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Hasbro have posted the answers from their Transformer Prime Q&A with the legendary Frank Welker onto their Facebook page.

1) Randy Young: What are your thoughts on why Transformers has become such a pop culture icon and endures to this day?

FW: Honestly, I think early on the ability to move the characters and have them transform was a brilliant design idea. You ended up with two figures not just one. The figures themselves were well thought out and stood apart from what was being made at the time. Also, Hasbro never sits idle for long they must have “mad scientist” idea men who work around the clock to keep coming up with new ideas, takes and concepts. I think that helps keep interest in the brand and grabs a new group of fans in each generation. Some things work and some don’t but they never stop trying to please the fans and it blows me away that they have listened to you guys and kept Prime, and Megatron as the leading force in the franchise. That kind of loyalty is not often seen in the biz.

2) Chibi Chan: If you could bring in any of the transformers from the other generations into Transformers Prime, who would they be and why?

FW: Chibi, you know what I would really like to see is a tribute to the G1 series and have a special that included the entire past cast or as many as we could assemble for a terrific 90 minute or two hour event. I know a lot of the guys and gals that are around and would love to do it. It’s problematic to bring charters into CGI life it’s very expensive so it would have to be like the old animated show and done in flat animation.

As to who I would bring into Transformers Prime, that is a tough question…there were so many I had affection for but you know what might be a good idea, have a contest and let you the fans vote for one Autobot and one Decepticon that you would like to see inserted into the TFP shows.

3) Christopher Curi: Mr. Welker, have any of your characters ever been modeled after the voice you create for them, or do you create the voice based on what the characters already look like?

FW: Hi Christopher, it is almost, with rare exception, the latter. We usually create the voice based on what we see or a verbal description by the producer or director. My favorite process is looking at the drawing or picture and then letting us the actors just come up with a voice to fit what we see. That is what Wally Burr director in the G1 days did with us. Almost always, that will be the best voice for the actor to perform because it is his initial gut instinct. But it usually doesn’t go down that way. The writer, the producer, and the director all have ideas that they want to be incorporated and often the amalgam is far from the actor’s first impression. Sometimes it works out great with the team effort…but to me the less messing around the better, after all if a picture is worth a thousand words that should be plenty enough.

4) Barry Koch: how hard is it to get the voice of Megatron down to the perfect pitch?

FW: Barry, just like feeling better some days than others there are times I feel such power and strength with Megatron it’s like flying effortlessly. Then there are those few days where I have to physically kick it up a notch to get him where I want him. There is technique for this…when I feel he isn’t quite as edgy as I would like, I do some low unearthly growls to get into character then I play the microphone on its stand just like it was a boxing opponent. I concentrate on the mike as a presence and bob and weave and pounce. I know that may sound a bit melodramatic but it works for me. The sound engineer may stop me once in a while because I am off mike but it really does the trick for the acting beats and getting vocal control.
Now I think is the time I should say, “I am a professional don’t try this at home”…but I would suggest it is a great way to get into character or maybe loosen up for work?? So put on your best evil face and move swiftly making guttural sounds, bob and weave and enjoy irritating the bejesus out of those around you!!! Yes, Barry, I say…”Start your day the Megatron way.”

YouTuber, djinnmage, has posted the preview video for Transformers Prime episode 35, Grill, onto the video sharing website.  You can watch the video using the embedded link below.

The Transformers Prime which is to air on the 28th April has been announced as "Flying Mind".  The short summary of the episode is:"The Decepticon Warship threatens humanity and Raf, Jack and Miko are the only ones who can stop it.".

This means that April's line up of episodes stands as:

7th April - Nemesis Prime
14th April - Grill
21st April - Armada
28th April - Flying Mind

The Hub have tweeted that Transformers Prime background designer, Jason Park, is going to hold a talk on Facebook today regarding his teams work creating the backgrounds for the show.

"On #TransformersPrime Tuesday (http://www.facebook.com/transformers) background designer Jason Park talks about creating the TF Prime designs!" tweet the US TV station.

