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'Transformers 3' filming to transform Michigan Avenue
(By Luis Arroyave, The Chicago Tribune, July 16, 2010)

Get ready for your close-up, Magnificent Mile.

Director Michael Bay is coming to Michigan Avenue to film "Transformers 3" Friday through Sunday. And besides his camera crew, some of whom will be filming from our very own Tribune Tower, Bay is bringing helicopters, skydivers and fireballs (that's right, fireballs) to the busy downtown street.

Where exactly will the magic happen?

Right around the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Ave.) area. Michigan Avenue between Ontario Street and Wacker Drive was to be closed at 8 p.m. Thursday for filming and to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday. Lower Michigan Avenue between Hubbard Street and Lower Wacker Drive closes at 8 p.m. Friday and opens at 5 a.m. Monday. The street closures will reroute 22 CTA buses (go to transitchicago.com for more details).

The helicopters and noisy effects — fireballs, gunfire, explosions — will be shot Saturday and Sunday after 8 a.m.

Skydiver stunts will take place sometime between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on those two days and will periodically close Hubbard between Clark and State streets; Kinzie Street between Clark and State; Dearborn Street between Wacker and Hubbard; State between Wacker and Hubbard; and Wabash Avenue between Wacker and Kinzie.

Chicago Film Office Director Rich Moskal, who feels crowds weren't too big or too small during last weekend's shoot on LaSalle Street, said he isn't sure how much onlookers will be able to see this weekend.

After the production crew wraps up on Michigan, they'll set up on nearby Wacker. Wacker between Michigan and Wabash will close at 9 p.m. Sunday and open at 5 a.m. Thursday.

Not waiting for the "NFC Champions" hoodie?