy
I had some questions for you that you might have missed...


1. Are there going to be other product tie-ins besides with Hasbro? Like Dr Pepper... Which makes the world taste better. ^^
2. What do you think became of Skywarp and Thundercracker?
3. Have you met Hugo Weaving and Keith David? Keith David is playing the voice of Barricade.
4. Do some of the car parts (seats, engines, rear view mirrors, wheels) become weapons?
5. Will we see Ravage, Rumble and Laserbeak in the sequel?

1.) Yes.
2.) I think their agents asked for too much money .
3.) No.
4.) maybe/sorta
5.) No idea.

Quote:
Originally Posted by XXXDeceptikonXXX
Boberto,
I really liked the way Starscream moved in the recent tv spot. Will all the TF's be as agile? Blackout seemed to be moving quite slow in the first trailer, but is it safe to assume he'll be more agile in the final cut as well?

(sorry about the redundancy)

In the still photo on Yahoo, Prime was battling Bonecrusher, but didn't seem to have a weapon. Does he still have a gun?

Does Megatron have a super-secret alt form that he takes after he is released from his frozen stasis? (a maybe will be good enough for me)

Any news on the forthcoming new trailer?

THANKS!!!

They all move differently, but they all have a certain degree of agility for sure.

No comment on the rest

Quote:
Originally Posted by hiroziro
Boberino,

Musical tastes, yes or no.

1. Hot Water Music
2. Small Brown Bike
3. Lou Reed (and or the Velvet Underground)
4. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5. Skynard
6. Beach Boys
7. Hank III
8. Tiger Army
9. Cat Stevens
10. Iggy Pop
11. Richard Hell and the Voidoids
12. David Bowie
13. Clash
14. Deicide
15. Cash
16. Pogues
17. GnR
18. Stones
19. Plasmatics (WoW)
20. Fugazi


yes

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Roberto,

Please I need to know if we are not going to have humans being un-realistically heroic in this film and managing to kill decepticons.

Will there be an element of cheesiness in this film?

Will any Decepticons die?

Keep up the good work, and don't mess this one up.

P.S. I don't watch money-hungry sequels, only TRANSFOMERS!!!

No unrealistic heroism.

Cheesiness is in the eye of the beholder, but it's certainly our goal to avoid it.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heatwave
In 23 years or Transformers, no one's been able to explain it.


You're right. Apologies and a question for Mr. Orci:

How is the Star Trek project coming? And how is it comprable to Transformers? Is it similar in that you are having to reinvent it to some degree while trying to keep the core elements the same, or are the two projects pretty different in your mind?

Oh, and thanks for putting up with us geeks.

Trek is going great. Starting to draw up a production schedule, budget, etc.

Different in my mind than Transformers, where continuity was less rigid.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
I can see where that idea comes from- so many continuities in TF leads to confusion and flexibility, whereas Trek really only has 1.

So, after being on this board for a while, are you surprised at how much less rigid you see TF continuity compared to other fans that treat their favorite incarnation as the only "true" TF continuity?

No. For some reason, we are not surprised because we knew any fan worth his salt would have strong opinions about this franchise.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heatwave
But we don't apply stealth technology to only one or two vehicles. Our special forces are more than one or two people. We don't give night vision to only one or two soldiers whose special ability is to see in the dark. We use our skills and technology across a much wider spectrum than anything we see in Transformers.


We don't apply stealth technology to All our vehicles either. We have vehicles whose main tactical advantage is stealth, and others who's duty doesn't warrant the cost of stealth technology. We don't equip all soldiers with night vision goggles, we give them to units that will make the most use of them. People on day shifts don't walk around with night vision goggles. I think what we usually see in TF (at least earlier G1 and the few comics I've read) is an elite tactical strike unit comprised of specialists. A group that is capable of operating in diverse situations, while remaining small enough to remain undetected. Boberto, am I right to assume this is what we'll be seeing the movie as well.


Pretty much. Kinda/sorta. They do all have special characteristics, but of course, they all Transform as well.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Robert,

Two questions;

Will Decepticons be killed in this film?

Is it possible that there will be more voice actors(Michael Bell; did some voices in G1 series) in this film than celebrities?

peace,

Could be.

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by A Dude Stuck In The 80s
I asked this question a few days ago, and it never got answered, so I figured you may have missed it. So if you don't mind I would like to ask it again, because it has made me curious.

Movie cars will probably be saved in case of a sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jay929jay
Mr. Orci Mr. Orci,
ROBERTO


I have a question that is really biting at me right now, please respond to this question. It has been stated that Weaving will be the voice of Megatron. The Transformers Game site is now up with a video of Cullen and Welker together. At the end of the video scene Welker and Cullen provide recordings of their voices. The voice for Megatron was unbeleivable.

I wondered in the past if Welker was not recorder for the movie per reasons of his older voice and maybe didnt sound good enough.

That idea was shot down from this trailer.

Please let me know why he was not casted for the movie. These voices would be so unbelieveable together again.

Please tell us why????

I can't speak for everyone's vote here, but from my point of view, it has nothing to do with him not sounding good enough at all. As I sorta mentioned before, Megatron's new look in the film, his new alt mode, the way he moves, the way he fights -- it just seemed to lend itself to a different kind of opportunity and voice. Which is not to say that Welker wouldn't have been great.

We're lucky to have either Welker or Weaving on either the game or the movie, and to me it's an embarassment of riches.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bootleg Megatron
i thought he would be using his G1 persona. you said in that video Q&A that all the characters would have the same personas as they did in G1, but with new bodies. perhaps i misinterpreted that?


"Persona" is a complicated word. It doesn't just mean voice, or we would've said his voice would be the same. And we never pretended he was going to be a gun. But in terms of his motivations, his place among the Decepticons, the threat to the Autobots he poses, his relationship to Starscream, his relationship to Optimus Prime, and some of his classic phrases -- in all these ways his persona is intact.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PunkMaister
My only question to Mr Orci at this point is why do you insist and persist that this movie is somehow based on Generation 1 transformers when it is so cristal clear obvious now that that is not the case. In fact so much so that even Welker had to given up as the voice for Megs?

I know that you did not have control of the overall product but please if you do see the same thing being done for Star Trek as it was done here you should resign in protest.

I know that with today's mergers and megacorporations running the film industry is becoming increasingly hard to produce films that actually respect the source material. Which is why movies like the LOTR trilogy, Narnia, the Spidey and X-men films are rather more the exception than the rule.

Pointless argument and a metaphysical matter of semantics at this point. ALL transformers are based on G1 in a sense.

But more than that, what was G1 about? A handful of Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime, battle a handful of Decepticons, lead by Megatron. They've endangered their planet, and they need some form of energy. Along the way, a human named Sam Witwicky gets caught in the middle, befriending BUMBLEBEE, one of the Autobots. Sound familiar?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Evilgidgit
Hello, Mr. Orci,

I have a couple of questions to ask you:

1. Are there going to be any references to Beast Wars apart from the presence of Scorponok?

2. In the leaked script, Megatron kills Jazz by ripping out his spark. Is this going to be incorporated into the film?

3. Will Peter Cullen voice Ironhide as well as Optimus Prime?

4. If sequels are made do such things like Energon, Unicron, the Ark or the Nemesis have chances of appearing in them?

1.) Doubtful.

2.) No comment.

3.) I don't think so, but I'll check.

4.) Yes.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
A few Star Trek questions (I've pretty much run out of Transformers questions now ):

1. Will the new movie be in or out of television series continuity?

2. If in continuity, is it confirmed that Shatner and Nimoy will be making guest appearances in the new film?

3. If it's not in continuity, wouldn't having them appear (as many want them to do) not make any sense?

4. Could you please write in more Bones (Dr. McCoy)? I know that Kirk and Spock are the main characters, but it just wouldn't be right without a good helping of Vulconphobia on the side, IMO.

So sorry to have to say no comment across the board. Thanks for asking. And your preferences are noted!

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
Roberto,
What does this movie offer to attract fans of basement apartments?

Having lived in a basement apartment myself, I can say that this movie offers wide open road to combat the claustrophobia.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
And thank you for responding. To follow up, how far along is the script and how soon will filming begin for Star Trek?

Script's done. We may tweak it as we go to fit production, or casting notes.

We hope to be shooting in the fall.

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarthLowBudget
Bob, I noticed today in the New York times that there is apparently a writer's strike looming as the WGA attempts to renegotiate. What are your thoughts on this, and how has it affected your work? Was there a rush to finish the new Star Trek script before the strike sets in?

We have not altered our plans any. Don't yet know how real the possibility of a strike is.

Originally Posted by Wreck_and_Rule
Roberto,

Just a few questions, old bean

1. What do you think of the prequel comic? I wouldn't have wiped someone else's arse on #1, but #2 was much better.
2. Got a Wii yet?
3. Are you planning to make any publicity appearances in the UK prior to film launch? If so, I'd even let you buy me a shandy.
4. Which cinema should I go to to watch the film, the Cineworld on Five Ways, the Odeon on New St, or the other one in Broadway (Birmingham)?
5. Impactor?

Cheers sport.

1.) I like the prequels.

2.) No Wii, yet.

3.) The publicity schedule has not been set yet.

4.) See it in a theater with the biggest screen and loudest speakers.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Galvanise_
Although that is true, i believe we should have much much more than that. Even something as small as giving bumblebee horns adds to proceedings.

He has "antennae" which are based on his horns.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Captain Boberetto Sir

Now that the Ark and the Nemesis have been established in movie continuity, what are the chances we'll hear a mention in the moive?

also, happy easter.

50/50

Originally Posted by Rezonax_Noir
I have studied in the movie business for a while before I took my current career & there is something that needs explaining to people...

Who was the original designers for the new forms of the Transformers ?
To many people are blaming 'BAY' soley. (Both Ranters & Ravers)

I'll find out who is getting credit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rezonax_Noir
I'm not 'T'd off about the fact that you won't answer a simple question that many people want the answer to & WONT be a spoiler in any way !!!
(though you will tell people you don't have a Nentendo Wii, Very relative.)

I've got a really good thing I saw...
http://boards.transformersmovie.com/...643#post326643
If there's a sequel(hopefully) there will no doubt be DEMANDS for more & better liked characters, will you be taking suggestions ?, will you, Bay & all involved actually pay heed to them or just go your own way anyway ???,

The first movie I'm sure will convert many Haters & Ranters, & get the newcomers to the Transformers world, so now that they are interested, are you interested in making the next one REALLY ROCK ???

Don't know that Alex and I will have anything to do with a sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironhide2005
I've got some questions
1.Is Hugo Weaving actully playing Megs?
2.Can we have a contest were us the fans come-up with a design and Alt. mode?
3.If soundwave is in the sequal what will happen to Frenzy?
4.Can you please do a scene were Frenzy is smoking a cigarite and wearing sun glases I can't get that image out of my head.
5.Will the robots talk in car mode?
6.I think you can explain mass shefting by a liqudized metal that can harden.
7.Swear this is my finally question will the dinobots if in sequal will they be retarded like cartoon version?