If you are on Twitter you can follow us @transformertoys and if you are on Facebook then you can like our page at facebook.com/transformertoys.

The Hub have issued the following press release.

"Saturday, February 18, 2012 will be a Transformational Day as Hasbro Studios premieres season two of their hit series Transformers Prime, and its counterpart and new show "Transformers Rescue Bots." Tune-in as Optimus Prime and Team Prime continue the fight against the evil Decepticons. Then stay tuned as all new Bots take on all new missions in an all new series!
The battle to protect Earth continues . . .

LeVar Burton (Doc Greene), Jason Marsden(Kade Burns), Lacey Chabert(Dani Burns) and Steve Blum (Heatwave) star as the voices in new “Transformers Rescue Bots.”

The well-known and familiar voices of Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime), Frank Welker (Megatron), Steve Blum (Starscream) and Ernie Hudson (Agent Fowler) return in season two of Emmy® Award-winning “Transformers Prime.”

Jeff Kline executive produces both series and co-creator of Transformers Rescue Bots. For animation series aficionados, Kline’s producing/writing/development credits include: Extreme Ghostbusters, Men in Black: The Series, Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot, Godzilla: The Series, Jackie Chan Adventures, Harold and the Purple Crayon and Dragon Tales.

All those above are dedicated to continue the level of excellence expected by Transformers loyal fan-base worldwide.

Links you should check out are:

Transformers Prime animated series: http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/prime

Transformers Rescue Bots new animated series: http://www.hubworld.com/transformers/shows/rescue-bots

Hasbro Studios: http://www.hasbro.com/corporate/hasbro-studios/
"

I have added a new image gallery and episode guide to the 26th and final episode of series one of Transformers Prime.  The episode, one shall stand part 3, completes the story arch for Series 1 and sets things up nicely for series 2.  If you do not want to be spoiled, then it is best to avoid the gallery which contains over 350 images.

THE HUB TV NETWORK AND ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS PRESENT  
‘THE HUB OF TRANSFORMERS: GREAT AMERICAN TOUR’
NATIONWIDE TRAVELING EXHIBIT

Hasbro, Blockbuster, Paramount Home Entertainment, and Universal Studios Hollywood Collaborate with The Hub on Family Friendly, Interactive Nationwide Tour Celebrating the TRANSFORMERS Brand

Facebook Sweepstakes Offers Chance to Win “Ultimate Fan Gift Pack”
And Grand Prize Trip to Be Among First to Experience the New
“Transformers: The Ride-3D” at Universal Studios Hollywood
in Spring 2012

LOS ANGELES – Fans of the popular TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro will have a chance to experience the storied franchise in several communities as The HubTV Network, a destination for kids and their families, collaborates with some of the biggest names in entertainment for the nationwide “The Hub of TRANSFORMERS: Great American Tour,” celebrating the heritage of the successful entertainment property. The eight-city touring exhibit kicks off September 30 in New York and California.

The tour brings together entertainment leaders Hasbro, Inc., Blockbuster L.L.C., Paramount Home Entertainment, and Universal Studios Hollywood with The Hub in an event that engages consumers and brings the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS to life through a highly interactive brand experience for the whole family.

“The Hub of TRANSFORMERS: Great American Tour” will celebrate the franchise in all its iterations including this summer’s hit film from Paramount Pictures Transformers: Dark of the Moon, as well as the all-new CGI animated television series “Transformers Prime” from Hasbro Studios, and the original 1980s animated television series -- both of which can currently be seen on The Hub.

The tour will coincide with the three-part first season finale of the Emmy®-winning “Transformers Prime” on The Hub beginning on Saturday, October 1 (8:30p.m. ET) as well as Paramount Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray™ and DVD release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon on Friday, September 30.

