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Hooper sits at the table on the bridge of the Orca. Next to him, a man with thick sideburns begins to sing: “Show me the way to go home…” Hooper joins in, slapping the table in rhythm and taking a swig from a cup of mystery booze. The boat rocks gently in the Atlantic tide as their voices echo across the open water.

Sounds familiar, right? You’d be forgiven for thinking I’m describing a scene straight out of Jaws, and in a way, I am. But this was also a very real moment I witnessed at the Jaws 50th Anniversary celebration, when Richard Dreyfuss himself climbed aboard the newly commissioned replica of the Orca on Martha’s Vineyard and gave fans a show.

It was just one of many surreal moments during my time on the island, covering (via the video embedded above) what can only be described...

Shudder original documentary Sharksploitation is swimming onto Blu-ray on August 26.

Go into the jaws of Hollywood with the ultimate deep dive into the world of shark cinema, as filmmakers, critics, scholars, and conservationists explore the cultural impact on audiences and this misunderstood species.

Special features:

Audio commentary by writer-director Stephen Scarlata and producer Josh Miller Extended/deleted interviews with Mary Roach, Glenn Campbell, Mark Polonia, David Worth, Misty Talley, Joe Alves, Mario Van Peebles, and Scott Devine Endlessly Fascinating – Interview with film critic Michael Gingold Booklet with new writing by film critic Samuel Cohen

Interview subjects include Roger Corman (Sharktopus), Joe Dante (Piranha), Carl Gottlieb (Jaws), Joe Alves (Jaws 3-D), Mario Van Peebles (Jaws: The Revenge), Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), Chris Kentis (Open Water), Andrew Traucki (The Reef), Rob Schrab (Monster House), Adam Rifkin (Detroit Rock City), Anthony C. Ferrante (Sharknado), and more.

Sharksploitation marks the directorial debut of Stephen Scarlata,...

You’re going to want to get out of the water for this one. We knew this summer would be a big one for fans of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws thanks to the iconic film celebrating its 50th anniversary, but one streamer is making the thriller bigger than the shark itself. According to What’s on Netflix, all four titles will be making their way to Netflix on July 15. This means that not only can you celebrate the milestone moment of one of cinema’s biggest features from the comfort of your own home, but you can do so by way of a bingeable watch party that allows you (and maybe even some friends) to see the story through from start to finish.

You’d essentially need to be living under a rock (no offense) if you don’t know the synopsis of at least the first Jaws. But, luckily,...

It’s Jaws’ 50th birthday—half a century ago, Steven Spielberg’s legendary shark flick swam into theaters, terrified beachgoers, and basically invented the idea of “summer blockbuster”. Now, as Jaws turns the big 5-0, fans everywhere are celebrating this thrilling classic that almost made us stay away from the ocean forever.

But here’s the thing, while we all remember the iconic music and that massive mechanical shark—the real jaw-dropping deal was happening behind the scenes. So, in honor of this milestone, we’re diving deep into 15 outrageous stories behind Steven Spielberg’s greatest movie ever made.

1. Steven Spielberg wasn’t the first choice for Jaws

Before Steven Spielberg jumped into the deep end, Universal Studios eyed The Culpepper Cattle Co. director, Dick Richards, as the initial choice. But unfortunately, Richards was sacked when he kept getting confused between the shark and a whale, in studio meetings. So,...

With Jaws, the first summer blockbuster, turning 50, it’s time to look at 50 amazing facts about the movie and its cultural impact! And, since I, Pat Jankiewicz, wrote Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion (the only book about all four Jaws films), it only makes sense that I compiled the best and most interesting facts for you to take a bite of.

50 Incredible Facts About Jaws

1. Based on the best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, Jaws was the movie that put director Steven Spielberg on the map.

2. Jaws was the first horror movie to become the highest-grossing film of all time. This led studios to roll the dice on the genre, leading to an explosion of late ’70s horror.

3. The Shark only appears onscreen for four minutes! While the fish’s presence is felt throughout the film, you only catch glimpses of him during the second and third attacks,...

“The shark’s not working.”

