Michael Bay Memo Considers TF2 Promotion “So Lame”

Published by Jeff Leins on June 22, 2009

Over the weekend, TMZ obtained a critical memo Michael Bay wrote to Paramount in May slamming their early push for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.  The “Urgent NOTE FROM BAY” was sent to top level executives at the studio exploding their promotional campaign while destroying the English language.  “I still run into so many people even this weekend with kids that ask ‘is that movie coming out this year?’” he wrote to start off the angry/hilarious e-mail.

Bay (it’s just Bay now apparently) did his part by shooting the sequel partially with IMAX cameras, 40+ transforming CGI robots that combine and crush, and objectifying Megan Fox.  But last month Paramount wasn’t meeting the massive standards of Bay’s ego.  So Bay sat down at a computer with a broken grammar check and fired off another of his famous heated messages.

“So far our print has been in my opinion and abject failure,” he smashed into the keyboard.  “At this time last movie we had an 30 minute MTV event around the Video Awards, now we have our two leads just announcing an award — they want me to play a small clip. I consider this so lame. Clips don’t blow people away!” So lame!

My personal favorite quote is when Bay wrote, “I cannot figure if this is a cash issue with your company? Is there some clever idea why are we not spending? I’m not sure.”

Bay blows up a bit more about creating “an event” like his buddy Jerry Bruckheimer taught him.  Steven Spielberg wouldn’t have to put up with this, he insinuates though probably unintentionally.  I have a hard time believing Michael Bay knows how to be anything more than blunt.

On June 6, Bay apparently had a change of heart because he directed a thankful response to execs for “busting your butts and bringing your ‘A game.’”  I guess he’s happy with the non-stop coverage MTV has been giving them since the awards show.  Today they’re running an interview where the stars talk about which robot is their favorite.  I smell Pulitzer.

Meanwhile, in present day Bay, Transformers 2 opened at number one overseas to $20 million.  It made 71% more than the original in the U.K.  Early reviews have been unforgiving, criticizing the sequel for being bigger, but not better.  The blockbuster goes wide in the United States this Wednesday.