Hello, I'm an expert in film production and locations. When it comes to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series, it's a fascinating subject as these films are known for their extensive use of real-world locations combined with intricate set designs and CGI to create their unique atmospheres. The fourth installment of the series, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," is no exception. It's a movie that has a rich tapestry of shooting locations, each contributing to the film's overall visual appeal and narrative. Principal photography for "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" began on June 14, 2010, in Hawaii. This location was chosen for its lush and exotic landscapes, which served as a perfect backdrop for the early scenes of the film. The tropical climate and natural beauty of Hawaii provided a stunning setting for the pirates' adventures. However, as filming progressed, the production team moved to California in August 2010. This shift was due to a variety of reasons, including logistical considerations and the availability of specific locations that were integral to the film's plot. One of the primary locations in California was along the Long Beach shore. This area offered a unique coastal environment that was well-suited for certain scenes requiring a more temperate climate and a different visual aesthetic compared to the Hawaiian backdrop. Additionally, a significant portion of the filming took place at the Universal Studios backlot. Here, filmmakers were able to recreate Whitecap Bay, a key setting in the movie. The backlot provided the necessary control over the environment, allowing for the construction of elaborate sets and the precise orchestration of scenes that would have been challenging to achieve in a natural setting. The recreation of Whitecap Bay was particularly important as it was a central location in the film's storyline. The decision to move from the original Hawaiian location at Halona Cove was also influenced by the challenges posed by the strong tides at that site. Filming in such conditions can be difficult and dangerous, and it was deemed more practical to recreate the necessary conditions in a controlled environment, such as the backlot at Universal Studios. In summary, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" was filmed at a variety of locations that were carefully selected to enhance the film's narrative and visual impact. The combination of natural settings like those in Hawaii and controlled environments like the Universal Studios backlot allowed the filmmakers to create a rich and immersive world for the audience to enjoy. read more >>

Principal photography began on June 14, 2010, in Hawaii. Filming was moved to California in August 2010, primarily at the Long Beach shore and a recreation of Whitecap Bay done in the Universal Studios backlot, as the original Hawaiian location on Halona Cove was plagued with strong tides.read more >>