1.) Yes.
2.) No.
3.) Good question.
4.) I can imagine that, too.
5.) No.
6.) No need. But thanks.
7.) LOL

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunslinger Grim
Hi Rob. Long time listener, first time caller. My question is:

Assuming you and Alex get offered to write the sequel, has fan reaction influenced your decision to take it (or not take it)? A simple yes or no will suffice.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but fan reaction has made it harder to say no. It's been too much fun, even with all the ups and downs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Autobloke
Roberto, please clarify what you meant by the TFs not talking in car mode.

Can they even talk at all while in alt mode? And if not, why?

I didn't say they couldn't. Just don't know that they will. Obviously, that can be decided at the final hour, and we already have much additional dialogue recorded that we haven't used.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
Hi Robert. I just saw the new tv spot and I'm confused. What was the point of hiring Peter Cullen to do Prime's voice since it sounds drastically different from the cartoon in that clip? It appears as though any actor could have been hired to have their voice altered for Prime's role.

I'm not aware of a new spot. That looked like a leaked unfinished clip or something. Is that spot official?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironhide2005
I have a few more questions
1.Has all or most voices been picked for the movie
2.Has the prequal comic came out yet
3.Is there really this hidden character everyone is talking about
4.Who are some characters that probly be in the sequal(besides soundwave)
5.Does this movie have more of a focus on humans than bots
6.I came up for a line in the movie now rember you said the line in x-men tthe yellow spandex joke was so people except the new look well heres the line I came up with it takes place in his dads car when there going to get the camro
Sam:Are you still getting me porche
Dad:No I'm getting you something else
Sam:aww.....
Dad:Hey it that something else could be a vw bug.

1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. No.
4. I would hope Optimus and Bumblebee and Starscream (if any of them live) and the who knows who else.
5. There's a tons more bots in Transformers than there was shark in JAWS, or aliens in ALIEN.
6. Pretty darn good line, actually.

Quote:
Originally Posted by orian pax
hey bob, i have one question for you

1. are the characterizations of the characters consistent with the prequel book, ghosts of the past???

pretty much, however, it's such a different medium, and the writing of the prequels had to be done by talented writers who haven't seen the movie or the voices develop. So some differences are bound to arise, but only to a trained eye.

Quote:
Originally Posted by uraydo
hey bob.

I was wonder if the tank used in the film for Brawl is a real one or a mock tank. If the tank is real, is the second turret real?

I believe we had both. Don't quote me yet. I'll find out if I remember on Monday.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MindChamber
your avatar mocks me.

lol

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wreck_and_Rule
I think you missed a few

Okay then:

1.) Impactor wasn't used because it didn't seem like a character that was right for the starting point of the live action movie #1. Furman made a splash with those characters much later in the series, and it maybe something to look forward to.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wreck_and_Rule
I think you missed a few

Irony is the assessment of a situation by an outside observer, where the literal meaning is the opposite of the figurative or "real" meaning.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wreck_and_Rule
I think you missed a few

and finally, I don't know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mad Artist
Hey Roberto,

Any news on when the other VA's will be announced?

No idea. Sorry.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Hi Roberto, how much influence would you say that the fans have had in the making of this film and do you think fan interaction will be used if any sequels are made?

I may have said it before, and I'll say it again. There has never been this level of fan interaction before on anything. It's been the most powerful lobby on a movie ever. Some journalists have even wondered in print if it has been too much.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MegaGearX
Orci,

Will we have any reason to sit through the closing credits? Will there be any scenes that we should wait around for ala X3??

Oddly enough, we've been discussing that very question.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
To continue this reasoning, pain would be realistic as a way to quickly assess for damage during a fight. It serves that role in biologics.

So, Bob, did you think along these lines in making them feel pain, or assume that the audience wouldn't think this much when faced with such a visual spectacle?

They are sentient beings. They feel pain, emotional and physical.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doomofman
Yo Bob features.... Long time no questions....

Gots a couple...

1) Have the TF dialogs been set in stone yet?
2) Has anything about the DVD been discussed?
3) How close are we to another trailer?
4) I don't suppose you have a cameo in this movie at some point do you?
5) Are gonna stick around here for a while after the movie release to see reaction?

1) Just about.
2) Yes. Just today we did a series of behind the scenes interviews for press and DVD extras. They're planning good stuff.
3) We gotta be REAL CLOSE.
4) HA. No. M:I:3 was plenty for us.
5) I think I will want to, but let's see what happens. I may also hide in a farawy hotel (no matter how it does)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sector7
To Bob and Alex...

Having not seen the movie yet, but understanding what it is like to work on a property that many people have grown to love - my hat's off to both of you for a job VERY well done.

I wish you both all the best with Transformers and your other projects.

Sincerely

Sector7

Thank you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frenzy
Bad, bad idea Bob.

I know what you're thinking, so don't worry.

Trust me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Hey Roberto,

What is your view on all this fan interaction and its influence?

It seems that Bay has been getting a real hard time. I mean, I had my thread taken down which had the empire magazine quote of 'cartoon was amateur, ours is spectacular'

Can you please tell the real fans why Bay has been arrogant and believes he is in a better position than the original G1 creators who were responsible for making Transformers famous.

Go on... I dare you to answer this straight

A far as fan interaction, Aex and I have personally found it unbelievably interesting, and we've learned a lot through the experience. Admittedly, however, everyone knows it's a double edged sword. It's not clear what lessons the system will learn from this experiment. The very future of pop culture may be at stake

Michael Bay has spent years making the most successful movies in the world, while simultaneously being crucified by critics, elitists, and general detractors time and time again. Attacking Michael Bay has, in itself, become pop culture fodder. Parker and Stone even wrote a song about it in TEAM AMERCIA. Trashing Michael Bay has become the easiest kind of watercooler banter.

SO, you can imagine that maybe he's developed a thick skin. He's not gonna spend any time calibrating his responses for PR purposes. His only responsibility is to direct a great movie, and he only cares about what the audience sitting in the theater thinks. He knows that until an open minded audience sees the movie in the theater, no one can have anything to say of interest to him.

He dishes as good as he gets, but isn't that what any fan boy ranter worth his salt would do ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by obin_gam
Greetings Bob!
These are not so much questions about this film, but more of "general moviemaking" questions.

1. I'm currently studying a filmproduction-education at a swedish university, and when I'm sitting infront of the computer doing the editing, the stuff I look forward to on doing, is the credits. Slap on some cool rocking music and writing your name at every credit-line (we're doing the movies mostly on our own) really boasts your personallity

So my first question is this: do people that work in movies, sit and watch the credits when you see a film that you have been involved with? (or any other film for that matter) Or do people do like ordinary moviegoers and walk out of there when the credits start to roll?
(As for me, I'm actually starting to sit through the credits when I watch a movie (though my gf doesn't really like it when I do that ))

2. I saw a documentary a few days ago about the writers part of a filmproduction, and it asked questions like: who really makes the film?
They made the example that the writer is the one who came up with the story, and the director is really only an interpreter.
So is the credits in the beginning wrong, when they state A film by [insert director] ? Should it really say A film by [insert writer]

What do you, as a writer, think?




I think that was the questions I had... for now... thanks in advance...
/
Rob

I think writers, in general, are not in love with the A FILM BY credit for the very reasons you just mentioned. For some straight talk from a screenwriter, your local library may have one of JOE ESTRAHAZ most recent books HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL, and DEVIL's GUIDE TO HOLLYWOOD. But reader beware, they contain some adult situations.

As far as sitting through credits, what's the point of making it all the way to hollywood if you're not going to stay and see your name up on the big screen!

Quote:
Originally Posted by baweepgranaweepninnybon
Will there be a TF:TM pinball machine?

There better be.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SparkSound
hi roberto
just a few questions, well the second one you might be able to point me in the right direction casue im planning to book a few days off work when the movie hits over here in the uk

q2 what is the right date for the uk release. the promotional foil poster i have up on display has 27th july but recent rumors and the uk mini stie on here has it listed as 27th june. if you dont know can you point me in the direction of someone who might.


Moderator Bob? Do you know that answer to this question?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Fwiffo
Hey Bob, could you answer this question?

Saving exceptions like Bumblebee (mute) and Scorpinok (sub-sentient drone), do all the Autobots and Decepticons have dialouge?

Yes. And I won't confirm your assumption.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, while we're talking about Transformers dialog...do you feel that all parties involved in the final cut of the film understand that the more Transformers dialog that makes it in to the film, the more pleasantly surprised fans will be? Thank you as always.

For sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dawhiteguy
I cant believe people are asking these guys if there is going to be dialogue from the transformers.. You should take a second to remember who it is you are questioning.

They are masters of dialogue.


So here is my question.


Was adding scorponok to the movie a way of saying, "Beast Wars made more sense and added more texture to transformers cartoons than G1 and i gotta give it to them for trying"?

Adding Skorpy was not necessarily a way of saying it made more sense, but we did we found an opportunity to show our love of different continuities.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by OPTIMUS PRIME V
Robertico!

Oye te voy hablar en español... Es verdad que el script del Transformers es la verdadera? Porque si es, cojones! It was a good read, and I could imagine it being portrayed in the film.

and before I go, what nationality of Hispanic are ya? So I can understand more better.

Thanks, Saludos
Felix

No comment on leaked scripts.

Mother Cuban, father 50%Spaniard and 5o% Italian born in Mexico D.F.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oicangi
HEY BOB!
First time posting here. Just would like to request something, if your on for TF 2.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put fembots in the 2nd movie. I would perfer Elita-1 over Arcee for the fact Elita is primes counterpart (sorta speak). But Arcee would be cool too. I know you guys had Arcee in this movie but it didnt work out. And make them cars, not motocycles. You can even make a evil fembot too. I know some fans dont like the idea of fembots, but why not,.....ying/yang.
Thanks for your time BOB!

Tried to in TF 1. I think it's a good thing to include in TF2.

Quote:
Originally Posted by lastonestanding
Roberto- It's lastonestanding from the Don Murphy boards.

Got a few questions/comments:

1. Are you aware that a large number of people will be angry if the masturbation and porn jokes are included in the film? (For a variety of reasons. And I'm not talking about the implied jokes, I'm talking about the improvised version you mentioned, where masturbation is explicitly mentioned) It isn't particularly funny, and it runs the risk of offending many people. Such as me, to a moderate degree, and I more than anything want to take my family to see this. And they are WAY more prude than I am. So while I may be able to see the film, I can't TAKE people to see it, because they might be offended. If you could PM me when you see the final cut of the film and tell me if it is in there, I would appreciate it.

2. I dunno if you get any say in the casting of TREK, but here's my view. I heard rumors of Brody as Nimoy, Sinese as McCoy, and Daniel Dae Kim as Sulu. Great casting. Support it if the rumors are true.

3. Are any transformers mentioned that don't actually appear in the film, such as Soundwave? I heard rumors of this, which is why I ask.



And for a person that asked earlier: I asked roberto a long time ago about the dialogue. He said that all the transformers but 2 or 3 have at least 2 lines of dialogue or more in the film. FYI

1.) Not sure how that will play out. Certainly there are no "porn" jokes.
You can PM me July 3rd, although I would say that I don't think the improv's are offensive. If anything, they're true to life character moments that are not eploitative or lascivious.


2. We do get a say in casting. Your preferences are noted.

3. No.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hiroziro
Bobistator,

Tomorrow is my b-day. Premier tickets would be a great gift would they not?

