So .. wasn't there a Don Murphy panel, At TFcon today? Options

[BlitzwingHaz]

I take it there was no useful info at Don's panel?
Or have I got the days wrong or something?

[Master Fwiffo]

Link

So I travelled with Eduardo, my Shoot-Em-Up VFX supervisor and got stuck in wicked traffic. Made it to the Con where I re-met Omnicron.

We went in and met with Hedgehog, Slugerr and Jester. Had a drink at the bar and shared Stooge stories and Stooge questions. GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE.

Then I walked with them to the Dealer's Room. MANY people coming up to say hi. Everyone was nice. Now I am not use to this "celebrity" thing and I tried to be nice back. BUT, everyone had a problem introducing themselves. Say "Hi My name is Vlad" next time people.

Met Shadex- nice guy but he disappeared quickly.

The Dealer's room was okay. Omni gave me a cool tee-shirt that mentioned my name. Thanks, pal.

Then- THE PANEL. I must admit, there were a lot of people and a lot of questions. They were all good questions though. Everyone was nice and respectful. I guess I didn't know what to expect.

Then there was a short photo/autograph session- and then a BIRTHDAY CAKE. What a great group of guys!

All in all, except for the huge traffic jam, a very very good time.

Thanks Colin, Thanks Stooges, that was fun.

(As I was writing this i was bumped to 7th)

it was great, I picked up a Star-Convoy, Magnificus& Ganemede and Jr Headmaster Hosehead.

But more importantly, I made it into Don's Question panel I was suprised at the fact that people didnt know this site or that there was no mass-shifting, beside that arbitrary questions were asked about the line up, Don said he wasnt sure who the Decepticons are but assured us all of the Transformers are chosen because they fit in the script and theyre not just droids they're characters. He mentioned (possibly joking) that Soundwave was written in as a CDplayer and that there were some convincing CD drones brought to a meeting, then he said theyre might not be any drones.

He mentioned that though the designs are diffrent theyre more realistic, they are what a vehicle would look like transformed, also saying that the characters would have to be reminicent of their old selves so that we could recognise them.

The question as to the Matrix was brought up, Don said that the item itself is important and necessary but was not sure what it was called because drafts are still being written. He said he wanted to keep the old che chee cha chou choo sound and that got applause.

Megatrons is so ominus and menacing Don said when we won't care what he transforms into when we finally see him. at another point he said that the Decepticons work together as a unit and are looking for something while the Autobots are trying to stop them.

Don said that the vehicles are supplied by the Military and GM cars and mentioned Tanks Helicopters and Jets, when he said GM the croud moaned but I dont know why, not just because I drive a GM car but because there are a lot of smaller companies and other names under GM so all the vehicles shouldnt look the same (IMO they should all be wearing Autobot decals so people wont notice unless theyre looking)

Theres no Music yet and the teaser could be anything.


I didnt ask anything all my questions got answered except "will Grimlock be the one to kick Scorpinok's ass?" which I can wait to be suprised by.

There are at least 5 people with video who know the rest of the facts , that is alli can remember for now, I'm going to go eat and check out my TFs.


Take it easy fellow Stooges

[BlitzwingHaz]

Thanks for the heads up. Just been wondering if he'd say anything new.
What Don said about all the characters serving a purpose is nice to hear, hope its true.
And I have no problem at all with all the Autobots being GM, there's only what, 5 of them anyway? Plus they all have different alt modes.
Heck if I was a car company I'd be harrassing Don like hell to get in on this.

This post has been edited by blitzwing: Apr 29 2006, 06:12 PM

[CanPrime]

It should also be noted that during Don's panel some other tidbits were mentioned:

- Soundwave may not be in the first movie. Don said he wanted to do Soundwave right since he is such an iconic character and that he, SO FAR, has a small role in the first movie. That has lead to a push by some to remove him from the first film in favour of giving him more screen time in a second film.

- Scorponok has a scene that, according to Don, jumps off the page at you. It involves Scorponok crushing a military unit.

- Apparently shooting will begin with 3 weeks at the missile range in New Mexico

- Don has had a bunch of meetings with Hasbro/Aaron/ etc. so we can assume that the toys are underway.

If I remember any more I will update.

[Scout_]

It was really not very interesting at all.

The only things really that worthy of note was that he was persistent in saying that he doesn't want Soundwave to be in the movie, so he'd be able to show up with mass shifting in a sequel. Very persistent.

The CD drones thing came up because a cute little kid came up and asked about Soundwave (I swear, every other damn question was about Soundwave), and mentioned that if the drones were CDs, they wouldn't be articulated; Don responded by saying that he'd seen those CD transforming things from a while back. Then he came into the audience and bit the kid's head off.

Also, the impression I got about the GM thing was that they were trying to get others, and GM was the only one that was nearly certain. But I may have been misinterpretting one of his later comments on that.

The only other really interesting thing of note was that he ended up saying that the story would focus around the Decepticons trying to find something, and suggesting that it might be Whatever-they-end-up-calling-the-thing-that-is-the-Matrix-but-really-isn't. That, and that there was still a lot of stuff involving the Decepticon line up that wasn't finalized at all, and it could still change a lot.

