It was revealed this morning by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation that Transformers 5 filming is set to take place in Detroit this summer. The announcement comes as the result of modifying incentives from other approved Paramount Pictures projects into a single amended agreement for Transformers 5. Restructuring the incentive agreements with Paramount is said to save the state $21 million, and will speed up the production of the Michael Bay-directed franchise sequel. In addition to Michigan, Transformers 5 filming will take place in locations around the world.
“Having one of the highest-profile film franchises created in Michigan is a major economic boost and a testament to the talent of the state’s production community,” said Jenell Leonard, commissioner of the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office. “The production and economic investment is now happening sooner rather than later, and obviously, the project is a certainty rather than merely a possibility.”
The Transformers 5 filming anticipates an in-state spend of $80 million and projects making 850 cast and crew hires, 450 of which will be Michigan residents equating to 228 full-time positions. The production also expects to hire 700 extras. The amended agreement between the film office and Paramount reallocates dedicated funds and meets all criteria for a qualified production in terms of expenditures and personnel hired in Michigan.
While in July the state legislature eliminated the film office incentive program which prohibits the film office from entering into new agreements, agreements with production companies approved before the abolishment of the program must be honored. Because approved Paramount projects had yet to begin production and receive the incentives, state statute allows for funds to be reallocated for qualified productions.
“Michigan has been so welcoming of Michael Bay and the ‘Transformers’ movies over the years and we are thrilled to be returning for this next incredible installment,” said Lee Rosenthal, president of Physical Production at Paramount Pictures.
Paramount had multiple preapproved applications with the Film Office, representing a total of approximately $42 million in eligible incentives. The Transformers 5 filming takes half the incentives already allocated for Paramount projects. The remaining $21 million will be returned to the state general fund at the end of the fiscal year.
Transformers 5 is set to be written by Iron Man scribes Art Marcum & Matt Holloway and Ken Nolan (Black Hawk Down) with Transformers: Age of Extinction star Mark Wahlberg also returning for the film.