Happy Birthday.

They don't give lowly screenwriters any tickets! We even have to pay to see the movie

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heatwave
Mr. Zulu?

Actually, I don't think the nationality of the actor is as important as getting the essense of the character right. It's going to be a difficult task for the actors to stay true to the characters without becoming parodies.

I agree. That's why Kirk will have the same spirit, but he will be a long nose semi

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
when I was 13 or 14 I didn't think somnething like that was funny. I hate gross out gags, they're really pointless


There are certainly no gross out gags.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mKasimier
Hi Bobertron . About the teaser trailer:

The transcript at CNN says "At 0900, Soxon Ford (ph) Operations Base in Qatar was attacked". The subtitles in the official Brazilian version in Portuguese says "at 9am, Ford's special operations base in Qatar was attacked". And this post I found while googling about the trailer says "At 0900 this morning, our forward operating base in Qatar was attacked" (the guy who posted this is a real military who worked in Qatar). My question is, what is the correct line? Is it some fictitious "Soxon Ford" base, is it a Ford's (the car company) base, or is it the forward operating base (which actually exists)?

Also, there's a little grammatical error in the Portuguese translation. It's missing the article "a" between "9h," and "base". I know that translations aren't your responsibility, but I just felt like mentioning .


It's SOCCENT FORWARD OPERATIONS BASE IN QATAR, which actually exists.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto,

Congrats on the superb reviews from last night's Transformers screening; Bay said they were the highest for any film in his career, topping Armageddon's score of 92.

This individual claims to have been part of the 850 who saw the film last night, but several of us are skeptical considering his review doesn't reveal anything that anyone closely following the film wouldn't already know. Would it be at all possible for you to have a look, and let us know if there's anything in his review that you feel confirms or denies that he indeed saw the film? Very much appreciated, Roberto. Thank you!

Whoever wrote that review was definitely there, but that doesn't rule out a plant. Still, seems legit to me, given everything I know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sermon
Roberto,

congrats on the positive review! I'm looking very much forward to the film, but one major gripe still remains - Prime's lips. Seems like people are not warming up to those lips, so, do you have any new info on Prime's exposed mouth? Are the lips gonna go or are they going to stay?

Workin on it. Complain on every board you can think of if it's important to you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theweepeople
I'm becoming very impatient with the lack of trailer news. Is it going to be released with Spiderman 3 or not?

Shrek, I think.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

Add my vote to the "no to lips on Prime" petition.

And also, any news on you or Alex making an appearance at this year's Botcon in Rhode Island yet?

We'll be there.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixgun
Bob, as kind of a part II to the above question:

If Transformers doesn't do as well as expected, will the massive competition be taken into account when the decision is made whether to go ahead with the sequels? In-other-words, might the powers that be, say, "it was a disappointment at the box office, but it would have faired better without all the other big movies out there, so we'll do the sequels anyway", or is it purely a numbers game - the target wasn't met, so we pull the plug?

Personally I think this is a moot point since I expect it will do very well, but I thought I'd still ask!

It's mainly a numbers game.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Rob,

Again, thanks for answering the many questions from all of us.

According to a very recent Peter Cullen Interview, he says that he cannot remember if he said 'Autobots, Transform and ROLL OUT!' in the film.
Is this true or not?

If it's not, I BEG you to put it in during the middle and as the final line in the film. I BEG YOU

It's in the script. I'm sure he recorded it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Retro Man
With all due respect, Mr. Orci, could you give us a little more than that?

Meaning few excuses will be made. Every movie becomes profitable at a certain number relative to its budget. So if a certain number is reached or not, then a sequel gets made or not.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rezonax_Noir
Mr. Orci,
Though these questions may have been asked before, I have not seen it & new information has been released...It has been stated in an article that the work on a sequel script is already being developed...
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment...ck=3&cset=true

#1: Is this true ?
&
#2: Are you guys involved ?

#3: (If 1 & 2 are both yes) Do you intend to fix the problem that occured with Soundwave & put him in the script ?

#4: (If 1 & 2 are both yes) Might you intend on Grimlock being in the script as well ?

I know these questions are bitting at many peoples heels !(Myself especially)


We've had meetings with Dreamworks and Hasbro about it. We've submitted a number of avenues and story ideas for the sequel, and Hasbro has many great ideas of their own. Again, due to scheduling, we probably won't be able to write the sequel, but we'll be around to help our pals at Dreamworks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Rob,

Still have to know how the lips situation is going.

On every single Transformers board I've been on, there is a strong support of Prime to have his faceplate on at all times.

Seibertron.com, TFW2005, Don Murph's Board, this board and even Mike Bay's Board all have polls that are saying NO TO LIPS AND YES TO FACEPLATE AT ALL TIMES.

Can you give us any updates on this very delicate situation?


Ah, yes, the lips. So here's the debate: On the one hand, Optimus has never shown us his mouth, though it's an open question if he's always had one under there or not. On the other hand, to see Optimus Prime speak with a full range of emotion afforded by a full face is an opportunity to relate to him in a way that has never been done before with the character that must be considered seriously. If done right, and if the face is true to what we all imagine he should look like, then it might just be too good to pass up. Having seen it both ways now, I must say I can't honestly and wholeheartedly defend not going for it. However, I know your voices have been heard among many voices.

We'll see what happens.

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
This question only has one answer: yes. The problem is your formatting. You don't state any particular side, and since one side has to lose...

Roberto,
Nelson has said that those who wanted to keep the faceplate on Prime all the time lost that battle. Is this true?

Who is Nelson?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Fwiffo
Roberto: Nelson says the faceplate battle has been lost. Can you confirm this?


No, I can't. I've seen footage both ways.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fit For Natalie
Hi Rob, how is Star Trek going?

-Does Kirk bed the first woman he sees?
-Does Spock say 'Facinating' at anything vaugley of interest?
-Does Bones mention Spock's racial heritage in every single conversation between them?
-Does Scotty claim that his engines were not up to the task for which they were designed, and, indeed, were about to explode at any moment?!?

FIND OUT! Christmas 2008!

Quote:
Originally Posted by OPTIMUS PRIME V
FANS: Can you change his lips?

Roberto Orci HAHA, ...no

lol

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Mr. Orci,

Just wondering. Is the movie turning out like you had envisioned when you wrote it? Or has it kind of taken on a life of it's own?

Good luck on Star Trek! (oh, and when you give your imput to Dreamworks about a sequel, be sure to see if we can't get a nod to Primus in there

thanx!

The movie is turning out very close to what we envisioned.

Your suggestion is noted.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
A list, Bob!! A list!! Give us a list!! (Of changes made by fan input)

Yes.

No soundwave without doing it right.

No Arcee in TF1.

Fans pushing for more TF dialogue helped us convince the studio that we needed scenes of the TF's talking without humans.

and a few other things I won't spoil now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Nuke
Exactly 2 months form now, most of you will be wathcing Transformers and posting your opinions on these and other forums.

This movie is about 3-4 weeks from being locked (locked means that no more changes can be made to a film so that it could be release for masive reel duplication).

At this point, there are few mods left. Mike is tweaking the ending and maybe shaving off some minutes here and there. He's waiting for some final renders from ILM and that's it.

The photo of OP in the LA Times should tell you what the final decision is on the mouth/faceplate/battle mask is.
He and others then start the international press tour in early June.

So for now, could we stop and relax on the whining?

Nothing you say, post, scream will have an impact at this point.

If you don't like the choices, fine. And if you do, good for you.

Take a rest, and come back in 2 months all ready for more debating.

Trust me, if Armageddon was any indication, you'll need the energy and then some. There will be twice as many detractors.

Just ask Ed Fuego of how lt was at Harry's AICN when Armageddon premiered.

So um, the little R-Tard known as Nelson wrote that. Tell me Robi, do we still have that time to change that face plate? "OR" will you just go ahead, for once in your life, and tell the fan base that it is indeed to late.

A real truth Robert, a real one. Not an "I think this" or "it's possible that." A real truth. A yes or no answer.

And a word of advise. IF A SEQUEL is made, and god help us fans if their is, please me more "REAL" with the fan base the second time around. Because next time the simple possibilites you vent will be looked at more closely.

f


Too late. You'll see Prime with both face plate and mouth.

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntotransform
I agree, we should not just be pushed aside and ignored, but I do have a serious question, why haven't my questions been answered, like i said, I don't care if you reply no comment Mr. Orci, but if there is something you can give a small comment on I would appreciate it.
1. Starscream, real voice that was leaked or by fan boy, and is it in fact mr. Frank Welker that has taken the role.
2. If there is a sequel, which is looking good, will Bumblebee, assuming he survives, have his voice box fixed at anytime?
3. Will the sequel be more fan friendly, focusing on the Transformers mostly, since the human element of having to deal with the Transformers coming to Earth for the first time being out of the way?
4. Is the new Transformers going to be created by the All Spark while it is on earth or are they already around and are just going to be sent as reinforcements for both sides?
5. My last question, will we see the all mighty Grimlock and the rest of the Dinobots, and could it be possible to see some form of Devastator?
Like I said, I don't care if most if all of these you have to say no comment, since I understand that you need to keep some secrecy for the movie(s). Thank You.


1. Don't know. Haven't listened to leaked stuff.
2. I think so, but you'll have to ask whoever does the sequel.
3. I imagine so. That would be my instinct as well, now that the characters are set up, you can get into them more.
4. No comment.
5. No.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TKC
Mr. Orci.

I haven't asked too much questions in the past, and I won't ask many in the future, I just want to ask these:

1. Have you heard the music score of the film? If you have, is it similar to any of Bays preveous movies?

2. So you won't do the sequel becouse of lack of time. Is that true?

3. In your opinion: Who would you consider to write the sequel if you'd have any word in it.

If you don't understand the last question it's ok. As you can see I'm really bad at english grammar.


1. Yes. Similar? Yes. But also more melodic than usual.

2. Pretty much.

3. We've suggested a few people. We'll see who wins.

Your english is fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
Roberto, is there any amount of bribing we could utilize to make you and Alex drop Star Trek and pen the sequel to Transformers instead?

HA!

See the movie first and then see if you still want us for the sequel!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
lol, just wanted to know what our options are beforehand.

Don't call us, we'll call you

LOL

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntotransform
Thank You Rob that was helpful, although the last one was a little upsetting but I understand it would be hard to put those two in there. I have a couple of more questions real quick.
1. Which Transformers, other then Bumblebee, if any, will not speak in the film? Or will they all get someone to do their voice?
2. I know someone has already asked but he hasn't gotten an answer yet, what is the story behind Brawl, was he with the Decepticons in the Ghosts of Yesterday book but incapacitated from a previous battle, or is he going to be a brand new Transformer that is made on Earth.
Thanks again for putting up with our questions, mainly the positive ones who only are asking because we don't know if we can wait another two months.

1. They all talk.

2. None of our TFs are made on earth.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frenzy
Bob, fromwhat I can tell the script and tone of this movie is spot on IMO.

Is there any chance you'd return to write the sequel if the reviews were good enough?


We don't base any of our decisions on reviews.

We'd love to do the sequel, but we got lucky getting Star Trek going so fast, and since we're also Executive Producing, we have too many responsibilities to split our focus.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Macvile\/\/hore
Dear Orko:

Is Frenzy mentioned by name in the movie?

