Over 300 Participated In Shooting Of Film
More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft can be seen
around the world in the latest DreamWorks/Paramount Pictures film,
"Transformers," which was released to theaters July 4.
The movie combines the use of live action with
computer-generated imagery to enhance the story as airmen served as
extras in the movie, some with speaking roles, and aircraft are
featured in the summer blockbuster.
"We would never have been able to make this movie without the
willingness of the (Defense Department) to embrace this project.
We're proud of the fact that almost every military role, including
extras, was played by military or ex-military personnel," said Ian
Bryce, the producer of "Transformers."
"It's a thrill to know my face will be seen in a movie," said
Airman 1st Class Mehtar Sullivan, an emergency management
technician with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron at Holloman Air
Force Base, NM.
Air Force aircraft played a huge role by providing security
during the filming and in one case during the movie, an F-22 Raptor
turns into an evil "Transformer" called Starscream.
Bryce said he was particularly awed by the sight of the F-22 in
an unrestricted climb to 15,000 feet. "I'm not sure how many people
have seen that, but I am honored," he said. "It was just one of the
many exciting things we were privileged to see."
With details of the "Transformers" essential to the movie, some
machines took up to 10,000 pieces to make. Using real aircraft made
the movie more realistic and aided in the computer-generated battle
scenes.
Along with the F-22s, F-117 Nighthawks and the CV-22 Osprey are
featured prominently throughout the movie. Also featured are the
A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III, MH-53 Pave Low, HH-53
Super Jolly Green Giant, AC-130 Gunship, C-130 Hercules, MQ-1
Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and Air Force One.
"Transformers" was also the first motion picture permitted to
film in and around the Pentagon grounds since 9/11. The cast and
crew felt the weight of the responsibility and followed
instructions to the letter. When filming was completed, they were
invited to visit and pay respects at the private 9/11 Memorial
Chapel.
"We were able to access and film aircraft and areas that people
have never filmed on before and expand the presence of the
military," said Tyrese Gibson, an actor in the movie.
"We just hope we did them justice," added Josh Duhamel, who also
stars in "Transformers."
A special movie screening in Washington, DC allowed many
servicemembers to view the movie before the rest of the public.
Many left the movie proud of the military involvement and the way
military life was depicted on screen.
"The movie was fantastic," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike
Gasparetto stationed at the Pentagon. "The special effects were
amazing and there was even a good plot to go with it. The movie
accurately depicted life in the military and I think is a great
recruiting tool. The movie did a great job of putting a face on
what we do as Airmen and as servicemembers, which I think is
important for the general public to see so they understand better
our job in protecting them."
Airmen were not the only ones in attendance. Soldiers, Sailors
and Marines were also invited to the screening.
"Military people will get a lot out of this movie because of how
realistic they depicted the way it is in the field, the way we all
work together, and the equipment we use," said Army Sgt. Charles
Eggleston, a Walter Reed patient. "The whole thing was action
packed and I loved seeing the A-10 'bringing the rain' the way they
always came to help us out while I was in Iraq. Some of my fellow
Soldiers and I were talking about it's funny that with all the
movies out there, it took a movie about alien robots invading the
planet to get the military stuff right."
The work of Airmen and other military members left a lasting
impression on the minds of the cast and crew.
"We had a lot of guys from the military on set and they were
terrific," said Jon Voight, a seasoned actor who plays in the
movie. "They set the bar pretty high. They are the real
heroes."
(Aero-News salutes Tech. Sgt. Larry A. Simmons, Air Force
News Agency)