For weeks, the cast and crew of “Jaws” kept hearing the same four words over their walkie-talkies while shooting the film’s climactic ocean battle. That familiar message terrified Steven Spielberg, 27 years old at the time, with only one theatrical feature to his name. If one of the production’s three animatronic great whites broke down, it could mean another wasted day. All the setbacks put the film more than 100 days behind schedule and doubled its budget to $8 million.

“We didn’t know how they were ever going to finish this movie,” remembers Jeffrey Kramer, who played a sheriff’s deputy in the film. “There were rumors all around the set that the studio was going to shut us down.”

Spielberg, who had been entrusted with turning Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel about a rampaging shark into a cinematic event, feared he’d be fired.

When Jaws was released 50 years ago, it was a massive hit that would become an unexpected phenomenon with a lasting legacy for years to come. As part of the extensive 50-year celebration of the film, which has included theatrical screenings and a new collector’s edition 4K release, Laurent Bouzerau’s documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story provides fans with the perfect opportunity to reflect back on the best shark movie ever made.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story Review

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story examines the production and cultural impact of Steven Spielberg’s seminal 1975 masterpiece, which fundamentally changed Hollywood filmmaking and the public’s relationship with the oceanic predator for all of time. The documentary starts with Peter Benchley’s novel that inspired the movie and carries through its production and release, presenting a comprehensive look at how the film was made and received by audiences around the world.

Stephen Spielberg’s masterpiece, Jaws, turns 50 this month. It’s an important benchmark in film history and made its way onto our list of the 100 greatest movies of all time. We’re celebrating Bruce the Shark’s birthday by ranking the entire franchise. This is unquestionably the easiest ranking I’ve ever taken on. There’s no denying which film will be first, and it’s fairly obvious which one will be last.

4. Jaws: The Revenge (1987) Directed by Joseph Sargent

The original Jaws was a film that didn’t require a sequel, it was a perfect standalone story of man vs. beast with a satisfying ending. But it really didn’t need this sequel. Jaws: The Revenge is not only the worst movie in the franchise, but it’s also one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. The plot is lunacy. Featuring Ellen Brody, Chief Brody’s wife,...

Celebrating 50 years of the blockbuster classic Jaws, a documentary titled The Farmer & The Shark is on the way from director John Campopiano, first announced by Deadline today.

This particular Jaws-related documentary is taking a very interesting approach, putting the spotlight on a late Martha’s Vineyard resident by the name of Craig Kingsbury.

Campopiano tells us, “The “farmer” piece of our film is the late Craig Kingsbury, who lived a truly remarkable life. We’re telling his story within the context of the making of Jaws on Martha’s Vineyard in 1974. Craig was Robert Shaw’s inspiration for his iconic portrayal of Quint. Craig was originally hired by the production to train Shaw but because his impact was so greatly felt, Spielberg gave him the on-camera role as doomed fisherman, Ben Gardner.”

The documentary focuses on the unique influence Kingsbury had on the film, from both behind and in front of the camera.

Kim Kardashian Robbery Spotlighted In BBC Three Doc

The BBC is to tell the story of Kim Kardashian’s robbery and reveal new details. A BBC Three documentary, The Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist, will drop later this month, with new insight into what happened nearly a decade ago and following the story up to the reality superstar facing her robbers in court last month, where eight people were found guilty. Featuring interviews with friends of the family, police officers and journalists who have followed the case, the doc takes viewers back to that fateful night when she was robbed of millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery in Paris at gunpoint. Nasfim Haque, Head of Content at BBC Three, said: “This documentary offers an insight into one of the most publicised celebrity crimes of our time committed on one of the most famous women on the planet which will delve into...

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest movies ever made, director Steven Spielberg’s classic Jaws – and about a year ago, we heard that National Geographic, Amblin Documentaries, and Nedland Media were teaming up to celebrate the anniversary with the documentary Jaws @ 50. Now, a trailer has been released for Jaws @ 50, which is set to begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu as of July 11th. Check it out in the embed above!

The documentary focuses on the tumultuous production of the film as well as the writing of the original novel by Peter Benchley. Laurent Bouzereau, who directed Faye (a documentary about Faye Dunaway) and wrote the book Spielberg: The First Ten Years, directed Jaws @ 50. Bouzereau is also working on a documentary about composer John Williams.