I'm just sort've worried that people might think its Soundwave, and get really cheesed.

Not everyone goes to the messageboards like we do, you know

I think so. Haven't seen the final, final cut yet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Hey Roberto,

How's it all going?


Just wondering if it's possible if you could get Megan Fox on the forums sometime for a little q & a, that would be great!

If I run into her I'll ask.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fightingest Jester
Are you willing to tell us how much of the Decepticons actions are coordinated?

They are not acting independently. They are coordinating their actions.

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Hey Boberto.

Is Brawl still in the movie.

yes

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyaa
Hey Bob, not a TF question, but:

Please in the Star Trek movie, no time travel. I still can't figure out "Enterprise"

Okay, a TF question. There's no time travel in TF is there?


Transformers will have time travel. Everyone travels into the future at the normal rate of one minute per minute.

Sorry. Feeling smart alecky today.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rover213
touchè ...

but in anyways

can you reavel anything from the star trek movie other than you doing the script... now now don`t be naughty...about the timeline the story his...

Kirk is in it. That's all that Starfleet has approved for declassification thus far. [EDITOR's note: I'm almost certain Spock has been confirmed as well, per www.ign.com.]

Quote:
Originally Posted by C. Mojo
Hi Roberto,

How's it goin'? I've got a couple questions for ya if you've got the time.

1) Have all the voice actors been hired, and if so have they recorded all their dialogue?

2) When will we get to find out who the voice actors are?

3) Why is this being kept such a big secret when we already know about the voice actors for Prime and Megs?

Just curious, 'cause honestly it doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense that we haven't already found out about this (especially considering how much other info has already leaked).

1. No.

2. No big secrets. Deals have to be finalized, and announcements are made according to a schedule because there are so many media elements that have to be coordinated, etc, etc... yada, yada, yada.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dawhiteguy
Hey Robert be sure to let the guys over at ILM know they did awesome job with the transformers.

We surely have, all of us, numerous times. They hit a home run.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pre98
"I don't like to lose."

Amen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TurnPike
Greetings Mr Orci,

Now that the movie is a few weeks away from being locked and prepped for distribution..

1. How's the Cybertronian language coming along? Can you tease us a bit on how it might sound like and how often it'll be used?

2. Have you heard the score yet? Will the score feature choirs ala "Armageddon" and "The Island"? (imagine an epic battle with prime and megs beating the livin jebeebus out of each other with an epic choir in the score... I get shivers just thinking about it..)

3. Do you think there's a snowball's chance in hell that other movie makers might be inspired by TF to make more/other giant robot movies in the future, now that we have the technology to bring them on the big screen in all their realism and awesome glory? (Battletech, Mechwarrior, Heavy Gear, *insert generic mecha movie here*, etc...)


Thanks for any answers and A HUGE THANK YOU FOR HELP MAKING THIS FILM BECOME A REALITY!
I've never would have imagined ever seeing a live action TF movie being made in my lifetime (done right)! From what I'm seeing, I am positively blown away!!

Good luck with the release of the film (and Star Trek.. I hope the Trekkies are far more open minded than most TF fans), I'm sure this movie will break my record of seeing a movie over 8 times in a theater! I CAN'T WAIT!!

1.) I love the sounds design of the Cybertronian language. Hope you do, too.

2.) I have heard much of the score, and it's great. Sweeping and epic with a great touch of Sci-fi.

3.) I do. I believe Voltron may already be in development somewhere.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rover213
i`ve been reading rumours about a knight rider movie and possably a A-TEAM has whell...

just by curiosaty any off these are true?

ROBERTO you beying an inside man have you heard about it?

gracias por la resposta...

se 1 dia benires a portugal te ofereço um boteilla de viño do porto

I've heard the same thing, that both are in development. But as you may know, things can be in development for YEARS.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ash
So if you are going to be too busy for a Transformers sequel is it because you will still be too hard at work with Star Trek to get a script when they need it or do you have another project lined up after Star Trek? If you do have something lined up after Star Trek can you say what it is yet?

The former. They'll want a script sooner than we could get it to them given our time.

Nothing lined up yet after Trek.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dawhiteguy
Hey Rob i know this maybe a weird thing to notice, but you and alex always use more than one language in all of your movies. Would you say its a signature or just a coincidence?

Its funny because when i first heard you guys were doing it, i was wondering what other language you would use.

A little of both.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrangler212
Concerning Star Trek, have you ever considered using Ben Stein as a vulcan? Of course, you might have to spice up his typical character personality first!

LOL.

Hadn't thought of that, but I can totally see it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by spooky
hi Bob,

are the Decepticons able to fly in robot mode like in the cartoon? from what i've read so far, it doesn't seem like the Deceptions all group together at any one time in the movie to fly in group formation.

In general, we decided early on that we wanted no flying in robot mode.

Quote:
Originally Posted by trogdorforever
Will there be a limited exception for Starscream? He might still be aerodynamic enough for some short flights.

perhaps

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
No flying in robot mode has to be the most absurd thing I have heard recently in regards to this movie. Why not take away their ability to transform as well.

I hope your kidding.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
I guess my question should be, Are you kidding? Why take away something that is an integral part of Transformers?


Decepticons flying in robot mode is not integral, it is a cheat. Like having Autobots drive around in robot mode.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
Bob, no offense was intended. Like any other fan, some changes just don't make sense right now. Hopefully once I see the movie, I won't care if their flying ability has been removed or not. Like I said, I reserve final judgment until 7-4-7.

None taken!

It can get heated in here.

Understand your frustration. Reserving judgement is all we ask. Thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Mr. Orci,

Can you give me an estimate as to how much screen time Ratchet will get? I was always a big fan of his, and it seems like he's still not getting much attention in his movie.

Does Ratchet finally get his day to shine?

Thanx

Too close to release day to spoil the fun with mathematical estimates!

Suffice it to say, Ratchet has awesome moments.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NitrogenB
BOBBY, quick question(s)...



1) Hypothetically speaking of course......if there is a sequel ....do you think other car manufacturerers could sign on for different Transformers? Or does Chevy have a contract for all the movies for the Transformers?

2) Is the new trailer sweet?

3) Have you heard any talk of bonus features on the DVD? Or maybe like an extended uncut version?


3) Thanks again for answering our questions,


1.) I imagine it could all be up for grabs, but I don't now the details of other deals.

2.) You can't cut a bad trailer of this movie.

3.) Yes. Mucho going into the DVD. They've recorded tons of behind the scenes stuff already.

Quote:
Originally Posted by skywarp
Hi Mr. Orci

first of all sorry for my bad english, i may make a few errors

i represent a few transformers fans in my country, i try to give them all the info, news, pictures of what's going on with the picture posting in a forum (computer forum with a "other stuff" section). There are a lot of fans that read the posts and stuff, most of them are excited about the movie and new designs, a few didnt like the tdesigns at first but are now accept them, and some were not fans but cant wait to see it.

On to the questions:

1- What's the release date for the movie in my country? (Portugal) is 20th july for Portugal or Brazil? (oficial site says Portuguese (Brazil))

2- Are there any contests, merchandise i can get a hold of, to maybe make a small promotion of the movie in the Portuguese foruns? (we dont have conventions or any kind of support or contests that we can apply regarding transformers, they are all either US or UK)

3- how can us fans in Portugal get a hold of some premiere/ante-estreia tickets? maybe even offer them in a contest we hold.

hope you can reply to this (here or with a PM), or at least point me in the right direction since i dont know who to contact in here and paramount does not have a Portuguese site either.

Obrigado,

Hugo

Let me see what I can do. PM me your information.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron
They could have reconfigured themselves with the help of the Ark.

My contention is not with the compromises they chose to make. It is their movie, if they want to have the Tranformers reconfuigure themselves and not fly in robot mode, that is fine with me. My problem is with calling the Decepticons ablility to fly in robot mode a cheat when it clearly is not. It is far more of a cheat to have the Transformers reconfigure themselves, both in the explanation of the transformers abilities and with plot tidyness.

Fair enough. I guess what I mean is that, in my opinion, it is a narrative cheat to have the Decepticons fly in robot mode. It robs the characters of the tough, character defining choice of which vehicles they want to be if the vehicle's abilities have no added advantage or function. You wanna fly? Be a jet. You wanna be hard and low to the ground? Be a tank. You don't want to be a military vehicle at all? Be a Semi. Etc.

Otherwise, their disguises are just fashion.

But I concede that flying in robot mode is potentially feasible.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carrion
I think my question got swallowed up by the delete-monster, I skimmed over the posts and didn't see it, so I'll just toss it out there again (I knew there was a reason I copy things like this)

Something has been bugging people for as long as we've had the oft seen clip of Blackouts arrival at the base and the ensuing chaos starts with the man on the radio incorrectly referring to Blackout as an MH-3, when he's really an MH-53. Is this an error in the dialogue, or is the line just a victim of bad editing?

We'll see. Don't know.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Openmindedtoomuch
Hi Mr Orci sir.

This might be a diaf question, an i dont know if the fans would even care.

Do These autobots an decepticons have a sense of humor?... or are they serious all the time.?..


You will have to judge for yourself if you think the Decepticons have a sense of humor.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eight Legged Freak
In light of the new trailer;

Señor Orci, have you ever met Don LaFontaine?

Sadly, no.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
Bob, with them not flying in the first movie, do you think there is a possibility they might change that in the inevitable sequel? They can at least leap/jump very high or is that a heavy robot physics issue?

I think you're right that they could do lots of new stuff in the sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kil
Mr. Orci, can you tell us if the nicknames "Spike" and "Sparkplug" will be heard in the movie? Or at least, if they were in the script?

No and sort of -- Spike and Sparkplug made sense in the cartoon because they were the nicknames of a mechanic and an oil rig worker. In the movie, neither Sam and his dad are either.

However, we did have an early version of Sam earning the nickname "Spike" from a different situation, but it didn't quite seem right for the final script.

Still, nothing precludes those nicknames from being earned in the sequel.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heatwave
Roberto, are we going to get an unrated version on DVD in which we can see Sam and Mikaela make Daniel?


Lol

Quote:
Originally Posted by Super Shadow
Roberto

How far into the movie do we have to wait to see Optimus? I noticed That BB was the '08 camaro when sam first meets him.

Also someone pointed out that Megatron has what appears to be his mace, is that really his mace or is it something else?

If it s not his mace i'm coming looking fore you .....
just kiding .......
or am I?

Could be.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

Please tell me that the G1 transforming sound either goes away or is modified to sound better than it did in the trailer.

Modified. Trailer sound is not final.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MegaGearX
LOL, I keep on asking Questions that are too Xtreme for Orci...

Lemee repost them....

1) Could you ask around for the official sizes of all the TFs in the movie from biggest to smallest? Some of us would love to know how big Brawl or Bonecrusher is, compared to Prime?

2) Do the TFs work well underwater or will they need specialized TFs to do so? I mean we see Ironhide coming from a pool, it doesn't mean he was okay. Since they have stuff exposed, does the water do any damage or are they as waterproof as TF seem to be period?

