‘Transformers’ sequel could earn director Bay more than $75 million

Michael Bay, the director of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, may wind up with a pay day exceeding $75 million for the film, according to the Los Angeles Times. His deal gives him a bigger piece of the film's profits from all revenue sources after Paramount recoups its costs. In exchange, Bay agreed to reduce his upfront fee and his percentage of ticket-sale revenue. This type of deal is becoming more common these days, and resembles the pact Bay signed for the first (and wildly successful) Transformers movie, which netted him $75 million.

The sequel, which comes out June 24, boasts big buzz, and, according to the LA Times, multiple execs are forecasting a record-setting five-day domestic opening that tops $160 million.