He was a lot better at being reassuring in person than he usually is on his message board, but all in all, the panel was pretty boring and just had a lot of people asking the same dumb questions about Soundwave over and over again.

(Edit: It occurs to me that a lot of that probably isn't new. I haven't been paying a lot of attention to movie news, I'll admit.)

This post has been edited by Skyblitz: Apr 29 2006, 06:35 PM

[Autobot Jones]

Suprisingly, I like what I've heard from him.

Especially the part about the characters having to be recognizable, and how he holds Soundwave as important and the Decepticons being real characters.

Thanks for the report.

[Ninjatron]

He seemed like a nice enough guy. He wanted everyone to say their name into the microphone before asking a question so he could address the person in a proper and friendly manner.

I wasn't as terribly embarassed to be a Transformers fan as I thought I would have been, as I had been counting on slapping my forehead multiple times in reaction to obnoxious questions that could have potenially been asked. I think we all mostly behaved, but yeah... a lot of talk about Soundwave, who might not even be in the movie at all now.

At this point in the script, Soundwave is a CD player. But since that would mean he would be a tiny robot, he might not be in there at all.

Sayonara.

[The_Fortress_Max...]

From Fussion at Seibertron.com

Hello all,

Just came back from Transformercon 2006 in Toronto and have an update on some movie news. I attended several panels which include Michael McConnohie and Don Murphy sitting in the front row each and everytime.

The Michael McConnohie panel was terrific, several fans asked Michael on some movie rumours.

One fan asked should Cullen and Welker reprise their roles as Megatron and Optimus Prime?

Michael: "Absolutely, these voices are the heart of the character"

Later representative from Don came and asked Micheal:

Representative: "Should Optimus Prime have a "long front or flat front style like the G1?"

(A loud "awe" sound came from the crowd in disappointment just on the question)

Michael: "Why change things....for the sake of change? Taco Bell had the little dog as their marketing tool and sales soared, a new marketing manager came in and got rid of the dog for the sake of change and since then sales dropped. I my personal opinion NO don't change it just to have their fingerprint on Prime leave it alone".

(The crowd came back with a loud around of applause)

Representative: "Should Bumblebee be a Volkswagon or a Camaro?"

Micheal: "Bumblebee will always be a Volkswagon that's the character ,and Dan Gilvezan (G1 voice actor) is Bumblebee.

(The crowd came back with a loud around of applause)

Representative: "What do you think of calling the "Autobot Matrix of Leadership"..."Energon"?

Micheal: "Energon and the Matrix are totally different thinkings don't try the change it".

(The crowd came back with a loud around of applause)

The panel ended with applause

While waiting for the next panel to begin, I was hanging around the lobby and noticed a crowd of 6 to 7 people coming closer to the event and I noticed Don Murphy in the middle of the crowd.

I approached him and I introduced myself...

Me: Good afternoon Mr. Murphy, I'm Dave

Don: No it's Don.

Me: I know your name is Don but I'm Dave

Don: Mr. Murphy is my father...I'm Don (as he smiled)

(He really likes being addressed by his first name and not by Mr. Murphy. He also takes interest on what is your name. If you don't tell him right away he will ask you repeatedly)

I got a picture with him, and it was great being the first fan to meet with him in person.

Shortly after Don's panel began.

Here is a few highlights that were revealed:

* They have a deal with "General Motors" , most of the vehicles will be GM and possibly another (not for sure)

* They will the classic transforming sound in the movie

* They will have in one form or another the original theme song in the movie

* Soundwave will be mentioned in the movie but may not be in the first movie, and wait till the second (not sure as of yet) He stated "I don't want to rush and develop Soundwave's character wrong, Soundwave is too important to get him wrong"

* No filming will be done in Toronto

* Original voice actors will be auditioned for the roles of Prime and Megs

* There will be 5 Bots and 5 Cons

* A large battle scene between Prime and Megs with "Lot's of destruction"

* About 4 separate story lines will be running in the movie

* A separate Teaser Trailer will be filmed, since filming is at it's beginning stages (2 months of film is not enough)

* There will be no mass shifting

Don also stated that he doesn't want to create a "Godzilla" movie and watch it flop

Don says:

"The budget is well over $120 million"

"If Bumblebee is a Camaro he won't watch it"

"I'm a big transformer fan, that is why I started my boards two years ago for feedback from the fans"

This was my first Transformer Convention and after this one I know it won't be my last!

[Scout_]

A couple points of clarification:
He wasn't really so certain about the transforming sound and the original theme being in the movie. He said he wanted them to be there and was pushing for them. Nothing at all definitive.

4 seperate story lines sounded more like an example than an actual number. The impression was imply that it would be more focusing on several groups of people caught in the middle of the Transformers fighting.

[Mighty Maximal]

OKay GM.

Before I go off on a Giant Hissy fit about Americancentric vehicle modes..

