'Transformers 3' filming planned at Gary locations

GARY | Locations in the city were being readied for their close-ups on Wednesday ahead of filming for the movie "Transformers 3."

A former industrial site near the Majestic Star casino and the ruins of a cathedral in the downtown area have been chosen for scenes in the movie, said Ben Clement, director of the Gary Office of Film and Television.

Crews were in town Wednesday setting up for principal photography, Clement said.

The use of explosives to create visual effects means the sets will be closed to the public when filming begins sometime between next week and Aug. 23, Clement said.

City officials granted permission for the filming at a Gary Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Tuesday, Clement said.

Scenes initially were shot in Gary in March near the Majestic Star casino at a former cement plant in an area meant to double for Ukraine in the movie, Clement said. The ramshackle former Methodist cathedral likely was chosen for its war-torn look, he said.

Crews have been on location in Chicago for the past several weeks filming scenes for the action flick about giant robots that morph into vehicles. The movie is scheduled for a 2011 release.

Clement said he worked with Paramount Pictures to bring location filming to Gary and met with "Transformers 3" director Michael Bay in December.

The Gary film office has another three movies "in the pipeline," Clement said. He said he couldn't provide details.