The next day, the film crew returned to Los Angeles to shoot a key scene for the final battle in the city.
This scene was one of the most challenging as it required closing down streets.
Skyscrapers were essential for creating the needed backdrop. Using studio sets or special effects would have only complicated the process, so on-location shooting was necessary.
Blocking off streets is a complex task both in Hollywood and in China. In China, it often leads to conflicts with local residents and sparks negative discussions on social media.
In Hollywood, particularly in Los Angeles, residents are more tolerant of filming, but conflicts still happen.
There are many factors to consider during filming. For example, if there are stores on the street, their names should not appear on camera.
This is not just about free advertising but rather about violating rights. The production team might face lawsuits and be forced to pay up.
That's why stores in films are either contracted or their names are altered with special effects.
Signing contracts with each store is time-consuming, and verbal agreements are unreliable and could lead to lawsuits. Even passersby in films are usually extras. If real people do appear, their faces are not shown.
Just like with copyright violations, any passerby could sue you.
Another classic question is why filmmakers use custom-made newspaper props instead of buying real newspapers from stands. The answer again lies in copyright issues!
In Hollywood, everything is strict.
A month before shooting, MGM contacted the Los Angeles City Hall for filming permits. Thanks to good relationships, the approval process went smoothly. A week before filming, residents were notified so they would be aware of the events.
Thus, right after the morning rush hour, traffic police arrived to maintain order. Police tape was set up, and vehicle access was prohibited. Such treatment is only possible for major companies.
Smaller companies that pay fewer taxes can only dream of police assistance. It's fortunate if they even get a permit.
Meanwhile, the crew began going door-to-door handing out small gifts to residents.
The gifts were inexpensive, made by the prop team, but they expressed sincerity. When residents were happy, there were fewer problems.
During the shoot, people were also asked not to film or take pictures to avoid leaks. But this didn't always work.
People could film through windows, and it was hard to catch. Even if noticed, they couldn't just enter and take the cameras.
The wind can enter, rain can enter, but the king cannot enter. But the tax office can.
Are you with the tax office? Want a bullet?
With the help of local residents, the area was first cleared.
Then the props team quickly began setting up the location. Several trucks delivered decommissioned cars provided by General Motors. They were repainted and used as new cars. Damaged cars were repaired and reused.
Meanwhile, the makeup team, consisting of over 50 people, was hurriedly preparing more than a hundred actors for filming.
On the other side, the explosion team began setting charges on the cars. These explosives were specially designed: they created a strong effect, but their blast radius was small.
In total, around 500 people were involved in the production, not counting the actors. Small companies couldn't afford this.
Preparation took about an hour.
Eric glanced at Patty Jenkins, who quickly inspected the set and listened to reports from all departments, then gave the OK sign.
Grabbing a megaphone, Eric shouted loudly:
"'Transformers,' Scene 127, action!"
With his cue, the camera operator ran into the alley. In front of the camera stood Ryan Reynolds, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy, and Ben Foster, covered in dust.
Behind them were soldiers called in from a nearby military base.
"They're coming!" Ryan Reynolds yelled.
At that moment, cranes suddenly lifted cars, which then exploded as if they'd been tossed by a monster.
The crane-mounted camera quickly pulled back, capturing all the car explosions on the monitor.
"OK, cut!"
Applause broke out on the set. Reshooting such a scene would have been costly and time-consuming.
Patty Jenkins approached Eric and pointed to one of the cars:
"Its position on the road is awkward, narrowing the lane. This could interfere with Gal Gadot's scene."
"No big deal, we'll adjust it in post-production. If anyone notices, let them consider it an Easter egg."
"Haha, that's a fun idea."
"Patty, time is our main enemy. Tell the prop team to move the car and prepare for the next scene."
The next scene involved Gal Gadot driving a pickup truck. Her task was to showcase the heroine's skills and determination, crucial for character development.
Eric looked at Gadot, who nodded slightly as she felt his gaze.
In the distance, Chloe Sevigny, watching Eric, smiled.
"'Transformers,' Scene 128, action!"
Bang!
Eric's words echoed as the pickup's engine roared. The vehicle zoomed around the corner, leaving black skid marks on the asphalt.
"Damn, she's going to crash!"
Patty's face turned pale in front of the monitor.
Eric clenched his fists. Turning a novice into a professional driver in a short time had proven too difficult.
Inside the pickup, Gal Gadot gripped the steering wheel tightly, seeing the approaching prop car in her rearview mirror.
This wasn't a training ground—there were no safety barriers. According to the script, she had no time to buckle up.
At this speed, if an accident occurred, the truck would flip, and it wouldn't end with just minor injuries.
Usually, stunt doubles performed such scenes, but due to the need for a close-up, the actor had to do it themselves.
"I can do this, I'll definitely do this!"
With a shout, Gal's muscles in her arms and neck tensed. But the collision didn't happen; the pickup passed by at an unbelievably close distance.
The vehicle accelerated again and, as if gaining superpowers, raced down the busy street, finishing its route with another perfect drift.
"Perfect, just perfect!"
Eric jumped to his feet. The crew and actors applauded—such bravery deserved respect.
Gadot, stepping out of the truck, felt her legs weaken. She couldn't remember what had happened, only breathing heavily.
Eric approached her and said:
"Gadot, when I look at you, I see a fawn dancing in the fire."
Gadot, leaning against the car door, wiped sweat from her forehead:
"Bambi—a fitting comparison."
Patty Jenkins, joining them, added:
"Girl, that scene was incredibly tense. You were just centimeters away from crashing. You really were like a fawn in the fire, but I also saw one more figure."
"Another character? Who?"
"Tom Cruise. He also loves doing his stunts. Keep going like this, and you'll become a director's favorite."
------
You can read up to 10+ advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/raaaaven