What Car brands actually come under the GM heading... The Vauxhaul/Opal - Roadster is quite cute - but I bet they won't use that.

I know there's supposed to be an Ambulance and a Pick up Truck.. so those would be OK for GM.

But in general One Car manufacturer is a incredibly stupid idea even if they do have several subbrands on bought up companies..

G1 was a mix of European, Japanese & very few American models..

Now it's gone totally the other way loads of American models and nothing Japanese or European at all ?

[The Predaking]

The whole GM thing is music to my ears since the new Pontiac Solstice, G6, and GTO are all very nice cars. Also, if Tracks is in it, he better be a Corvette.

[Andrusi]

What Car brands actually come under the GM heading...

Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn, according to their website.

[ChessPieceFace]

A movie without a Decepticon Hummer would be a missed opportunity.

Those things are pure evil already.

[Angelophile]

A movie without a Decepticon Hummer would be a missed opportunity.

Those things are pure evil already.

Agreed. Soundwave would still be better as a Hummer than most alternatives.

So Soundwave is in it as a non-size shifting CD player, huh?

Who knew?

[Weremole]

Sounds sweet. Especially:

Don also stated that he doesn't want to create a "Godzilla" movie and watch it flop

[QUOTE]

I hope that all of the producer wants and things get there untill the finish line. It goes without saying that every synapse in my brain is saying the same thing regarding this project: "please god don't suck".

[AfterburnerZero]

A movie without a Decepticon Hummer would be a missed opportunity.

Those things are pure evil already.

Agreed. Soundwave would still be better as a Hummer than most alternatives.

So Soundwave is in it as a non-size shifting CD player, huh?

Who knew?

Soundwave as a hummer? never thought of that................. dude, that would be PERFECT....................imo, of course. I could see that working, seriously.

[awa64]

A movie without a Decepticon Hummer would be a missed opportunity.

Those things are pure evil already.

Agreed. Soundwave would still be better as a Hummer than most alternatives.

So Soundwave is in it as a non-size shifting CD player, huh?

Who knew?

Soundwave as a hummer? never thought of that................. dude, that would be PERFECT....................imo, of course. I could see that working, seriously.

I've always seen Soundwave as more of a Cadillac Escalade type.

[moonbat]

A movie without a Decepticon Hummer would be a missed opportunity.

Those things are pure evil already.

Agreed. Soundwave would still be better as a Hummer than most alternatives.

So Soundwave is in it as a non-size shifting CD player, huh?

Who knew?

Especially becuase the army has a " Surveilance Hummer " that is a Hummer Hardtop like the ambulance version.. except its got a Camera/Radar/Dish Boom and a ton of Whip Aerials.. and a Transmission/Booster station on the roof... Which I think is more than perfect for soundwave..

[monkeyprime]

it's truly amazing how so many of the people posting these reports screwed up what the man said.

He never said anything about the number of bots and cons on either side and didn't drop any names except Prime, Bumblebee, Scorponok, Soundwave, Starscream, and Megatron.

Some of you people need your ears checked.

He said that if, yes IF Soundwave was in the movie he would mass shift or he wouldn't but that hasn't been finalized yet, nor has even Soundwave's appearance in the movie been finalized. This was because he wants to get Soundwave right and not have to explain both why cars transform and mass shifting. We may still see mass shifting in the second or third movie.

He got a HUGE groan at saying the Matrix was a Keanu Reeves movie. It's funny how people seem to be overly attached to a name of a movie that had two CRAPPY sequels and a bad lead actor and we can't use the word Matrix, even though we had it first. Especially since "The Matrix" is just the shortform of The Matrix of Leadership. How that could be confused is beyond me.

He said the personalities of the characters would be based of their G1 counterparts. (I asked, that's what he said).

To all you G1 haters, HA HA! Do us all a favour now and shut up.

This post has been edited by monkeyprime: Apr 30 2006, 06:26 PM

[The_Fortress_Max...]

it's truly amazing how so many of the people posting these reports screwed up what the man said.

He never said anything about the number of bots and cons on either side and didn't drop any names except Prime, Bumblebee, Scorponok, Soundwave, Starscream, and Megatron.

Some of you people need your ears checked.

He said that if, yes IF Soundwave was in the movie he would mass shift or he wouldn't but that hasn't been finalized yet, nor has even Soundwave's appearance in the movie been finalized.  This was because he wants to get Soundwave right and not have to explain both why cars transform and mass shifting.  We may still see mass shifting in the second or third movie.

He got a HUGE groan at saying the Matrix was a Keanu Reeves movie.  It's funny how people seem to be overly attached to a name of a movie that had two CRAPPY sequels and a bad lead actor and we can't use the word Matrix, even though we had it first.  Especially since "The Matrix" is just the shortform of The Matrix of Leadership.  How that could be confused is beyond me.

He said the personalities of the characters would be based of their G1 counterparts. (I asked, that's what he said).

To all you G1 haters, HA HA!  Do us all a favour now and shut up.

Its possible they may have been told by the studio not to use the Matrix due to Keanu Reeve's film, possibility of a rights issue if they do (just a thought).