MAY 2006 START FOR PARAMOUNT/DREAMWORKS' "TRANSFORMERS"
January 14, 2006
According to the Hollywood Reporter, producer Don Murphy is gearing up for a May start on director Michael Bay's live-action DreamWorks/Paramount co-production of "Transformers".
Co-production executive for the film is Steven Spielberg.
Based on the Hasbro line of shape-shifting robots, the rights to the "Transformers" were acquired by Murphy in association with "X-Men" producer Tom DeSanto.
"I knew at Comic-Con three years ago that the '80s were back," said Murphy.
"Kids were responding to "GI Joe" and "Transformers". We pitched every studio, and they all passed. Finally DreamWorks execs gave it to Steven, and they worked out a Paramount co-production."
"Talent goes a long way, but tenacity is the only way a film gets made," he added.
"Never take no for an answer".
DREAMWORKS "TRANSFORMERS" GEARING UP FOR JULY 4, 2007 RELEASE !!!
JULY 13, 2005
According to DreamWorks, the live-action "TRANSFORMERS" feature is now being tent-poled to open across North America July 4, 2007.
The film will be directed by Michael "The Rock" Bay, from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.
Steven Spielberg is executive producer, with Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto and Don Murphy as co-executive producers.
DreamWorks head of distribution Jim Tharp said, "By staking our claim on the 4th of July, 2007, we ensure that we not only have the time to make this movie the way it should be made, but also to build excitement and awareness leading up to its release."
"Fans around the world have wanted a 'Transformers' live-action movie for a long time and we are thrilled to work with DreamWorks and Paramount to bring this legendary saga to life on the big screen," said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro's US Toy segment.
DreamWorks will distribute the film domestically with Paramount handling international.
Hasbro will work with DreamWorks on the film's creative development and marketing, also managing tie-in merchandising .
Introduced in 1984, the 'Transformers' brand revolves around the robot 'Autobots vs the Decepticons', resulting in a toy line from Hasbro and Takara, a Marvel comic book series, TV show and animated feature.
The 'Robots In Disguise' now offer a fresh toy line, animated series on the Cartoon Network and comic books from IDW Publishing.
