The Autobots and Decepticons are bringing their battle to downtown Milwaukee. The “Transformers 3” crew is filming a scene for the action movie Monday and Tuesday at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The museum will be closed during shooting, which will involve a crew of about 150 along with 50 paid extras. The museum on the Lake Michigan waterfront serves as the city’s symbol for tourism.
Workers spent the weekend at the museum laying cable and moving in equipment and props. Specifics of what is being shot is under wraps but 12 News Reporter Brendan Conway saw workers bringing in posters of automobiles and a classic car on site.
On Tuesday, 12 News cameras caught a glimpse of actor Shia LaBeouf inside the museum, shooting a scene in what appeared to be an ultra-contemporary office overlooking the lake. Visit Milwaukee’s Dave Fantle said having the movie film scenes in town is a gift for the city. “Not only will they spend about a million dollars while they are here but they’re hiring local contractors, there’s at least five local college students being hired as production assistants,” Fantle said.
“You have about 50 locally paid extras getting in on the action.” The Calatrava-designed Art Museum is already world renowned. but being in a blockbuster could turn it world famous. “There’s no question, based on the history of the “Transformers” franchise, you will see more visitors coming to this facility after the film is released,” Fantle said. The producers are also in talks with the city to shoot a scene at the old Tower Automotive site. That could include some explosions but it wouldn’t happen until next month.
-WISN