3) If Megs and Prime co-ruled Cybertron, then was Megs once benevolent and fair or was he "the bad cop"? Prime's side had good health care, great economic growth and a low crime rate while Megatron's side had the opposite? Wouldn't it be crazy if Prime sucked as a politician, but kicked *** as a warrior, while Megatron delivered good health care, great economic growth and a low crime rate, while doing underhanded, under the table tactics?

4) Do the Cybertronians actually have sexes? Arcee isn't referred to as "she" or "her"in the prequel comic. Their bodies aren't like ours, with the sexes having a noticeable difference in height or shape. So if Arcee came to Earth and encountered a woman first, would the genderless Arcee have a female voice in order to relate? That means the TF could have all potentially be female, if they thought it was the only species on the planet...

5) Who's winning the war on Cybertron when the last of the cast last saw Cybertron? Autobots or Decepticons? Or is it some stalemate?

6) Why did you want Wheeljack anyway? What was it that made you want him in?

7) Can a EMP take out a TF or would a TF be immune to it because they are "living machines"? "Living machines" makes it seem like these aren't simple robots...

8) Since ILM is doing Transformers, if there is another Star Wars is there a chance we could see a TF in a senate, racing, nightclub or cantina scene in a future Star Wars endeavor/tv show/movie like we saw ET in the Star Wars Prequels?

1.) I'll try and dig up the chart from our files somewhere.

2.) The TF's are pretty durable, but who knows if water has any long term effects.

3.) LOL. Seems that the sequel could explore hard core TF politics.

4.) As I'm sure you know, Arcee was in an early draft, but we wanted to service the concept better than movie one allowed.

5.) Megatron would say that the Decepticons are winning. Optimus would say that the only winner in war is war itself.

6.) You mean Bumblebee?

7.) EMP has been done so many times as a solution that we resisted the temptation to use it except as a Decepticon capability. Therefore, I think they're immune, but it doesn't come up and future movies could over rule us.

8.) HA! We should all be offended if they are not included in the next round.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slag7220
Roberto,
Earlier we had been told no transformation scenes would be released before the movie. There are, however, several pretty complete (but fast) ones in the latest trailer. Any insight into this change? Does that mean that there are even cooler ones being saved for the movie?
Thanks for your time.

As Michael Bay said earlier, we've all seen the movie so many times and been working on it so much and know how much more there is to see, that the stuff that was released doesn't seem like a lot to us at all. Maybe we have editing-room-itus.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NitrogenB
Roberto,


just a plee from a fan, if you could pass this suggestion on, it's be sweet. I think, speaking naively, that this sentiment goes throught all TF fandom....


....Please have them put mad crazy stuff on the dvd, I don't care how much I have to pay for it, I just want mad stuff on the dvd. Interviews, commentary, the making of, ILM stuff, Deleted scenes, bloopers.....EVERYTHING.

Thanks man, appreciate everything ya do!

Will do.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BumbleConvoy
A few more Questions from your friend and loyal defender:

1. Where is Brawl? We've seen the other Decepticreeps but not Brawl. Seems like the Rodney Dangerfield of this movie!

2. Did you base some of Blackout's designs on Soundwave?

3. Will Ironhide say Leakin Lubricant?

4. Your thoughts on the sudden Ranter-Raver Ratio? I say they have changed dramatically...

5. If Megatron were to Right the script, would he make an obvious choice and kill off the Autobots and Starscream in an instant?

1.) Lol. Gotta save something for the movie!

2.) We considered having blackout BE soundwave, so there maybe some overlap conceptually.

3.) No comment.

4.) Or were they always ravers in disguise?

5.) Ha. I think he'd begin by recounting his childhood.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kil
Mr. Orci:

Can you tell us if some of the Transformers in the movie only speak Cybertronian (with or without sub-titles)? And if so, which ones?

Too close to release to give that away!

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntotransform
Bob also, I know you said that the voices were in progress, but if you could give us a guess on the time frame that we are to find out the voices that would be great.

Soon, my brother.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drael
Mr. Orci, can you PLEASE see if you can do something about the insane UK release date? I don't want to have to wait a month, it'll all be spoiled for me! Paramount UK have no respect for the fans.

Please see if you can pressure them to change the release date to July 4th like everywhere else!

sure. Let me and Alex sit down the heads of all the corporations involved and demand they adhere to our prescribed schedule.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kil
Mr. Orci:

Can you tell us if some of the Transformers in the movie only speak Cybertronian (with or without sub-titles)? And if so, which ones?


Find out 7-4-7 -- or somewhere near that date.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
Bob,

Knowing that most sequels to films of this nature (CGI heavy) take 2-3 years to develop and release (i.e. Star Wars and Spiderman movies, etc.), do you think you will be involved in writing the sequel? I know that if the new Star Trek movie does well, they will more than likely want another sequel to that as well (possibly written again by you and your partner). If you do write the sequel to Transformers, will you consider taking into account any criticism from this board and others (i.e. the characters included, character abilities, etc.) you have read regarding the first movie, pre-movie release and the inevitable comments post-movie release?

On a side note, which screenwriters do you admire most from the past and the present and what advice would you give writers who might be interested in going in that direction?

We actually did all this in a year, flat. But it took a lot of faith from everyone.

If we were to do a sequel, we would continue to take criticism as we have the entire time. A good idea is a good idea, and all reactions are instructive, even if you end up disagreeing,

Too many to name. Look up the ones from your favorite movies, and they're probably on our list, too.

Alex would give the same advice, which would be read and write as much as you physically can. It is the only way to become a strong, consistent writer.

Quote:
Originally Posted by adny2
I was just curious.

the type of vehicles chosen for the bots. are they the most efficiant, or most powerful type of vehicles chosen?

for example...is the Rig that Optimus Prime transform into the most powerhouse deasel rig there is?

is the medical vehical Ratchet turns into the most up to date, powerhouse of a medical vehical that we have in America?

is this the reason why they are these specific vehicles? or is it more a design type of thing. where it really looks good for the type of character in a live action movie?

thanks in advance. great job so far, i've been loving it since the announcement teaser!

here's to hoping you guys bring GI JOE with this level of realism and excitement! (hey, an 80's man can dream cant he?)

As in the cartoon, their disguises somewhat reflect their personalities and general size. In general, yes, they are picking the best vehicles they can find quickly. Choices have to be made under pressure to remain "in disguise."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Retro Man
Before you read on and assume otherwise, do not forget that I am very proud of the direction of this film. The following questions are simply that, and not another rant on designs.

I have been thinking a lot over the past several months about the designs and why they look the way they do. More specifically the color choices. Arguably, Optimus Prime is the most important Transformer of all time. With that said, his original G1 color scheme is mostly blue and red. Starscream's G1 color scheme also includes a lot of blue and red. Ironhide's original color scheme was mostly red.

The question is this; because of the similarity in color schemes of the G1 designs, were those similarities in any way an influence for making different color choices for the movie characters? In other words, I believe the color changes made to, say Ironhide (being black now), were probably necessary in an average film goers sense because of possible confusion in differentiating characters. Would that be safe to say as something that was a major influence for the design team?

Giving an evil character such as Starscream a similar blue and red color scheme as a heroic character like Prime would have been a huge mistake. Im just wondering if that was indeed at the forefront of the teams thoughts going into the designs. If that is the case, I think this may be a fantastic point to be made for the "why these designs" debate.

Yes. You want to be able to differentiate alien characters. Also, you want their colors to generally reflect the disguise they've chosen. In the case of Star Scream, who chooses the most advanced jet in the U.S. arsenal (F-22), nobody wanted him to change color from the lethal grey of the Raptor.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SoundWave82
Hi Roberto and Alex,

1. Dont know if this has been asked or not but... Have you guys always worked together?? If so when was your first project together?? and do you two see yourself working together long into the future??

2. The score that we heard on the recent trailer was just amazing!! I thought it really captured the mood and essence perfectly. so i was wondering, Will there be an original score motion picture soundtrack released for the this film?? besides that of the album featuring all the artists. like that of the star wars films. thanks

3. For this film did you guys ever consider have some humans side with the Decepticons, either tricked into following them or other reasons??

4. Is there any chance you guys would come back to write any sequals to TF.... if not the second, then perhaps the third??

5. What Transformers would you guys like to see making it into any possible sequals?? That you guys feel would be very possible indeed.

thanks for your time as always

1.) We've worked together since we were in high school, and we always will.

2.) There will be an original score.

3.) Not really for TF1.

4.) Never say never, but probably not.

5.) Soundwave.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rover213
i think that none off the fans finds hard too see that the new trailer we haven`t heard any voices from the transformers...

bob

did you guys realese the trailer whit no transformer speacking...just to put curiosaty in us...einnn...did ??!!

yup

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nicodemus
Atao pa to es portugeuse o que?!?! Nunca acredito ja tenhno os Transformers en nosso terra

Desculpa meu portugeuse, mais eu nao pode escrivo muito bem, meus ovos e primas diz que eu parece o immigrao africano quan eu fala...parece o antigo jogador de Belenenses, Antouchet! LOL

Just want to drop in and say congrats to Both screen writers for writing this film, and to put up with and take into account so many differentiating variables and opinions from multiple fans, non fans and the like.

Orci is doing a masterful job at keeping the hounds at bay in regards to teasing and giving us only a little taste as to what to expect, yet also not giving away much at all unless your clever enough to understand his vague sarcastic statements which in themselves give various clues.

I admit I have rarely seen G1, 4/5 episodes at best. I followed Beast Wars in my young youth(I'm still a youth...and soccer takes up alot of my time nowadays sadly so I cant see many old episodes ) but i always heard G1 was the best, and im seeing it now in regards to viewing Prime, starscream, ironhide, and so on and so forth on the big screen transforming with that old school sound!

Sorry for my basically, long winded, dragged out thank you, so I'll get to my
QUESTION!!


WILL IRONHIDE HAVE HIS THICK ACCENT IN THE MOVIE?

because IMHO that voice is epic and to hear him give and receive banter in the movie would be simply awesome...having pprime hold him back when he says something like " Everytime i open my optics, my circuits sizzle! when are we going to kick some Deceptichops!"

I know you cant answer this directly, but any answer is better then no answer at all

If he doesnt thats fine too, but I was just really curious, thats all.

Cheers.

Paulo.

All I can say is that the Autobots are sentient beings with whole personalities.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Fanha
yo Roberto are you Portuguese?

No. I speak Spanish fluently, Alex speaks French fluently, and we can both sort of read Portuguese well enough.

Quote:
Originally Posted by han_x
Can I ask. Why won't you both be back to write a possible story for a sequel? Would you not want to do a sequel or have you not be asked?

Thanks,
Hannah

We've been asked. We would LOVE to do it. Sadly, the studio wants the script sooner than we could realistically deliver it given our other responsibilities, but we are so friendly with everyone at Dreamworks and Lorenzo and Don Murphy and Tom Desanto, that we are giving them any and all thoughts that we have for the sequel to use as they see fit.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drael
That doesn't make sense. I don't see anyone being involved except for Paramount UK. Surely, you must have met someone during working on the TF movie that can pull some strings here?

I honestly can't believe that you're practically making a mockery of the fact that we have to have nearly a spoiler filled month to see the movie for no logical reason.

