Director Michael Bay has begun filming the upcoming “Transformers 3” movie in Los Angeles, California. Known for his car chase scenes and his “awesome” explosions, he wanted to blow stuff up just a few blocks away from the White House – only to be denied.
According to the National Park Service, Bay wanted to stage a “car race” along the (National) Mall’s gravel paths and flood it with artificial light in order to shoot at night. He also wanted to simulate explosions and pyrotechnics at locations along Pennsylvania and Independence avenues.
For those who don’t know, Pennsylvania Avenue is where the White House is located.
Michael Bay will be allowed to shoot some scenes on location in DC, but he won’t be able to film in the National Mall. As for how many days it will take for filming, Studio spokesperson Gabriela Gutentag said “We’ve gone from two weeks to 10 days to three days to seven days; I don’t really know.”
On a positive note, because filming will take place in September in that location, the local economy benefits. It’s estimated that the city can make up to $200 million or more on hotel rooms, meals, equipment rentals, temporary jobs, and taxi rides.
[photo: Infoaddict]
