JAWS 2 interview series reaches 100k views

When we first discussed the idea of putting together a series of interviews to celebrate the 45th anniversary of JAWS 2, Dean and I weren’t sure it would be possible. Like actual stars, cast and crew often leave a production and scatter to the far reaches of the movie-verse, perhaps only reuniting accidentally once in a deep blue moon on the red carpet premiere or random future unrelated event. This, and the time difference (we are based in the UK), we thought this would be challenging. But like a Great White shark with 3 barrels on it, we aren’t ones for staying down.

After agreeing to commit to the project, we set one clear goal: get to the truth by allowing the people to share their stories in their own words.

Having the legend that is Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks in JAWS and JAWS 2) in our corner, he helped get the ball rolling and started reaching out to people. First up from the cast was Gigi Vorgan-Small (serial charader Brooke in JAWS 2) and she was amazing. Her charm and enthusiasm for the interview series gave us a huge boost in confidence and belief that we could pull off the best series of JAWS 2 interviews ever recorded. Gigi also helped get more people on board so massive thanks to you, Gigi (if you’re reading).

As the recording of the interviews progressed, the stories of JAWS 2’s making revealed an arguably tougher production than the original JAWS. The expected challenges around water and mechanical sharks were always a known problem, however, no-one could have anticipated the change in director, the in-fighting between studio and producer, a very reluctant star and (new) director brawling in a production. All this while trying to create a worthy sequel to the (then) most successful movie of all time.

JAWS 2 interview series reaches 100k views

JAWS 2’s production aside, the people involved in the movie were a joy to speak with, each going the extra mile. Ann Dusenberry (Tina Wilcox) spoke with me at 8am her time, John Dukakis (Polo) took time out from celebrating his 65th birthday to be interviewed and Gary Springer (Andy) happened to be on Martha’s Vineyard staying with Jeffrey Kramer when we spoke. Even though I spent around just an hour with each person, I could see how talented, hard working and personable they all were, making the survival of the 45 year long friendships little suprise.

A special mention must go to both the directors, John D Hancock and Jeannot Szwarc. John was a pleasure to speak with and was so open about both the thrill and heartbreak of making JAWS 2. John’s account paints the picture of a director with a strong vision caught between warring factions within a version of a production almost destined for disaster. Referring to JAWS 2 as ‘“tragic” for him, two parts of John’s shooting exist in the final cut and give a taste of the tone his JAWS 2 would have had.

Jeannot Szwarc generally doesn’t give interviews. He is too happy enjoying a well earned retirement with his family. However, as a personal favour to his ‘brother from another mother’ Jeffrey Kramer, Jeannot agreed to speak with us. He was very nervous as he wasn’t sure how much he would remember (it’s been 45 years) and just wanted to do a good job for us. I was blown away by how Jeannot’s humbleness, charm and memory! As the interview progressed, he began to remember more and more - with fondness. Incredible to think that he only had a week to prep his vision of JAWS 2!

Now that the interview series has been viewed over 100,000 times, we hope they act as close to a definitive record of the making of and events surrounding JAWS 2. As with all of us, memory fades, details change and stories embellish but we know the truth is contained in these conversations and we hope you enjoy drawing your own conclusions from them as much as we did recording them for you.

Watch the full series of interviews below.

“Interviewing the cast and crew of JAWS 2 was a pleasure and privilege. Everyone was so giving of the their time and memories. What became apparent very quickly were the unbreakbale bonds and love that were formed making the movie.”

— Ross Williams, The Daily Jaws