In 2007, Michael Bay’s 'Transformers' proved that toys from the 1980s could be turned into multi-billion dollar movie franchises. The film grossed $709 million and was a showcase for 'Hard-Surface' CGI—the complex animation of mechanical parts moving in sync. The production collaborated heavily with the U.S. military, which provided actual planes and vehicles to enhance the film's realism. Its success led to a surge in 'brand-based' blockbusters, as studios began looking through toy catalogs (like G.I. Joe and Battleship) for the next big hit. It also established Michael Bay as one of the most commercially successful (if critically debated) directors in Hollywood.