Pirating is money out of your pockets, not the Pirate's. And I honestly can't blame them if this is the kind of attitude certain people have. There is always, always somebody who can do something. This is a real test of whether you genuinely care about the fans or not.

Sorry. Don't mean to make a mockery.

It's possible the UK has other releases that we are trying ot get around, but I will find out.

We do care, and we will pass along your genuine request with our support. Why shouldn't we release it everywhere at the same time?

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntotransform
Hey Roberto, I just wanted to thank you for all the time you've taken to answer these questions for us, whether people are grateful or not. You have helped us prepare for the biggest movie in most of ours years, and for that I thank you again. I have a couple questions that I think a lot of people are overlooking in terms of new Transformers.
1. Will the Autobots ever catch up to the numbers of the Decepticons, or is it always going to be overcoming the odds for the Autobots?
2. Will we see the likes of Prowl or Mirage in the future? I know you and Alex won't be doing the sequel as of now, but is there a good chance for them at least?
3. Here is the killer, we know Soundwave is to be a major player in the new movie, but will he have at least one of his minions with him? And, if so, will they still pop out of his chest like the old school Soundwave and all other incarnations?
4. One last thing, I know you have been telling us about the voices and that it will be known soon, but I need to know, if the grand master of Transformers voices, Mr. Frank Welker, is doing at least one if not two of the Transformers in the movies. I will take a no comment because that at least will make me think he is, or you can say yes and not tell me who he will be as that will make it even more juicy.
Again, thank you for your time and effort, and I hope I'll be satisfied until this movie is released with these questions answered. If not, I'm sure I'll be pestering you for more info, but until then, I will be a good boy.

1.) Not in the first movie.

2.) I think they are at the top of many lists.

3.) We believe you can't have Soundwave without his minions. In the draft where we included Soundwave, he had Ravage.

4.) No comment.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PunkMaister
Now that the official traller is out I'm intrigued by the rumors that the Transformers do not speak! In the trailer we can see Barricade's mouth moving as his face is menacingly close to Spike. Also When Megatron lands on the street wqe can see his mouth moving!
So Roberto plz at least tell us do they speak or not! Please don't tell us they just growl and grunt...

They squeak. {Editor's joke. Orci really said They speak.}

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesfarr
Hi Roberto! Been lurking for months, but finally had to post.

Thanks to a few calls, I got to hang for a while with Tom DeSanto at last year's Comic-Con. (What an awesome, generous guy.) I even got my name in one of the SECTORSEVEN.ORG emails. Woohoo! (I got bumped off by an unnamed bot)

Anyway, QUESTION! I was just curious if you and Alex were going to be at Comic-Con this year? I'll be there promoting my new comic book series, and I'd love to shake your hand(s) for doing such awesome work on this film. I've waited to see this movie my entire life, and the trailers are just mind-blowingly awesome. I cannot WAIT. Thanks for fighting the good fight, and for being so kind and patient with all of us.

FYI: I think you gave some notes on a script of mine last year (via my partner Cindi Rice). Just wanted to say thanks personally. I cannot WAIT to see what you and Alex come up with for Trek.

All the best & KEEP IT UP!

James

Well, hello.

All fans owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Desanto for being such an effective voice for the fans.

We love Cindi Rice, and wish you and her luck on any future endeavors. I plan to be at Comic-Con this year, and I think Alex will come, too. See you there!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformeur
OK first since it's my first message on this forum I would Like to thank you for all the good work you are doing


Now for my question : Do you think Mr. Cullen will also do OP's voice in the french version of the movie too? (Im sure he won't but I had to ask)

Interesting. Does Cullen speak French?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Schism
Roberto,

Perhaps this is a question you have answered before or you don't quite well know how to explain it, but anyway, here it goes:

1. How was the transformers film made? In Special effects terms?

I mean, I´ve seen a real replica of bumblebee, did you brought all the characters to reallity as well? If so, how did you made them move?
Or was it 3d animation? Not all is 3d? this is my biggest question at the moment and I can't seem to find a concise anwser out there.

thanks!


ps: Sorry but my english isn´t very good.

Your English is fine.

Most of the effects were computer generated, but we did build a few life size models.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heatwave
The head looks like a Halloween mask. The ILM stuff is a lot more realistic. You'll notice the robot has to keep moving so that we can't make out any detail. The transformation I liked. Nice touch with the door windows.

Anyhoo...

Roberto, just out of curiosity, is there any one thing about the movie that as a fan you've wanted to jump on this message board and tell us, only to have to hold yourself back? Is there any one thing abou the movie than makes you go, "You guys are gonna love this, it's awesome," but you of course aren't able to tell us?

Yeah, like the other two hours and ten minutes worth of stuff you haven't seen.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer


Roberto, is that a confirmation that the running time of the film will be around 2 hours, twelve minutes?

Something like that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Retro Man
Mr. Orci,

With the recently posted review of Transformers I cant help but be worried that the story is going to be throw away for the action. Now Im a HUGE action juinky and my standards for action are supremely high, I have no doubt in my mind that the entire team hit this mark. However, Im now worried that you guys may have missed the potential for Transformers to be the next huge story. Comparable to Lord of the Rings or even the Matrix.

If this iteration is not story heavy at least I hope there is enough intrigue and questions posed that will make the mystery of the Transformers that much sweeter when unraveled in the sequels.

I was hoping that there would be as much emphasis on plot as there is on action. But it looks like thats not the case. Many people here would say Im ignorant for hoping otherwise. My question is; is this an epic war story? Or just an action movie? Which is it leaning more towards? If it IS just popcorn fodder will we get greater emphasis on story in the sequels?

This CAN be larger than the Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and all of that, you KNOW it can be. But it WILL NOT be that without the story. It shouldnt even be stated, but I promise you that the story is what makes a fantastic series NOT the action. I know that you already know this. So, please put my, and our, worries to rest.

We took this gig despite the fact that we knew the script would be a target no matter what it said.

We expect headlines like, "Bay brings life to lifeless script" or "the action is great but predictable because we just knew it would come down to robots fighting." Well, duh. Like you have to be a psychic to predict that.

I think people are confused about the definition of story. When a Transformer attacks a middle eastern base in Qatar looking for classified information, THAT'S STORY. It's in the the script. Autobots and Decepticons are racing to find what they need. That is story.

Take the original DIE HARD. Building gets taken hostage and terrorists don't know the man upstairs is married to one of the hostages. That's an infinitely simpler story than the one we're portraying, and it is A GREAT STORY. Truly one of the best scripts ever. Restraint and simplicity is as much a marker of good story as anything.

Remember Jaws? Shark terrorizes town until sheriff and friends hunt it down. Not too complicated. And that was a novel!

I think fans take the story for granted because they are so familiar with the universe. They want to see flashbacks of Optimus Prime's childhood!

Quote:
Originally Posted by i have no arms
Maybe the action is a good part of the story?

More succinctly said, but yes, exactly. The last thing we want is what people mistake for "story" to get in the way of the action.

[Wishful Thinking]

And finally, it is a truism among writers that anyone who writes a review WANTS TO WRITE THEMSELVES! So they tend to be overly unfair to scripts (see Joe Eszterhas' SCREENWRITER AS GOD).

How else do you explain a review that says it's the best summer movie no thanks whatsoever to the script. Every scene they like IS IN THE SCRIPT!

Quote:
Originally Posted by King of Kings
Roberto do you know if there was a particular reason as to why Paramount decided against a worldwide release date, surely with the release dates so spread out over the summer the film risks being severely pirated.

I don't know. Possibly to get around other international releases.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Firefalcon
Would have been so hard to say "Yes?"

Haven't timed the latest cut. And if I say yes, then I get attacked later for being one minute off!

So yes, very hard to say yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frenzy
Here's a question Bob.

IF thee was sufficient fan demand and the numbers stacked up, do you think Paramount would consider holding the second movie up so you two could write it?


HA! Nice of you to say, but you should see the movie first!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
Hey, Bob.

Do you know if the Transformers' movement is synched up at all to the voice actors portraying them? I know a lot of animated movies do this and we can look to Peter Jackson's latest efforts too. Or is the CGI for the Transformers a completely different animal?

Did you imagine any actors in particular roles as you were writing, both human and Transformer? John Turturro, I have to say, is inspired casting. The one commercial clip I've seen of him is hillarious.

Thanks!

No, their bodies weren't synched to the voice actors since so few of them know Cybertronian Kung Fu.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Rob,

Be real, you're not really gonna come back to these forums if there is a huge split after the movie. Some of us can get quite aggressive over the net.


we'll be back!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Rob,

To be honest, from what I have been seeing, there is not really much story going on in this movie. For me, story is NOT action set pieces. Story involves characters, their relationships, dramatic occurences and the way events happen and are structured around the characters. From what you say, I reall fear that this movie will just have the one-liners and the 'story' will be a backdrop for Bay to run wild with his action.


Transformers IS NOT simply 'Giant Freakin' Robots'. That's just far too dumb for me to even fathom.

I never said this movie was just "Giant Freakin' Robots."

You have to be careful when you use terms like "character development" and "relationships" so that you don't sound like your just reading these terms out of some jr studio executive handbook.

Since I don't want to give things away, let's go back to the two classics I mentioned before as an example (Jaws and Die Hard) which were critcally acclaimed both for their summer tentpole status but ALSO for their character development. So what were those develpments?

In Die Hard, John McClane realizes he was wrong.

In Jaws, the sheriff gets over his fear of water.

We have a lot more "character development" going on here than that.

Why don't you tell me about your favorite summer movie and tell me exactly what you perveiced the "character development" to be.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Comic Book OPTIMUS PRIME
Ok I have been here for sometime "Lurking" I think you guys call it. LoL. So this is My first post. (Some of you seem to like to keep up with that, so there you have it)

I have heard rumors that OPTIMUS PRIME will have a Sword arm in the move. If so this is Awesome, ever sens I was a kid watching the cartoon I wanted to see him with a Sword. The Symbolism behind the Sword just fits with Optimus and his ideals
.
So My question is are the rumors true, dose He have a Sword arm?

P.S. Thank You for all that you have done to make this move. I cant wait to see it.

I can't remember

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

I noticed in the junior novel that there's a character with the name of John Figueroa (spl?). Was this an honor aimed toward Don Figueroa, the now famous Transformers illustrator, or was it just an unintentional coincidence? And how often do names get "borrowed" when you two write?

It was a double homage to Don and to a friend of mine, Roberto Figueroa, who was a graduate of the Air Force Academy.

We always borrow names from our lives for our inspirations.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me_Grimlock00
Hello Rob, when is the movie officially 'wrapped up'? I mean, when does the final cut, score, etc. have to be made by? It is just over 1 month before the US release so I am assuming it is very close.

Thanks in advance

UBER CLOSE

Quote:
Originally Posted by rover213
BOB

for starters let me say that for you`re time spend whit us you have in me a fan...

now

will you have something to say wen the movie his realese in dvd?

and

have you drove any of the vehicles off the movie?

last but not least...


(in a near future can you consider in making a star trek movie whit piccard)


No, I didn't drive any of the vehicles because Michael Bay would kill me if I dented one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Conceptron
Jaws being a thriller or rated R is besides the point.

