The cinematic ocean of Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" proved so immersive and terrifying that a sequel became inevitable. "Jaws 2," released in 1978, needed to recapture the frantic energy of its predecessor, which meant finding a new set of sun-drenched, yet perilous, waters to film in. While the first movie was shot on location in the sleepy Massachusetts town of Martha's Vineyard, the production of the sequel required a different kind of geography, one that offered both logistical feasibility and the right kind of menacing seascape.
The Primary Backlot: A Controlled Ocean in California
The majority of "Jaws 2" was filmed on the meticulously crafted backlot of the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles. This controlled environment was essential for the film's most ambitious and dangerous sequences, particularly the now-iconic scene where the prow of a boat crashes through a courtroom window. Building massive, intricate sets on a soundstage allowed for precise control over lighting, water effects, and, crucially, the safety of the cast and crew during these chaotic moments.
Capturing the Open Sea: Primary Location in Duchcov, Czechoslovakia
For the sweeping aerial shots of the great white shark breaching and the teenagers adrift at sea, the production needed a location that could authentically mimic the Atlantic. They found it over 4,000 miles away in the tranquil waters of Duchcov, in what was then Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). This decision was driven by a combination of financial pragmatism and favorable government incentives, allowing the studio to film expansive seascapes that would have been cost-prohibitive in the United States.
The Logistics of Filming in Czechoslovakia
Shooting on the Elbe River in Duchcov presented a unique set of challenges. The production had to contend with a lack of local infrastructure for a massive Hollywood production, including the difficulty of transporting heavy equipment. Furthermore, the temperate climate of the region meant the water was significantly colder than the Gulf of Massachusetts, requiring the cast and crew to brave chilly conditions for extended periods to capture the right footage.
The Florida Sequence: A Shift in Tone and Location
The film’s climax necessitated a shift to a more tropical and confined setting. The sequence involving the young couple in a submerged car was shot off the coast of Florida. This location provided the murky, sun-dappled water that creates a distinct sense of claustrophobia and dread, perfectly complementing the scene's intense drama and marking a stark visual contrast to the open waters of the previous shoot.
Martha's Vineyard: The Ghost of the First Film
Despite the primary action moving to Czechoslovakia, the production did not completely abandon its American roots. Key "establishing" shots of the town of Amity were captured on the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard. These sweeping aerial views of the charming coastal community served to remind audiences of the location’s idyllic nature, making the sudden intrusion of the great white shark feel even more violating and shocking.
Legacy of a Difficult Shoot
The production of "Jaws 2" was notoriously difficult, plagued by mechanical failures with the legendary mechanical shark, "Bruce," and the inherent dangers of filming with real sharks. The decision to use the open waters of Duchcov, while a financial victory, meant the cast and crew were battling the elements as much as the script. This struggle is palpable on screen, lending the sequel a raw, tense energy that remains compelling decades after its release.