Eight Blockbuster retail locations will host spectacular dome-shaped “Transformers Prime”-themed tents that will feature photo opportunities, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive artifacts and authentic props from both television series as well as Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  Additionally, fans can see the authentic Camaro (BUMBLEBEE) or Corvette (SIDESWIPE) movie vehicles from this summer’s mega-successful film and win special TRANSFORMERS prizes. Universal Studios Hollywood will also offer a special sneak peek of its new cutting- edge mega attraction, “Transformers:  The Ride-3D,” opening in Spring 2012.  The dynamic, motion-based thrill ride will tell an original “TRANSFORMERS” story using original, photo-realistic 3D-HD media, sophisticated special effects and one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever created.

“The Hub of TRANSFORMERS: Great American Tour” dates and Blockbuster store locations:


·        (9/30 - 10/1) - 256 E Route 59, NANUET, NEW YORK, 10954
·        (9/30 - 10/1) - 10338 Sepulveda, MISSION HILLS, CALIFORNIA, 91345
·        (10/8)  - 4640 W Irving Park Road, CHICAGO, ILLINIOIS, 60641
·        (10/8) - 1375 Blossom Hill Road, SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, 95118
·        (10/15) - 827 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd., ARLINGTON, TEXAS, 76017
·        (10/15) - 5365 S. Wadsworth, LITTLETON, COLORADO, 80123
·        (10/22) - 588 Sawdust, SPRING, TEXAS, 77380
·        (10/22) - 624 W. Hwy. 40, BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI, 64014

In addition, fans can participate in a month-long Facebook sweepstakes promoted in 1,500 Blockbuster retail locations beginning Monday, September 26.  One Grand Prize is a trip to Los Angeles to be amongst the first to experienceTRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE – 3D, the all-new attraction coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in Spring 2012.  Combined with a gift pack featuring Hasbro, Blockbuster and Paramount Home Entertainment prizes, the Grand Prize is valued at more than $5,500.  100 secondary winners will each receive “The Ultimate TRANSFORMERS Fan Gift Pack” which includes subscriptions, gift cards, toys, and DVDs from the participating sponsors. The promotion will be simultaneously hosted on all six promotional partners’ Facebook pages where more details can be found:

The Hub - http://www.facebook.com/hubtvnetwork <http://www.facebook.com/hubtvnetwork>
Hasbro  - http://www.facebook.com/transformers <http://www.facebook.com/transformers>
Paramount  - http://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie <http://www.facebook.com/transformersmovie>
Blockbuster  - http://www.facebook.com/blockbusterinc <http://www.facebook.com/blockbusterinc>
Universal Studios Hollywood  -http://www.facebook.com/UniversalStudiosHollywood <http://www.facebook.com/UniversalStudiosHollywood>

THE HUB is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families.  The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery's library of award-winning children's educational programming; from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide.  The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies.  The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at www.hubworld.com.  The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and reaches approximately 61 million U.S. households.  The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC.  All rights reserved.

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro(NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multi-platform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.  Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Blockbuster
Blockbuster L.L.C., a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH), is a leading global provider of movie and game rentals and is synonymous with family entertainment. The company provides customers with convenient access to media entertainment anywhere, any way – whether in-store, by-mail, or digitally to homes and mobile devices. With a highly recognized brand and a library of more than 100,000 movies, TV shows and game titles, Blockbuster’s multichannel presence serves millions of customers around the world annually. Visit www.blockbuster.com.

About Paramount Home Entertainment
Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  PHE is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

About Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios HollywoodSM The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas, the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert arena, and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event venue.  World-class rides and attractions include the blockbuster ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the MummySM —The Ride”, “Jurassic Park® – The Ride” and the highly anticipated new thrill-ride,“Transformers: The Ride - 3D” opening in Spring 2012.   Universal Studios Hollywood is a unit of the Universal Parks & Resorts division of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.  Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

It's been a few weeks since I bought you some screen-captures from Transformers Prime and so I'm pleased to remedy that tonight by bringing you two new galleries for the website.  First up is a gallery containing images from episode 22: Stronger, Faster which is then followed by a gallery of images from the 23rd episode of Transformers Prime.

I have updated both Transformers-Prime.com and Transformers At The Moon with an image gallery and episode summary of the latest episode of Transformers Prime, episode 20, which aired yesterday on The Hub.  The episode was titled Partners, did not feature any human characters instead focusing on Starscream, Airachnid and Arcee.

