The All New "Hey Roberto" Thread

[Oddacidtea]

Originally Posted by Angelophile

I lost an eye in the Board Wars, remember?

Your avatar blinks for you. I see it so clearly now. Pity you can't.

[Thankheaven]

Roberto one thing i can damn near guarantee is that all fans want more Transformers screentime.

And not just action time but storytime and more interaction both Bot to Bot and Bot to Human.

And this is more important for the Decepticons this time because you generally seem to get it for the autobots.

The Decepticons really got the short end of the stick in the first one and that pissed off alot of fans.

So Decepticons...screentime...important...get it ?

[kenzo]

Originally Posted by Thankheaven

So Decepticons...screentime...important...get it ?

And

Decepticons >>>>>>>>> Ugly 2D monsters only to be killed later

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by Thankheaven

Roberto one thing i can damn near guarantee is that all fans want more Transformers screentime.

And not just action time but storytime and more interaction both Bot to Bot and Bot to Human.

And this is more important for the Decepticons this time because you generally seem to get it for the autobots.

The Decepticons really got the short end of the stick in the first one and that pissed off alot of fans.

So Decepticons...screentime...important...get it ?

I don't care so much about making the Decepticons characters as I am making Megatron, Starscream and Soundwave characters. Those three need development.

[sluggerr]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Question:

Don and I would like an honest answer from genuine fans of the franchise -- What is your excitement/worry level about the second movie?

And here's where we want you to think about it two ways:

1.) How do yo think/what do you think the masses that liked the first movie who knew nothing about Transformers want out of a sequel... ?

2.) How confident are hardcore fans that the sequel is going to deal with their complaints with the first movie?

We know it's a lot to think about, but what are you doing here otherwise?

1.) They probably want a end battle on a global scale. 10x as big this time. They seemed to think the first one was funny with all the sillyness, so they probably want more of that goofery, and they want to see Megan Fox's Tits and Ass, probably twice as much. All of this is probably locked and loaded by our Mr. Bay so really no worries. The only things they don't want are things that are confusing or pointless.

2.) I would say not confident at all. The robot aesthetic and the silly tone (Agent Simmons, masturbation) are nails in the coffin. I was very greatful for the visible effort you and Alex gave to make the fans happy. You can really see that MANY MANY things were specifically put in there to make us happy. But the thing you didn't have control over, the robot aesthetic, just makes it something that's not "mine".

I would say avoid Pirates 2 & 3, or Spider-Man 3 and you're fine.

For the fans, mirgation of the robot designs (which by what we've seen so far is not happening) back toward something that more resembles the original.

[bliss81]

Originally Posted by Electroshock

Oh no. Oh no no no. Not that. That is not what I want.

well, it sure sounded like it.

[left4Dead]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Question:

Don and I would like an honest answer from genuine fans of the franchise -- What is your excitement/worry level about the second movie?

And here's where we want you to think about it two ways:

1.) How do yo think/what do you think the masses that liked the first movie who knew nothing about Transformers want out of a sequel... ?

2.) How confident are hardcore fans that the sequel is going to deal with their complaints with the first movie?

We know it's a lot to think about, but what are you doing here otherwise?

Originally Posted by Thankheaven

Roberto one thing i can damn near guarantee is that all fans want more Transformers screentime.

And not just action time but storytime and more interaction both Bot to Bot and Bot to Human.

And this is more important for the Decepticons this time because you generally seem to get it for the autobots.

The Decepticons really got the short end of the stick in the first one and that pissed off alot of fans.

So Decepticons...screentime...important...get it ?

I concur, My opinion with the decepticons having no character developement or screen time with dialog was a missed opportunity, an in my oppinon would of made the movie better. just please have some in the second film for the cons they at least deserve that.

Originally Posted by Doomofman

I'm in a good position to answer this as I'm not what you would call a fan of the Franchise outside the Michael Bay movie but I know enough about it not to be new to it.

1.) More depth. Seriously, in the first movie the whole plot line with the hackers should have been completely cut in favour of building up the story/characters of both factions of robots. Which I hope has been done in the second, and that involves english speaking robots, none of this Cybertronian shite. A bit less lowbrow humour and the appropriate level of robots beating each other senseless will keep me happy.