Jaws @ 50 will include footage and photography from the Benchley and Spielberg archives, and will also...

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, “Jaws” is circling the boat yet again. In honor of the legendary blockbuster’s 50th anniversary, National Geographic is premiering “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story” in July. From “Faye” and “Music by John Williams” filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, the documentary will explore the notoriously troubled shoot, its groundbreaking release, and the ripple effects the movie had on the industry and beach culture.

“Jaws @ 50” will air at 9 p.m. Et on July 10 on National Geographic and then stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Spielberg, along with production designer Joe Alves, actors Jonathan Filley, Lorriane Gary, Carl Gottieb, Jeffrey Kramer, Jeffrey Voorhees, and composer John Williams are all interviewed. The documentary will also feature insight from high-profile fans and filmmakers, including Jordan Peele, Steven Soderbergh, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, Emily Blunt, Greg Nicotero, J.J. Abrams, George Lucas,...

Photo Credit: National Geographic Before National Geographic’s Sharkfest became an annual event, there was one film that redefined our understanding of sharks and cinematic storytelling: Jaws. This summer, as we celebrate the enduring legacy of the movie that ignited our fascination with the ocean’s most iconic predator, National Geographic is taking us on an unprecedented journey behind the scenes with Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. Directed by the acclaimed Laurent Bouzereau (known for Faye and Music by John Williams), this 90-minute documentary promises the ultimate deep dive. From Peter Benchley’s smash novel to the revolutionary film phenomenon, Jaws @ 50 explores how the movie still influences pop culture, affects cinema, and even impacts shark preservation initiatives to this day. While you might believe you know all there is to know about Jaws, be ready to learn a totally fresh perspective. This definitive account, a collaboration between Steven Spielberg...

National Geographic goes behind the scenes of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws for the film’s 50th anniversary with the documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. Nat Geo credits the iconic film with launching its annual sharkfest, and with the celebratory documentary, fans of sharks and all things Jaws will be privy to brand-new details.

Shot on a $9-12 million-ish budget and released in June 1975, the PG-rated horror thriller is credited with being the first summer blockbuster. The 90-minute documentary, directed by Laurent Bouzereau, premieres on July 10, 2025 at 9pm Et/Pt on National Geographic and streams the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The 50th anniversary documentary features interviews with Steven Spielberg, Joe Alves (production designer), Jonathan Filley (Cassidy), Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody), Carl Gottlieb, Jeffrey Kramer (Hendricks), Ian Shaw, Jeffrey Voorhees (Alex Kintner), and composer John Williams. Jaws fans J.J. Abrams, Emily Blunt, James Cameron, Cameron Crowe, George Lucas,...

Steven Spielberg's iconic creature feature Jaws premiered on June 20, 1975. Ahead of its 50th anniversary next month, National Geographic has announced a documentary on the behind-the-scenes production of the iconic films.

Since its release in 1975, Jaws has completely changed cinema and creature features. Ahead of its golden anniversary, the feature will be covered in the Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story documentary, which has been created with the critically acclaimed director's participation and blessing. Produced by Spielberg's own Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, ScreenRant officially unveiled the first trailer and revealed the 90-minute documentary Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story premieres on July 10 on National Geographic, and is set to stream on Disney+ and Hulu the next day, on July 11.

The documentary Jaws @ 50 is directed by Laurent Bouzereau and also includes interviews with Steven Spielberg himself, who says in the trailer, "To me, making Jaws was a life-altering experience.

National Geographic’s Sharkfest wouldn’t exist without the film that changed cinema—and our relationship with sharks—forever: “Jaws.” This summer, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on the ultimate deep dive, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is “Jaws” and how the film continues to ripple through pop culture, cinema and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of “Jaws”—but not until now.

Jaws @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this summer’s only authorized documentary on the making of “Jaws,” with...

This summer, in tribute to the movie that sparked a lasting fascination with the ocean’s most misunderstood predator, National Geographic goes behind the scenes of the legendary blockbuster with Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, the 90-minute documentary takes viewers on an in-depth exploration, from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic phenomenon that is Jaws, and how the film continues to resonate through pop culture, cinema, and shark conservation to this day. You may think you know the full story of Jaws—but not until now.