The point is that an attack on a base in Quatar does not constitute to story. No way, thank you very much. If it does, we can all be professional writers ourselves.


Now that depends on the reason for the attack, don't it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by meki22
Hey Bob,

Dont know if this was asked before but just curious... Are you and Alex done with your work for Transformers? Are you pretty much just hanging around until the movie release? Or do you still have any input to give as far as final cuts and other stuff are concerned. Just wondering coz its pretty cool how youre still here answering questions

We are done. Now it's just press.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkeklawGreywolf
Star_Scream did that act much better and actually had Knowledge on the subject to actually back up her opinions.

If you have a movie about the battle of Normandy then that battle is PART of the story. How does that concept not sink in?

If part of the story revolves around an army base getting attacked then in the novel it's going to look something like this.


The acrid smoke rose off the sand as the mortars impacted against the ground. Men and machines scrambled for cover as the giant creature that had once been an MH-53 helicopter grabbed the control tower and pushed it from its moorings. The support pillars groaned as metal snapped and the weight of the tower was its own undoing. As if the world had slowed the men watched as the tower with its compliment of men came crashing to the ground in a jumbled heap. The creature then turned its attention on the group of airmen firing their m-16s at it and with won swoop of its mighty claw sent them flying through the air.

That my dear... Is Story, but it's also action. Oh and I just made that paragraph up... IT'S Not part of the Movie.

Not bad!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Waveride
Hello Mr. Orci!
I hope you don't mind me refering to you with the mr Orci. I've "talked" to you before and by that i mean i complimented your work over at crazy Don's forum. I had the same username and mentioned your good work on The Island and M:I:3. I have a question concerning a scene in the TF movie. Now i know you dont discuss such but it's a scene that was mentioned in the movie comic adaptation, Novel and leaked script. Now with all due respect i have not read either or these three, I do know there was supposed to be a scene at the start of the movie that was during a icy setting. There have been two reviews out for the movie and both dont mention the scene, it's said to start of with the Blackout sequence. There was also a behind the scenes video of Michael Bay filming a maquette version of it. Now im really hoping this is not true and that the reviews are fake as that would make such a classy and epic scene to see. It would add a lot to the movie, not to mention be amazing to see on the big screen. Is there anything you can possibly say to either confirm or deny it has been removed? I could link you to the review if you would like. Here's also an image of the movie adaptation version : http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/attac...2&d=1180758164

Please if you could get back to me on this i would greatly appreciate it. Thanks so much for your time!

Bobby

They say you write the movie three times: once when you write the script, once when it's shot, and once in editing.

The scene in question still exists, but we moved it structurally.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carrion
I think if Brawl was Megatron, it would be reflected in the toys. And since Brawl is named Brawl and has his own bio, I would have to guess he isn't Megatron.

BINGO

Quote:
Originally Posted by VIOL8TR
Hey roberto have you ever noticed that the top ranters here are female?
What are your thoughts about that? Doesnt this movie seem intresting enough for women or are the ones here on the forum just a bit bitter?

How do you know who is female?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aetaveru
Roberto,

A) Could you sneak a scene into the Star Trek script where the Enterprise transforms into a giant robot? I just wanna hear the Trek fandom reaction to it.
B) Will the "till all are one" theme of the old tv show and movie be touched upon at all in the new movie? I always liked that.

Thanks for any answers.

Peace.

The members of this board have hopefully prepared us for the hammering we will take on the "final frontier!"

Thanks, everybody.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Bob. How accurate are is the novel/Jr novel to the film? I ask, because the Spiderman 3 novels, and jr novels, and pretty much anything I saw had a different Venom death scene in them. Cause if they match, from what I gather form WT's vote and comment in a thread I made, you lot really, really just let down a lot of people, and pretty much put the final nail in the coffin for any hope for this film if that's the way things end up

Haven't read the novels, so can't answer fairly. But I would say this: nothing you read can compare to seeing this movie for real on screen. Alex and I have said this before: it is a learned skill to read something and then truly imagine how it should be on the screen. That's why people like Spielberg and Bay get the big bucks. If anyone could just read something, and truly get the impact of seeing it on screen, they wouldn't have jobs.

I guess that's a long winded way of saying that it doesn't matter what you've read (not even the final draft), until you see it, you haven't "seen it," and you can't judge its impact appropriately, even if you think you know every detail or story point.

Hope that answers something.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kontraz2000
hrmm... I guess you missed this?

also, a few more off the top of my head...

at one time there were circulating rumors regarding Dane Cook's involvement in the film. Is any of that true?

what were your biggest influences (aside form Transformers, obviously) when writing this?

We talked to Dane about it, but scheduling got in the way.

The influences were both from the old Amblin movies like E.T., BACK TO THE FUTURE and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS, but also solid action movies like DIE HARD, LETHAL WEAPON, and of course, some of Bay's movies.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Carrion
Will there be an explanation as to why Bumblebee can't talk in the movie? We all know because we've kept up with the news, and read prequels and the like, but is there an actual situation where somebody says "This is why he can't talk" to explain it to John Q. Moviegoer?

I can't remember?

Quote:
Originally Posted by C. Mojo
Hi Roberto,

I was reading some of the posts regarding "character development" and "story" and thought I might be able to clarify the concern a little bit from my own perspective (I have no intention of speaking for anyone else).

To me the thing I am most concerned about it seeing the movie and really knowing the transformer characters. For instance, with Starscream I want the movie to demonstrate that he 1) is a coward, 2) is a devious backstabber, 3) wants to usurp Megatron's command, and 4) is conceited.

The problem for me would be if the movie didn't explicitly demonstrate these personality features that are so central to the character.

So I guess I'll go ahead and ask the obvious question... Do you feel that the TFs get enough dialogue and screen time to build these strong characterizations?

Thanks again for spending so much time on this board answering our questions. It is greatly appreciated!

I'm honestly conflicted. On the one hand, we began with some people arguing that they shouldn't speak at all, so giving them all voices and convincing some of the powers that be that they had to speak was a huge victory for us (me, alex, hasbro, Don, Tom, Lorenzo, etc).

Also, Alex and I believe in the theory of "always leave the audience wanting more."

Still, I know the fan in me could watch Optimus Prime doing laundry, and I'd be satisfied by the mundaneness of it.

On balance, the answer is yes, I am satisfied. And although many fans will be left wanting more, I feel we've precluded nothing fans may want in the future. We've set the table for it.

Hope that answers something.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rondimus Prime
I have a really silly question...Why the names of the human characters are changed? what is so different between "Spike" and "Sam" for example that was so important to change it? Thank you so much

Spike's real name was Sam. Spike was the nickname of Sam Witwicky, a mechanic.

In our movie, he is not a mechanic. So we only kept the name Sam.

Doesn't mean he can't earn his nickname in the future.

Quote:
Originally Posted by spooky
hey Bob,

a few questions:

- did you save any of your Transformer toys from when you were younger? planning on buying these new movie toys when they hit the shelves?
- how much promoting is Spielberg doing for the movie? does he do Q&A and or interviews as much as Michael B?
- when writing the story, was it hard for you and Alex to decide which Transformers will live and which will die? if main characters(fan favorites) die, what was the reasoning? meaning why couldn't you just add a character that wasn't so popular. example: Prowl > Gears

I moved too many times growing up, and lost all my toys. Poor me. Thankfully, on Friday, Hasbro sent us a two huge boxes of dozens of the new toys!

SS will be promoting the movie, too.

No comment.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Armpit
Hmmm, you seem quite evasive about Brawl for some reason. Could you write ANYTHING at all about him here

He's in the movie.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kil
This is a bit confusing. You do realize that this movie is the first time he's ever had the name Sam, right? You aren't "keeping" Sam as Spike's real first name, you're creating it.

Sorry. I mean that "Spike" is clearly a nickname. We wanted to use his "real" normal name since he is a real normal kid in school, not a mechanic living on an oil rig.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
Bob,

Quick question. Will the next Star Trek movie you are writing rekindle fond memories from my youth of the franchise?

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transformersfan3576
Thank you very much, Bob! No plot teaser for the fans?

Question about Transformers: The MTV video at the awards show with Optimus Prime and some tweaked trailer footage--was that the voice for Prime used in the movie?


Sure sounded like Cullen to me.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

We know now that Blackout and, to some degree, Frenzy evolved out of the Soundwave character from the initial treatment. Did any other characters evolve from the treatment that were originally other characters? Like, did Shockwave or Prowl become someone else as the script was written because they were better suited in different roles?

Yeah, Prowl almost made it, and Arcee, as you know, was in early drafts as well. The rest we're pretty much intact.

Quote:
Originally Posted by coletown32
Bob,
Please tell me whether or not Starscream and Megatron still have the dysfunctional relationship we all know and love. It lent to an absolutely amazing story line and would be a shame to miss the only opportunity to see it on the big screen.

Yes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MegaGearX
Bob,

What alt modes did you consider giving Wheeljack and Arcee?

Were they looking like the originals or did you have something in mind ala Ratchet where you saw him as an Emergency Hummer, instead of an ambulance?

I can't remember for Wheeljack. Arcee was a motorcycle.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Rob, I heard the theme song from sector seven by I'm assuming Linkin Park. Not bad. But pretty much all autobots. Any idea if the decepticons are getting their own theme?

Certainly in the score, if not specified by a pop song.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kontraz2000
Hey Bob

Just curious, but what would be your take on the dinobots and devastator/constructicons in the sequal if you and Alex were to write it?

Gut reaction: I would think Dinobots are a stretch, but not constructicons.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimuschris
*watches roberto neatly sidestep any questions about prowl*


It seemed to us that the notion of a Decepticon in disguise as a police vehicle was too good to pass up for TF-1, so no Prowl in this one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

Can you give us a quick update on whether we'll all need to stay through the end of the credits for reasons other than reading your name and listening to songs for the "soundtrack"?

Don't know yet, ask again later. Probably.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BumbleConvoy
I have some plot related questions that you might have missed:

1. Is the allspark capable of changing size and if so, what happened to the anti mass shifting rule?
2. Is Cybertron a cybernetic city planet or a planet with a barren rocky surface?
3. Will the Autobots use Holographic humans like Blackout did?
4. Will Optimus Prime have an energon axe for the final battle with Megatron?
5. What other Autobots or Decepticons besides Arcee, Ravage and Soundwave have you considered for the first draft of the script?

1, 2, 3, 4, Too close to release! No comment.

5. I can't remember anymore.

Quote:
Originally Posted by murphyaa
I see the Autobots getting in good with the Military, and maybe having a C-5 assigned to transport them wherever they need to go. At least until somebody arrives who can have a C-5 as an alt-mode (Jetfire?).

actually had this idea in an early, early draft!

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mKasimier
Roberto, I was thinking about the "balance between action and story" discussion that happened in some previous posts, and I came to the conclusion that there are two ways to include an action scene in a movie. These ways can be represented by these questions:
- what is the goal of the action
- why this character is the one who is doing the action

When making an action scene, you must choose to which of these directions you want the public's attention to go.

The first one is better for unimportant characters (like most humans in this movie), because it doesn't deviate the attention of the public from the relevant storylines, while the second one is the way to go with the characters that are relevant to the story, because it improves the character development.