2.) Bit harder for me to answer, I'm by no way 'hardcore' but from what I've seen so far we're gonna have the same complaints about the bots being practically unrecognisable from their original counterparts. Most people will still have a problem with the reformatting on the fly thing and I reckon a lot of the fans will have big problems with the pretender (hardcore or not)

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by bliss81

well, it sure sounded like it.

First of all, nice with the roll eyes. Very nice for you to see me agreeing with you and then doing that. That was mature. It really was.

Okay, there really isn't a picture of what I want, because Transformers has never done it before. However, I don't want big ol' arms reaching out. What I want is somewhat more complex, and it only really works with the movie's style. Its like if Barricade wanted to attack Bumblebee on the freeway but didn't want to stop moving he transforms part of himself. Like, you know that flail thing he had in the fight? Well, what if he could transform the part of him that has that and is able to fling it out. Or Prime's sword. Its attached to his arm, which is part of his truck front. He transforms the right side of his truck front, but instead of turning it into an arm it just lets loose the sword, making a battering ram.

Again, there aren't any pictures to show how this would look. What pictures there are consist of shit like Fwiffo showed, with big ol' robot arms jutting out of cars holding guns. That isn't what I want. I just want a Transformers car chase to be as innovative as possible, and this is the best way I see how.

[Oddacidtea]

Originally Posted by Electroshock

First of all, nice with the roll eyes. Very nice for you to see me agreeing with you and then doing that. That was mature. It really was.

Okay, there really isn't a picture of what I want, because Transformers has never done it before. However, I don't want big ol' arms reaching out. What I want is somewhat more complex, and it only really works with the movie's style. Its like if Barricade wanted to attack Bumblebee on the freeway but didn't want to stop moving he transforms part of himself. Like, you know that flail thing he had in the fight? Well, what if he could transform the part of him that has that and is able to fling it out. Or Prime's sword. Its attached to his arm, which is part of his truck front. He transforms the right side of his truck front, but instead of turning it into an arm it just lets loose the sword, making a battering ram.

Again, there aren't any pictures to show how this would look. What pictures there are consist of shit like Fwiffo showed, with big ol' robot arms jutting out of cars holding guns. That isn't what I want. I just want a Transformers car chase to be as innovative as possible, and this is the best way I see how.

Not too touchy, eh?

[mega_byte_me]

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

Question:

Don and I would like an honest answer from genuine fans of the franchise -- What is your excitement/worry level about the second movie?

And here's where we want you to think about it two ways:

1.) How do yo think/what do you think the masses that liked the first movie who knew nothing about Transformers want out of a sequel... ?

2.) How confident are hardcore fans that the sequel is going to deal with their complaints with the first movie?

We know it's a lot to think about, but what are you doing here otherwise?

My worries as a genuine fan? My #1 is dumb masturbation jokes. I'm sorry Roberto, but I feel like the one in the first movie was completey off and not needed and hurt the credibility of the movie (Not to mention took away from potential decepticon screen time). So, make sure there isnt one in this movie, and it's already improved.

As to your specific questions:

1.) Origin flashbacks: Im my local theatre, there where a lot of people talking of interest in Prime's opening narrative and his explanation of thier war to Spike and Mikeala. People in my area love a good orign/legend/folk story kind of thing, and it had people hooked. Many people thought it was a pity it was cut so short. If the Fallen is a god tf of some sort in this movie, a big origins flashback scene would be a huge plus in my area. Also, a lot of people where confused about Starscream and Megatron. Because they only had one line together, people where left wondering if Starscream is second in command or another grunt soldier. Only those in my area who've watched Tf's seem to know the answer. It really wasn;t clear on thier military relationship. They where also confused about the "Brother" angle.

2.) So far, so good. The fans in my local area are hyped about this big time, especially because of Soundwave's big entrance into the mix. If you can actually get the decepticons some good screen time, other than the blond-bimbo-bot, all the hardcores in my area will be very well pleased.

[Kup]

Originally Posted by Electroshock

First of all, nice with the roll eyes. Very nice for you to see me agreeing with you and then doing that. That was mature. It really was.