Jaws @ 50 hails from Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, in partnership with Wendy Benchley and Laura Bowling, and is this summer’s only authorized documentary on the making of Jaws, with the award-winning director himself diving back into the story that launched his career and earned him final cut on the film, a...

Just in time for the film’s golden anniversary, National Geographic has announced Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, a 90-minute documentary offering the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes account of Jaws ever produced. ScreenRant is proud to exclusively debut the trailer, poster, and official release date. The film premieres July 10 on National Geographic and streams July 11 on Disney+ and Hulu.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Jaws @ 50 is the only authorized documentary tied to the film’s 50th anniversary. With Steven Spielberg’s full participation and blessing, the film is produced by Spielberg's own Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films, alongside Wendy Benchley (wife of Jaws author Peter Benchley) and Laura Bowling.

Nat Geo's Jaws documentary includes newly recorded reflections from Spielberg who opens up about the infamously difficult shoot that nearly derailed his career - from battling malfunctioning mechanical sharks and harsh weather to suffering post-production Ptsd. The film includes never-before-seen...

50 years ago this summer, Steven Spielberg‘s now-classic adventure film “Jaws” opened and changed American cinema forever. The movie’s commercial success is credited with inaugurating the summer blockbuster era, and its style and narrative structure influenced several generations of young filmmakers. Quentin Tarantino has referred to it as the greatest movie ever made, Steven Soderbergh is so obsessed with it that he’s working on a book about its making, and Jordan Peele‘s “Nope” is unimaginable without “Jaws” as a reference point.

Now, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is preparing one of its most ambitious exhibits to date in honor of “Jaws” turning 50. As announced on this year’s Oscars, “Jaws: The Exhibition” will feature over 200 artifacts including concept illustrations by production designer Joe Alves, a costume worn by Roy Scheider as Brody, original shark design schematics by design engineer Frank Wurmser, and props like one of...

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures announced during the 97th Oscars last night that it will present Jaws: The Exhibition, on view September 14, 2025–July 26, 2026.

The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s film, a culture-defining thriller that continues to be a fixture in popular culture. This is the first-ever exhibition of this scale at the Academy Museum focused exclusively on a single film, and the largest mounted exhibition ever for Jaws (1975), the Oscar®-winning film from Universal Pictures.

The exhibition will feature over 200 original objects—including concept illustrations by production designer Joe Alves, a costume worn by Roy Scheider as Brody, original shark design schematics by design engineer Frank Wurmser, and a screen used prop dorsal fin—plus behind-the-scenes revelations and interactive moments. Jaws: The Exhibition will illustrate how the film became the first summer blockbuster that forever changed the motion picture industry. Tickets for Jaws: The Exhibition are available to purchase now.

“Jaws” has returned.

For the 50th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg-directed classic, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is presenting “Jaws:” The Exhibition, beginning on September 14, 2025. The exhibition will run through July 26, 2026. And, yes, you’re going to need a bigger boat.

Described as “first-ever exhibition of this scale at the Academy Museum focused exclusively on a single film,” “Jaws:” The Exhibition is the largest mounted exhibition ever for the film. According to the official release, the exhibition will “feature over 200 original objects—including concept illustrations by production designer Joe Alves, a costume worn by Roy Scheider as Brody, original shark design schematics by design engineer Frank Wurmser, and a screen used prop dorsal fin—plus behind-the-scenes revelations and interactive moments.”

The exhibition was curated “with direct access to the collections from Steven Spielberg and The Amblin Hearth Archive, NBCUniversal Archives & Collections.”

“As an institution both devoted to...

Why Did Steven Spielberg Want Less Red On Set Of Jaws? (Photo Credit – Prime Video/Facebook)

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) is more than just a film. It’s a cinematic milestone that changed Hollywood forever. Often credited as the first-ever summer blockbuster, the movie not only terrified audiences worldwide but also redefined the thriller genre with its masterful suspense-building and groundbreaking special effects. Adapted from Peter Benchley’s novel, Jaws follows a small beach town terrorized by a great white shark, forcing Chief Brody (Roy Scheider), shark hunter Quint (Robert Shaw), and marine biologist Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) to take the battle to the sea.