For example: Why Scorponok is the one who attacked the base? Was he chosen because of his qualities, or because of the circumstances? Why didn't someone else do it instead? Would someone else have done it with the same level of efficiency, or is he unique in this aspect? When you answer these questions, either implicitly or explicitly, you raise the importance of the action done by that character, because the public will learn that it was that specific character that made that action possible.

Another good example is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Frodo is the one who carries the ring because he's the only one who can't be corrupted by it, Sam goes with Frodo because he cares about Frodo more than anyone else, Gandalf leads them because he has more knowledge about the problem and the people involved than everyone else, and so on.

What you think?

Solid reasoning. An action scene without a point is pretty boring. Our approach to action has always been to save it as the last thing we think about. On Alias, and then on MI:3, we went for the story first so that the action would spring from events and character. TF was no different.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eight Legged Freak
Dear Señor Orci, will you be at the premiere in Australia? Why is Transformers coming out here so early? I feel like I'm being treated.

Sadly, no. I don't know why it's coming out there so early.

Quote:
Originally Posted by borntotransform
Roberto, I know it's probably too close to say anything, but can you comment on the trailer with what appears to be Bumblebee's voice saying "It's you and me now." I thought that he was a mute and didn't speak. Was there late changes to this or is that another Transformer speaking that they are just putting over Bumblebee?

No comment

Quote:
Originally Posted by ROLL_OUT
Mr. Orci,

It has been reported that Megatron only appears at the end of the film, maybe the last 20 minutes, and that he bites the dust.

If this is true, are you sure killing the most liked villian in all of TF fandom after only that much screen time is a good idea.

As allways, I trust in your wisdom.

Thanx

The report is more than technically incorrect in terms of story, emphasis, and screen time.

Whatever happens, know that we saw it as our responsibility to make a good movie, not a good "first movie."

Quote:
Originally Posted by Master Fwiffo
Orci.


Brawl. Devestator. WHAT HAPPENED?

See. You gotta watch these people all the time or THEY SCREW IT UP!

It'll be fixed. I hope. Kidding. Sort of.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Spanbauer
lol, lovely response Roberto

I hope they can get this corrected before the worldwide release. Other than that though, there hasn't been a bad review of this movie yet from those Transformers fans who saw it


Apparently, Bay said something about there being a big error in the film prior to the screening; do you know if the Devastator/Brawl mixup was it, or something else? Thanks Roberto!

It's gotta be, because we pointed it out twice in the editing room!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wonkimus Major
Well, then why wasn't it edited at the time?

I hope the movie hasn't been distributed worldwide with this error in it!

How did such a glaring error even make it to the premeir?


Not an editing question. Even after picture is locked, subtitles can change.

Quote:
Originally Posted by razgriz
Roberto,
A man on imdb.com posted that "The movie is being edited down from a PG-13 to PG because the toy company was having a fit"

Now, I don't believe him, but I just wanted your opinion.

Don't believe it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Me Grimlock King....RARRR
Wait, when was the rating released?

Also, I thought thye were pushing for it to be PG 13? Especially with mastrabation jokes

Rob. According to the pretty much spoiler free review by Kayp, all the cons except Screamer and MEgs speak cybertronian only. So, what's up with Keith David then????

Spoiler review wrong on that one point.

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Nuke
remember when Orci said that constructicons wouldn't be in the sequel.

Well now you know why.

I can't wait for 7-5-7. The fans will strike back.

I never said that!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aegis_Shadow_Dancer
Roberto, I've got a little conundrum... (Forgive me if this has been already asked)
#1: To be really honest, most of the time in the G1 series, the TF's(bad & good) did not so openly transform in front of the mass public, very few non-military humans actually knew about them, they did most of their humanoid fighting away from the public eye !!!
In this movie they show their buts off to everyone, so what would really be the point of having any disguise in the seqeuls ?

#2: Had anyone put any thought into this when they made the first movie ?

#3: With the whole world now knowing of their existence, there would no doubt be chaos with most humans now being way distrustfull of all machines, (even personal entertainment devices & houshold appliances), would'nt trying to integrate this overpower future stories/movies or would it open it up for introducing the dinobots & other such off beat types ?

1.) Maybe.

2.) Yes. Yours truly thought about it. It's covered.

3.) Maybe.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mega-con
orci -

are you sick of hearing about VA as much as i am?


yup

Quote:
Originally Posted by Asdaylightdies
Hi mr Orci!
I've heard from various people who has seen this movie that the Decepticons are reduced to mindless killing drones and they barely talk! So what's up with that? I thought you explained at yahoo a almost a year ago that each characters have a personality in the movie. And I'm talking mostly about the Decepticons? Does Bonecrusher show his hatred for his fellow decepticons? Does Starscream potray himself as the better leader in the group? From what I've heard the only decepticons that are ''characters'' are Megatron, Frenzy, Skorponok and Barricade. If this is true, then my worst fear about this movie has come true.

just see the movie and complain to me after!

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkeklawGreywolf
Or maybe it's he a big robot and he's just like you and me when we walk around a room with stuff on the floor and we just can't avoid it and step on a hotwheel.

Yeah, what you said!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wonkimus Major
What I don't understand is why they didn't change it immediately when you pointed it out, and it got to the point where the movie was shown to the public with an error in it...was the movie shown at the Aussie premier NOT the final version?

Bay wrote it down to give to the folks putting in the subtitles, but we were there trying to cut the movie down and giving him tons of notes, and maybe that one little piece of paper got lost in the shuffle.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Bob,

Was there during the script writing phase or will there be any future attempts to connect this movie with GIJoe? It occurs to me that Lennox and his buddy would be fantastic characters to rollover into a Joe movie.

Lennox and his team were absolutely inspired by the GI JOE/TRANSFORMERS series.

Don't know what they'll do in a sequel.

Quote:Originally Posted by tmoney148
Rob Orci: ive heard that some decepticons Speak in cybertronian during some of the movie i was wonderin if they have subtitles

yes they do!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Armpit
Hey Bob,

Is it too early for you to give us a few nuggets as to what might be on the DVD as extra footage?

One thing that lots of folks might like would be a 360 rotation of each bot as it transforms in grey space (since it appears lots of the action in the movie is very fast, esp. for the more minor transformer characters). This could be part of a DVD "chapter" for each bot (bio, what the art team was thinking when creating, etc...)

cool idea.

I know they have a bunch of cool stuff planned.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wishful Thinking
Now I've GOT to ask. Which characters were they inspired from?

I can see Lennox as Flint and Epps as Heavy Duty. To think of those guys as a "prequel" to those characters while watching the movie gives it an additional element of awesome and win, at least for me.

we were inspired more by the idea of Transformers and GIJOE then by any specific characters in the franchise.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Buzzsaw
Dear Bob:

Many films pay homage to similarly themed predecessors (either overtly or in more nuanced ways), becoming an accepted film technique. Have you and Alex included many references to other works? We've seen nods to the original Transformers series with the VW Beetle at the car dealership and Sam driving through the Porsche dealership with his father. Are there any other cool nods to the series, or perhaps, other films? I kind of see a Men in Black/X Files nod to the G-Men that John Turturro leads. If you're not up to letting us in on any details, did you have fun inserting these nuggets into the film!

Thanks,
Buzzsaw

PS Did you catch the Sopranos finale? If you did what did you think of David Chase's final scene. I thought it was brilliant!

There's a few fun little nuggets in there

Loved the Sopranos finale.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eight Legged Freak
I've always thought ID4's plot-point of 'all modern technology was based on x alien device' was rather cool. By the looks of the prequel book and comics, they did the same thing with "Mega-Man".

It's actually based on the actual ufo lore found in numerous books since the 1950's, from which ID4 also borrowed.

[Wishful Thinking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bcummings04
Mr: Orci....
- I was wondering if you could fill me in on how exactly long the film will be?

- I also was wondering if you thoght this idea was cool.. if you were writing the sequals
Since there is not really a truly red colored charcter in the film maybe for the sequal you could have Rodimus..just Rodimus not Rodimus Prime come in and be a red silverado..with chrome that would be sweet...and as for the Rodimus character he could be somewhat second in command and very powerful..not as powerful as Prime but close...As for his enemy you could have a great battle between him and soundwave or shockwave whatever you choose.. just an idea that crossed my mind...please answer back!

Ps: i think the film will be my favorite movie ever it looks great...
and thanx for bringing it to us.

Thanks for the kind words.

Movie is about 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Wish we could do the sequel, but anything you post on here is still being compiled and surveyed by the powers that be!

Quote:
Originally Posted by VIOL8TR
Roberto I gotta ask you do you ever get fed up with some of the silly questions that myself and other people ask?

I know your probably making big bucks, and i appreciate you taking your time to answer stuff like "does prime use diesel or 93 octane"

No, I don't get fed up. We learn a lot talking to as many fans as possible and I appreciate all input, good or bad.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumoverdrive
I was thinkin along the lines of Energon/Superlink Rodimus, whom I liked a lot. Not the original one from G1, but the newer one, which would be pretty cool to me cause I liked that char.

To Roberto himself:

This is the first time I've actually tried asking a question, cause I'm sometimes nervous about this stuff...but what would you think of a cool contest idea of having someone make up their own Transformer for the sequel(s). That would be like the ultimate contest to me and several of mah friends. Some of the coolest Transformers (to me anyways) are the Original Character ones.

Also, I think you guys have been doing a good job so far. I really like what I've seen thus far in trailers and clips and I'm a G1 fan (Jazz was always mah fav, which makes me a bit sad for this movie, it'll be like Dragonheart all over again for me). Keep up the good work so far! I'll be seein this movie several times I bet when I get back to the states, and again when I go back to Japan.

Cool idea. Maybe the contest could be about naming him, or picking his/her vehicle mode.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Chromia
Roberto, I have two questions:

1) If you had a magic wand, and could change ONE thing in the movie, no matter what...What would it be?

2) If using the same wand...you could make ONE thing happen in the next one...what would it be?

Ask again July 5th

Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnostorm
Mr Orci... Well Rob...

If you were going to write the sequel, as a Transformers fan, how would you bring Shockwave and Soundwave into it?

I realise that you aren't doing the script, but I just want to hear your thoughts on how YOU think they should be brought in. Then when the other writers are writing the Script for the second one, I can say to myself "Orci's way was better" lol.

Thanks, but I don't want to make it harder for future writers to take on this bad boy. It will surely be hard enough for them without us making it worse

Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnostorm
I can't remeber where I read this from, it was one of the comics I believe, the Shockwave Spotlight one, but I may be mistaken. But in it, it shows a good way of Involving the Dinobots and Shockwave.

Well Shockwave is in search of some Rare form of Energon he located, he comes across Earth (Bare in mind this is before the other Transformers get here). The Dinobots followed him and crash land and fight Shockwave.

Shockwave basicly takes them out cause he is like a one man army, trapping them in a Volcanoe, where they take the forms of Dinosaurs.

Obviously Shockwave heads back to Cybertron, but in the sequel this could be how they involve them.

I may be a bit wrong, but most of it is correct I believe.

Whats your thoughts Mr Orci!?

perhaps

[Wishful Thinking]

Dear fellow travelers,

It has been great interacting with you all on this board.

We are going radio silent now and maybe we'll chat once more when the movie is out.

take care of yourselves,

bob and alex