Michael Bay's 'Transformers 4' sets up shop in Metro Detroit; Pontiac's Michigan Motion Picture Studios eager for workload (MLive, 17/04/2013):

Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac is preparing up for another Hollywood closeup.

The production venue that was home to the hit Sam Raimi-directed film "Oz the Great and Powerful" will also host crews for Michael Bay's "Transformers 4" this summer.

Set building for "Transformers 4" - expected to get an official title soon - has already begun at the 535,000-square foot facility and has Michigan Motion Pictures Studios chief operating officer Tony Wenson excited.

"They are in the process of pre-production right now," Wenson told MLive Detroit, when asked if Bay's film crew is in town. "They are filming in several other states, too. The majority of their shooting, I believe, will be done in the state of Michigan.

"In addition to working on our stages, they’ll also be working throughout the state at different locations. We’re really excited that they’re here. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to service another film.”

Wenson declined to say specifically when filming for "Transformers 4" will begin, but disclosed it will happen "early" this summer.

That appears the earliest time when Bay and film cast members are expected to be in Metro Detroit for work.

Set building for "Transformers 4" comes at a time of good PR for the Michigan Motion Picture Studios because Raimi, a Royal Oak native, recently praised the facility as being one of the most state-of-the-art the film industry has ever seen.
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Mark Wahlberg on wearing Calvins again, being in the next Transformers and producing ‘Entourage’ the movie (InquirerEntertainment, 18/04/2013):

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He also sounded excited to be in the untitled “Transformers” sequel to be released in the United States summer next year with a new cast and with Michael back as director. “Shooting starts next month in Austin, Texas, Chicago, Detroit, maybe Utah, Arizona and possibly in China,” Mark said. “If I say anything else, I’m in trouble.”

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