Beyond its technical brilliance, Spielberg’s meticulous attention to detail was crucial in shaping the film’s atmosphere. From John Williams’ haunting score to the strategic use of color, every creative choice added to Jaws’ immersive horror. In fact, Spielberg made an unusual request to his production designer.

Back to the Future Part II takes the franchise ahead to 2015, and although the movie didn't predict the future with complete accuracy, there was a specific piece of foreshadowing that came eerily close. The first Back to the Future sequel actually got several things right about 2015, despite being released in 1989. However, there is one piece of the movie's lore that resonated particularly well with viewers, and the prediction was pretty much fulfilled in the real world in 2002.

The Back to the Future movies are widely considered to form one of the best and most consistent trilogies of all time. Led throughout by Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown, the Back to the Future cast takes the audience through a thrilling time travel adventure that features almost as much nail-biting jeopardy as it boasts comedic moments. Despite an emphasis on making the audience laugh,...

John Carpenter's 1981 dystopian sci-fi action movie Escape From New York is about to come home in a new Limited Edition 4K Steelbook. Starring Kurt Russell as the iconic anti-hero Snake Plissken, the cult classic has received the new 4K restoration by Studio Canal, and comes with a host of extras including multiple audio commentaries, Dolby Atmos sound and several featurettes, as well as a cool Steelbook with new design. This limited release will be available from November 5.

Escape from New York takes place in a dystopian future where Manhattan has been converted into a maximum-security prison. When Air Force One crashes into the chaotic and dangerous zone, Russells Plissken is given little choice but to save the president within 24 hours, otherwise an explosive device implanted in his neck will be detonated.

The movie came just a few years after John Carpenter cemented himself as a force to be reckoned...

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws almost got an R rating (Photo Credit – Amazon Prime Video)

We’re talking about the bloody estuary death scene—the one where a good Samaritan tries to save Brody’s son, only to meet a gruesome end in the shark’s jaws. If you’re a die-hard fan, you probably know this infamous scene, which Spielberg wisely axed from the final cut.

So, what went down in the missing footage? The shark capsizes a boat, and as the man attempts to help, he ends up becoming the shark’s next meal. Spielberg filmed the scene with the guy being dragged through the water, gushing blood, with Brody’s horrified son watching. Dark stuff, right?

But the scene was too much—too violent and too gory—for the PG-rated thriller Spielberg was crafting. Including it would have clashed with the movie’s signature less-is-more tension and its...

Killer Collectibles highlights five of the most exciting new horror products announced each and every week, from toys and apparel to artwork, records, and much more.

Here are the coolest horror collectibles unveiled this week!

Ben Cooper Costume Figures from Neca

As previewed at San Diego Comic-Con, Neca is adding four new characters to its Ben Cooper Costume action figure line: Alien‘s Xenomorph, Gremlins‘ Gizmo and Stripe, and Beetlejuice (based on the animated series).

Each 6″ toy is outfitted in retro-inspired soft goods clothing and comes with a trick or treat bag. They’re packaged in numbered window boxes. Due out in October, the set of four is available for $79.99.

Escape from New York Steelbook 4K Uhd from Scream Factory

Escape from New York will be released on SteelBook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray with artwork by Orlando Arocena on November 5 via Scream Factory. The 1981 post-apocalyptic action film been restored in...

Steven Spielberg's Jaws birthed a franchise of four movies, though they didnt have the same success (and quality). When it comes to horror movies with killer sharks on the hunt, Jaws sits at the top of the ladder. With Steven Spielberg at the helm, Jaws is one of the best movies in film history, featuring great acting, writing, cinematography, and incredible visual effects with a mechanical shark monster. With the Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park franchises being notable exceptions, Spielberg has never seemed too keen on sequels, but that didnt stop Hollywood from making them without his input.

Such was the case of Jaws, as Spielberg had no interest in making a follow-up and quickly turned down the chance to direct Jaws 2. Still, Jaws 2 proved to be a big hit, and Universal pressed on with a third and later a fourth film. After a 30-plus year absence from the big screen,...