The Hollywood Reporter have posted a clip from tomorrows episode of Transformers Prime which is titled "Rock Bottom" as well a few images.  The clip and images accompany an article discussing the series with co-creators Roberto Orci and Jeff Kline.

The Hub have also now published a synopsis for the episode which you can find below.

"All original episodes of TRANSFORMERS PRIME now air on Saturdays at 7:00PM EST. The end of Starscream!! WHAT: “Rock Bottom” - On a routine patrol the Autobots, with Jack and Miko, find themselves trapped inside a cave – with Starscream and Megatron! WHERE: The Hub cable TV network. To find the channel in your area, please visit www.hubworld.com and check the Channel Locator at the top of the page. WHEN: July 16, 2011 - 7:00PM EST."

I have added a episode guide and full image gallery of the latest cartoon episode of Transformers Prime to both Transformers At The Moon and Transformers-Prime.com.  The episode was titled Metal Attraction and primarily featued Bulkhead, Arcee, Breakdown and Airachnid battling it out for control of the Polarity Gauntlet.

The Hub have issued the following press release:

LOS ANGELES – The Hub television network, a destination for kids and their families, will present -- in advance of the theater debut of the eagerly anticipated blockbuster film -- the world premiere of the original special “The Making of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’,” a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming third feature film in the hugely successful film franchise. Based on the popular Hasbro brand Transformers, The Hub Original Special offers a sneak peek at footage from the film and features appearances by director Michael Bay and original interviews with the cast including Shia Labeouf and Josh Duhamel.

“The Making of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’” will be presented only on The Hub, premiering Saturday, June 25 (2 p.m. ET), with encore performances Sunday, June 26 (10 p.m. ET), Saturday, July 2 (12:30 p.m. ET), Sunday, July 3 (9 p.m. ET), and Monday, July 4 (12:30 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. ET). The special is produced by Hasbro Studios.

The Hub TV Network is a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc., and is available to 62 million U.S. cable and satellite households.

“Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is the third film in the Transformers franchise and the first shot in 3D. It is directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger and produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. The movie opens on June 29, 2011. Paramount Pictures Corporation. All rights reserved.

The Hub continues its Transformers action summer with an Independence Day special line-up of back-to-back, fan-favorite episodes of the Daytime Emmy®Award-winning “Transformers Prime” and “Transformers Generation 1.” The seven-hour marathon will be presented Monday, July 4, from 1-8 p.m. ET for fans of all ages to experience the two series together.

As an added bonus, special programming informational bits will pop up during the television episodes with trivia about the two series to test viewers’ knowledge of the epic mythology behind the Decepticons and the Autobots. Fans can also go online to Hubworld.com to see additional episodes and engage in a variety of interactive Transformers-themed games.

Nominated for six Daytime Emmy ® Awards (including two Daytime Emmy® Award wins), the Hub Original Series “Transformers Prime” continuesthe legendary battle between the Autobots and the evil Decepticons. Archrivals Optimus Prime and Megatron once again face-off in their epic rivalry for control of the Earth. The new half-hour animated series features iconic characters of the franchise as well as introduces new human characters to the action series. From Hasbro Studios, the series is executive produced by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Jeff Kline.

The Hub, and subsequently YouTude, has been updated with a longer promotional video for Transformers Prime Episode 15 Shadowzone.

YouTube - Transformers Prime Ep 15 Shadowzone Hub TV Promo

In this episode The kids are trapped in an alternate dimension with a reanimated Skyquake in the middle of a GroundBridge failure.

We have updated both Transformers-Prime.com and Transformers At The Moon with image galleries for Transformers Prime Episode 12 Predatory that introduces the new character Airarchnid along with some information on Arcee's past including the name and fate of her partner previous to Cliffjumper.

­The Hub has released a second preview video for todays Transformers Prime episode which is called Speed Metal. You can view the new preview using the YouTube plug-in below

Don't forget to drop by our Transformers Prime fansite ­www.transformers-prime.com

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