Where was Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment filmed?
The sequel to the 1984 blockbuster hit, Police Academy, Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment was released in 1985 to critical acclaim. Directed by Jerry Paris, the movie follows the misadventures of the California Police Academy’s Class 06-02 as they are assigned to patrol the city’s streets. Fans of the original film wondered, where was Police Academy 2 filmed? This article will take you on a journey to explore the answer.
Location Hunts
The production team was looking for locations that would give them the flexibility to depict different parts of the city and its surroundings. In July 1984, just before filming began, they started scouting for the right locations. The decision to film on location proved crucial in creating the chaotic, urban atmosphere that characterizes the movie.
Here’s a breakdown of where Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment was filmed:
Location | Usage in the Movie | Current Status |
---|---|---|
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada | Academy Building, streets, and neighborhood scenes | Still-standing movie sets and filming |
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Additional street scenes | Filming locations |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | No confirmed specific locations | Not recorded as filming locations |
Los Angeles, California, USA | (rumored) Additional locations not confirmed | No confirmable filming locations |
Let’s dive deeper into these locations:
Surrey, British Columbia
Many of the scenes filmed on location were in Surrey, BC. The Huntington Village served as the backdrop for many interior and exterior shots. Specifically, the Rodeo Drive streetscapes were used in numerous scenes, including those showing the Academy Building.
Interestingly, some of these same sets were reused during filming for the subsequent films in the series, specifically Police Academy 3 and 4.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Supplementary street scenes were also captured in Vancouver, with Granville Island making an appearance. Specifically, the Gordana’s Bakery became a filming location, seen during the characters’ forays into the city. However, no concrete, standalone locations in Vancouver remain recognized as filming locations to date.
Toronto, Ontario
There is an oft-repeated rumor linking Toronto as a filming location. Unfortunately, there isn’t any concrete evidence confirming any specific locations in the Ontario city. As yet, no Toronto filming sites can be pinpointed. Research has turned up various hints and leads, which appear to be unsubstantiated or incorrect.
Los Angeles, California, USA
There have been occasional whispers about some sequences filming in Los Angeles, but no confirmed connections can be made. LA doesn’t seem to hold significant ties to the making of Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, or at least none can be found.
Table Breakdown
Here is a summary of the movie locations:
Filming Location | Region | Confirmed as Filming Location? |
---|---|---|
Huntington Village (Rodeo Drive) | BC (Surrey) | Yes |
Granville Island, Vancouver | BC (Vancouver) | Partial (Gordana’s Bakery) |
TO (Toronto) | No | |
LA (California, USA) | Unconfirmed |
This conclusion highlights the main finding for where Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment was filmed.
If you’re planning to relive the Police Academy adventure, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada is the central filming location to visit and spot the iconic Academy Building.
Additional Information: The Legacy of Police Academy
The Police Academy film franchise has become an entertainment icon, with four sequels and even one spin-off to its name. Tom and Jerry creator Fred De Cordova directed several Police Academy films, creating the beloved franchise.
A nod to the film industry as a whole, Police Academy 2 proved that sequels didn’t have to suffer quality degradation. It earned strong positive reviews and helped catapult its stars, like David Graf (Zed), towards greater success.
It would be exciting to venture onto the sets where Hollywood classics were born, taking an active role in keeping our cinematic heritage alive by celebrating the artistry involved.
Conclusion
Answering the question of "where was Police Academy 2 filmed?" takes the curious fan on a wild chase across Canada, the Great White North! British Columbia’s Surrey and Vancouver offered the perfect blend of cinematic versatility and iconic American imagery. As you can now see, the actual filming locations have not been lost in action, but are ready for those eager to experience an era of cinematic gold in Canada.
Now, can you spot the filming locations, and relive your love for the Police Academy series? Let your inner fan take action!
Sources:
• IMDb (Internet Movie Database)
• Rotten Tomatoes
• MPTV Images (Moviedrome Productions, V)