'Transformers' Set Assembled In Downtown Detroit
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - All eyes are on construction of some Asian-style buildings that will appear in the upcoming "Transformers" movie, which will soon begin filming in downtown Detroit.
The construction site can be seen on the corner of Washington and Clifford.
Kyle Minard was on his way to a Tiger's game when he noticed the set — and wasn't sure what to make of it.
"I have no clue," Minard said. "I thought it might be some Asian restaurant or something that they're doing."
Tigers season ticket holder Keith Laberatta, who often passes by that corner, said he thinks the city can benefit from the movie industry.
"They've made great progress," Laberatta said. "I remember when it was just a lot. As you can see the buildings are up and it'll be pretty interesting and really good for the city of Detroit to have something like this."
Detroit native Brad Pettiford, who also stopped to check out the building, said he hopes to meet some Hollywood stars.
"It's very exciting," Pettiford said. "I actually want to try to hang out with Mark Wahlberg when he's down here. Maybe buy him a drink or something like that."
The new film is the third of the Transformer series that is using Michigan as part of its background. A $20 million incentive awarded to the filmmakers based on an in-state budget of $81,933,992.
Exactly when filming will begin is unknown and exactly which actors will be present is yet unclear as well.
The Michigan Film Office says the project will create as many as 350 jobs in the state.