Okay, there really isn't a picture of what I want, because Transformers has never done it before. However, I don't want big ol' arms reaching out. What I want is somewhat more complex, and it only really works with the movie's style. Its like if Barricade wanted to attack Bumblebee on the freeway but didn't want to stop moving he transforms part of himself. Like, you know that flail thing he had in the fight? Well, what if he could transform the part of him that has that and is able to fling it out. Or Prime's sword. Its attached to his arm, which is part of his truck front. He transforms the right side of his truck front, but instead of turning it into an arm it just lets loose the sword, making a battering ram.

Again, there aren't any pictures to show how this would look. What pictures there are consist of shit like Fwiffo showed, with big ol' robot arms jutting out of cars holding guns. That isn't what I want. I just want a Transformers car chase to be as innovative as possible, and this is the best way I see how.

So you want this?

http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~s...y/rally-25.jpg

[Bloodrose]

Originally Posted by Electroshock

First of all, nice with the roll eyes. Very nice for you to see me agreeing with you and then doing that. That was mature. It really was.

Okay, there really isn't a picture of what I want, because Transformers has never done it before. However, I don't want big ol' arms reaching out. What I want is somewhat more complex, and it only really works with the movie's style. Its like if Barricade wanted to attack Bumblebee on the freeway but didn't want to stop moving he transforms part of himself. Like, you know that flail thing he had in the fight? Well, what if he could transform the part of him that has that and is able to fling it out. Or Prime's sword. Its attached to his arm, which is part of his truck front. He transforms the right side of his truck front, but instead of turning it into an arm it just lets loose the sword, making a battering ram.

Again, there aren't any pictures to show how this would look. What pictures there are consist of shit like Fwiffo showed, with big ol' robot arms jutting out of cars holding guns. That isn't what I want. I just want a Transformers car chase to be as innovative as possible, and this is the best way I see how.

It's okay Borelli, calm down. We don't have a problem with you. It's just, you know, pretenders suck. No hard feelings.

[Krueger]

I'm just worried there's not gonna be a lot more emphasis on the robots this time. I know its been promised by Roberto and others involved, but if that just means one more scene than in the first film with just the Transformers, then they're not keeping their word.

I really do feel the Transformers need to be treated more as characters in the second one. And that means more dialogue and more close-ups of their faces when their talking. There were only about three robots who got facial exploration in the first film. It should be more.

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by Kup

So you want this?

http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~s...y/rally-25.jpg

Closer, but not quite.

[Krueger]

So, Roberto, how many general fan concerns will be laid to rest with ROTF?

[Electroshock]

Hey Roberto, if you were the director instead of Bay, if you had complete freedom to do pretty much whatever you wanted with this franchise, what would you do differently than him?

[Doomofman]

Hey Bob, You worried about the lack of hype surrounding this movie compared to the last one?

[Kup]

Originally Posted by Krueger

I'm just worried there's not gonna be a lot more emphasis on the robots this time. I know its been promised by Roberto and others involved, but if that just means one more scene than in the first film with just the Transformers, then they're not keeping their word.

I really do feel the Transformers need to be treated more as characters in the second one. And that means more dialogue and more close-ups of their faces when their talking. There were only about three robots who got facial exploration in the first film. It should be more.

Another concern is a comment that Orci made some weeks ago:

Originally Posted by Roberto Orci

The challenge is having anyone other than us dorks care about what they are saying.

That really killed my expectations for the movie as it makes it seem that he wrote the script with the attitude that the general audience doesn't care about the Transformers at all which couldn't be further from the truth.

After that I was pretty sure that we would only get more of the same for the sequel.

[Kup]

Originally Posted by Doomofman

Hey Bob, You worried about the lack of hype surrounding this movie compared to the last one?

I think that is what prompted these questions as its too late for anyone to do anything about the sequel. Everything including the toys have now been finalized.

At the end it can be summarized by this:

We know Bay so we know exactly what to expect. You can interpret that as you will.

[Doomofman]

Originally Posted by Kup

I think that is what prompted these questions as its too late for anyone to do anything about the sequel. Everything including the toys have now been finalized.

At the end it can be summarized by this:

We know Bay so we know exactly what to expect. You can interpret that as you will.

Its not the final product I'm concerned with, I'm a Bay fan so I know I'll be satisfied.