I remember the moment I first started to realize how much control a director has over a movie — when I learned they consciously choose the colors that go into their movies. This is when it clicked for me that movies are moving images, first and foremost. The images aren't just a canvas on which to tell a story, they are the story and should reinforce themes, mood, etc. as much as any dialogue or narrative beat does.

Mike Mignola, the famed comic writer/artist and creator of Hellboy, has one of my favorite explanations of how visual artists use color as a storytelling tool. "My original artwork, I really like in black-and-white, but when I'm telling a story, color is such an important tool [...] for the most part I'm much more comfortable doing work where I know color is going to be there," he said.

Of course, controlling color when...

Bruce the Shark from Jaws is a Hollywood icon with a high kill count, fueling interest in Great Whites. Bruce was 25 feet long and always ready for attack in the film, possibly exaggerated for dramatic effect. The real largest Great White Sharks were only 19-37 feet, showing potential inaccuracies in Bruce's size.

Due to his role in Jaws, Bruce the Shark has an important place in mainstream pop culture. Because of his connection to the franchise, Bruce is without question one of the most iconic creatures in the history of Hollywood. And with his fame and high kill count in Jaws, it's no surprise that since the 1970s, he's helped generate a lot of interest in the Great White Shark species.

Designed by production designer Joe Alves, Bruce was named after director Stephen Spielbergs lawyer, Bruce Ramer. The name originated as a tongue-in-cheek joke among the cast and crew, but...

Shark Week may be more than one month in the rearview mirror, but shark fans just got an exciting update. The first three Jaws movies, Jaws, Jaws 2, and Jaws 3-D, will begin streaming on Netflix starting September 1. The first Jaws is largely regarded as the best the franchise has to offer, with acclaimed director Steven Spielberg coming on board to direct, with Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Lorraine Gary all starring in the film. The screenplay for the first film was written by Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb. As for Jaws 2, Benchley and Gottlieb returned to write the script along with Howard Sackler, but Jeannot Szwarc stepped into Spielberg's shoes to direct. Benchley and Gottlieb were joined by Richard Matheson, Guedron Trueblood, and Michael Kane as scribes for the threequel, which was helmed by Joe Alves.

Just a few days ago, we learned that National Geographic, Amblin Documentaries, and Nedland Media are teaming up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest movies ever made, director Steven Spielberg’s classic Jaws, with a documentary called Jaws @ 50. Now Deadline reveals that Jaws @ 50 has some competition, as distributor Newen Connect is working with directors Olivier Bonnard and Antoine Coursat on their own Jaws documentary, Jaws: Making a Splash in Hollywood!

A Capa production for Arte France, Jaws: Making a Splash in Hollywood will feature vintage interviews with Spielberg and cast member Richard Dreyfuss, as well as new interviews with “Wendy Benchley, marine conservationist and widow of Jaws author Peter Benchley, Jaws screenplay co-writer and actor Carl Gottlieb, actress Lorraine Gary, who played Ellen Brody, Joe Alves, production designer of Jaws (he also directed the third Jaws film), writer Matthew Robbins, who contributed to the Jaws screenplay,...

One fish, two films.

The massive 1975 hit Jaws will get a pair of documentaries to mark the 50th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg blockbuster. One of them, Jaws: Making a Splash in Hollywood, tossed chum in the water at Sunny Side of the Doc last week – looking for a bite from potential buyers at the documentary marketplace event in France.

News of that film, from distributor Newen Connect and directed by French filmmakers Olivier Bonnard and Antoine Coursat, comes just days after Deadline’s exclusive report that National Geographic has greenlighted another documentary about the movie, under the working title Jaws @ 50.

‘Jaws’

Chloé Persyn, head of factual distribution for Newen Connect, says the cinematic ocean’s big enough for both films.

“I would strongly believe there is room for two different documentaries with a different angle,” Persyn tells Deadline. “We already know that now, being at Sunny Side where we...

1983’s Jaws 3 – or Jaws 3-D to its friends – is heading to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray for the first time in July – more details here!

The evolution of the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format has been such that, years after it launched, a large number of the big titles are now on premium physical media disc. Now? It’s time to get to the really good stuff.

