Post by Science Fiction Movie on Jun 3, 2024 9:56:32 GMT
Some people scoffed at the idea of writing a book about the making of "Jaws 2."
That didn't deter Michael Smith from diving head-first into researching the Hollywood sequel, which has ties to the local area since it was filmed in Destin and Navarre Beach in 1977.
"I've always been a big fan of the film," Smith said. "My friends did a similar book about the making of 'Jaws' ... but people said 'Nobody wants to read about 'Jaws 2.' That's all Hollywood is today — sequels. I almost did the book as a dare."
For four years, Smith and his co-writer, Louis Pisano, did the groundwork, researching and digging and conducting nearly 60 interviews with the cast and crew of the film. Smith had written articles about "Jaws" and regularly reviews movies and TV on his website, mediamikes.com, but had never taken on a project this big.
On Sept. 5, 2015, the book titled "Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel" was released.
"I let out a big sigh when I was done, put everything in a box and sealed it up," said the Missouri man. "It was a labor of love ... it didn't feel real to me until I got to hold a copy in my hand."
Smith first saw "Jaws 2" back home in Tampa when he was 17. He ran fan clubs for Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider for years after seeing the first "Jaws."
"It was an event," he said about seeing the sequel. "We wanted to be the first to buy tickets."
Often, the movie is compared to its predecessor, which Smith said is unfair.
"It stands on its own as a great film," he argues. "People try to compare it, but 'Jaws' is pretty hard to top."
According to the book, there was drama on and off set on "Jaws 2." After nearly a month of filming in the summer of 1977, the film's director, John D. Hancock, was fired and the film was recast.
For part of his research, Smith visited the Emerald Coast, talking to locals who were on the film set and gathering bits of information.
Tom Rice, owner of Magnolia Grill, tracked down Smith to share a scrapbook he had of old photos and even an original copy of the script. Many of the photos are featured inside the book.
Since the book was released, it's had positive reviews from fans all over the world. One reader from Italy contacted Smith to tell him how much he enjoyed it.
And after four years digging into "Jaws," Smith said he has an even deeper appreciation for the film.
"It covers how Hollywood works," he said. "It takes a lot of people and a long time to make a movie — not to mention a good movie."
Purchase "Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel" on Amazon.com or you can grab signed copies at The Magnolia Grill, 157 Brooks St. in Fort Walton Beach.
That didn't deter Michael Smith from diving head-first into researching the Hollywood sequel, which has ties to the local area since it was filmed in Destin and Navarre Beach in 1977.
"I've always been a big fan of the film," Smith said. "My friends did a similar book about the making of 'Jaws' ... but people said 'Nobody wants to read about 'Jaws 2.' That's all Hollywood is today — sequels. I almost did the book as a dare."
For four years, Smith and his co-writer, Louis Pisano, did the groundwork, researching and digging and conducting nearly 60 interviews with the cast and crew of the film. Smith had written articles about "Jaws" and regularly reviews movies and TV on his website, mediamikes.com, but had never taken on a project this big.
On Sept. 5, 2015, the book titled "Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel" was released.
"I let out a big sigh when I was done, put everything in a box and sealed it up," said the Missouri man. "It was a labor of love ... it didn't feel real to me until I got to hold a copy in my hand."
Smith first saw "Jaws 2" back home in Tampa when he was 17. He ran fan clubs for Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider for years after seeing the first "Jaws."
"It was an event," he said about seeing the sequel. "We wanted to be the first to buy tickets."
Often, the movie is compared to its predecessor, which Smith said is unfair.
"It stands on its own as a great film," he argues. "People try to compare it, but 'Jaws' is pretty hard to top."
According to the book, there was drama on and off set on "Jaws 2." After nearly a month of filming in the summer of 1977, the film's director, John D. Hancock, was fired and the film was recast.
For part of his research, Smith visited the Emerald Coast, talking to locals who were on the film set and gathering bits of information.
Tom Rice, owner of Magnolia Grill, tracked down Smith to share a scrapbook he had of old photos and even an original copy of the script. Many of the photos are featured inside the book.
Since the book was released, it's had positive reviews from fans all over the world. One reader from Italy contacted Smith to tell him how much he enjoyed it.
And after four years digging into "Jaws," Smith said he has an even deeper appreciation for the film.
"It covers how Hollywood works," he said. "It takes a lot of people and a long time to make a movie — not to mention a good movie."
Purchase "Jaws 2: The Making of the Hollywood Sequel" on Amazon.com or you can grab signed copies at The Magnolia Grill, 157 Brooks St. in Fort Walton Beach.