Its the fact that due to the tightness of information about this movie and the apparent lack of an marketing effort. This movie barely gets mentioned on movie sites compared to the last one which was regularly on the front pages of loads of websites.

[Kup]

Originally Posted by Doomofman

Its not the final product I'm concerned with, I'm a Bay fan so I know I'll be satisfied.

Its the fact that due to the tightness of information about this movie and the apparent lack of an marketing effort. This movie barely gets mentioned on movie sites compared to the last one which was regularly on the front pages of loads of websites.

Yeah lack of info also contributes to the lack of hype but also remember that we have had a fair share robot of movie leaks and concepts which we have not been too inclined to get excited about at least when compared to the first movie. Why? Because they are pretty much more of the same and we know exactly what to expect.

Its like getting excited about next year's Thanks giving Parade. People want to see it but are not very excited about it with anticipation because they pretty much know what to expect from it as its the same every year.

That's pretty much how Bay movies are, his style is the same for every movie down to the shaky cam, slow motion and circular moving shots. He directs on a concrete formula which makes all his movies look the same. Even with Transformers which is radically different to what he has done before, you can still see the same formula in his camera work and editing.

Another thing is that the robot designs are not very exciting, they all look more or less the same. In all previous other incarnations of the franchise every robot had a distinct look that was easy to identify even in those large collage posters depicting dozens of robots.

Bayformers? They all look basically the same, they lack individual character and this goes for the Autobots too. Put them all together and it will be like looking at a large crowd of people, sure every individual looks different but when you place them all together they all look the same.

We know what to expect from the robot designs so there isn't much to get excited about because they lack the same level of individuality in their style that the G1 characters and Transformers in general have had over the years.

The thing is that its very easy to rectify that. Look at that Movie Soundwave toy photoshop in which he was painted blue instead of Silver. That little bit was enough to individualize the design while still maintaining movie aesthetics.

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by Kup

Another concern is a comment that Orci made some weeks ago:



That really killed my expectations for the movie as it makes it seem that he wrote the script with the attitude that the general audience doesn't care about the Transformers at all which couldn't be further from the truth.

After that I was pretty sure that we would only get more of the same for the sequel.

You know, perhaps it is the differences between our two personalities, but I didn't get that from Roberto's comment at all. If anything that comment made me feel more confident.

Remember back in 2000somethingorother when Don was first pitching the movie? Remember how he had a fucking hard time getting people to take him seriously, that a Transformers movie would resonate with people? That is a genuine concern. Transformers was "a toy movie." It was a movie about toys. Giant toys, yes, but toys all the same. And the first movie, while a very good first outing that showed that people would go to see a Transformers movie, didn't really have time to get us inside the robot's heads. So really, we still have yet to see if the general audience will respond to these characters being fully fleshed out beings instead of walking explosion factories. I'm very confident that, if the writing is good, that will happen, but it is a genuine concern. That is why I was happy to hear Roberto say that. He sees that concern and has done everything possible to make these robots characters, to make people relate to them. I thought that was what we all wanted...wasn't it?

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by Kup

Another thing is that the robot designs are not very exciting, they all look more or less the same. In all previous other incarnations of the franchise every robot had a distinct look that was easy to identify even in those large collage posters depicting dozens of robots.

Bayformers? They all look basically the same, they lack individual character and this goes for the Autobots too. Put them all together and it will be like looking at a large crowd of people, sure every individual looks different but when you place them all together they all look the same.

Yeah, I totally get your point.

[Krueger]

Originally Posted by Electroshock

Yeah, I totally get your point.

I must admit, that response did make me laugh. But in terms of the Transformers, particularly the Decepticons, being treated more as characters, it is a genuine concern. I really hope we do see (and hear!) more of them this time.

[Electroshock]

Originally Posted by Krueger

I must admit, that response did make me laugh. But in terms of the Transformers, particularly the Decepticons, being treated more as characters, it is a genuine concern. I really hope we do see (and hear!) more of them this time.

And if he were talking about the Decepticon characterization he would have a point.

Then again, I could make a point as well that, back in the good ol' days, most Decepticons except for the main characters didn't have much characterization either. So really, he'd have a point about Megatron and Starscream.