Hands up out there those who sat through Jaws 3-D in the cinema once upon a time? Director Steven Spielberg had long gone by this point of course, and as we discussed in a previous Film Stories podcast, the idea of a 3D Jaws film wasn’t the original plan for the movie. There was an idea about doing a crossover with a bawdy teen comedy at one stage.

Yet fate gave us this: a film that crossed the majesty of Jaws with,...

Special effects artists are often the unsung heroes of horror films. Who is Pennywise without his startling clown makeup (above)? Who is M3gan without her hauntingly digitized face? Would King Kong and the silver screen's collection of other creatures and monsters even be remotely frightening without the technical prowess of the filmmakers behind their creation? We may not tangibly identify these artists' work in the moment as we watch a horror movie, but we certainly feel it.

On paper, many horror films' storylines don't seem scary at all; some even appear to be laughably unrealistic. Through special effects — practical mechanics, animation, makeup, puppetry, stunts, clever set-design tricks, and the like — artists can elevate even the most silly concepts into something macabre. They elicit the frights we love these movies for. Without them, such films appear quite different indeed. Here are what a few iconic horror films look like without special effects,...

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has announced the fall programming, which includes new film series, public events, and education programs.

The museum will screen Gregg Araki’s Teen Apocalypse Trilogy, which includes the world premiere of the 4K restoration of the 1997 film “Nowhere.” Moreover, the museum will host “Joe Alves: Designing Jaws,” a conversation and book signing on Sept. 9 with production designer Joe Alves and author Dennis Prince. Other screenings include newly scanned and restored versions of Fleischer cartoons every weekend of the fall season starting on Sept. 30. There will also be a Home Movie Day on Nov. 5 and programming and workshops focused on Indigenous voices, location and set design, portraiture, animation, and tactile filmmaking.

In advance of the opening of the new exhibit “John Waters: Pope of Trash,” the Academy Museum will show an extremely rare silent screening of his 1968 film “Eat Your Makeup,” featuring in-person live commentary from Waters himself.

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws is a tough act to follow. Not only has it come to define the entire shark horror subgenre, but this aquatic adventure movie also revolutionized the concept of the summer blockbuster as we know it today. It’s difficult to understate the film’s legacy. From archetypal characterization, iconic kills, ubiquitous catch phrases, and an incredible score, Jaws is a nearly flawless film that continues to terrify new audiences to this day. The same cannot be said for its sequels, however.

The underrated Jaws 2 feels a bit more like a slasher with its cadre of teens stranded in deadly water. The fourth installment, Jaws: The Revenge, is known for its implausible plot and Michael Caine’s hilarious yet dismissive comments. While the aforementioned sequels have their merits–and fair share of ardent supporters–when it comes time to defend Jaws 3D, few rise to the occasion.

A new episode of our The Black Sheep video series has arrived online, and in this one we’re looking back at a rather unpopular sequel: 1983’s Jaws 3-D (watch it Here)! Many people’s appreciation for the Jaws franchise ends with Jaws 2, but in the video embedded above we’re letting you know why we think Jaws 3-D deserves a bit more love. Check it out!

Directed by Joe Alves from a screenplay by Richard Matheson and Carl Gottlieb (with Guerdon Trueblood receiving story credit), Jaws 3-D has the following synopsis:

After a young great white shark finds its way into a sea-themed park managed by Calvin Bouchard, workers try to capture it. But the facility’s attempt to keep the shark in captivity has dire consequences: A much larger mother shark appears in search of its offspring. Among those who must battle the angry aquatic killing machine are marine biologist Kathryn Morgan,...

The Jaws movie series is one of the greatest suspense thrillers. Produced and distributed by Universal Pictures, the series had a troubled production, owing to its over budget and behind schedule.

However, the series grabbed three Academy Awards, including best film editing, original dramatic score, and sound.

Viewers of Jaws movie can be stunned at the quality and realism of the film made in 1975. Directed by Steven Spielberg, cast of Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, the movie captures pure terror in scenes.

Many viewers believe that the original Jaws movie produced in 1975 is a classic film among all the Jaws series. “Jaws” was so successful that it led to three sequels.

The four films have earned nearly 800 million worldwide at the box office. Despite the success of these films, critics and audiences were largely dissatisfied with the sequels.

The original Jaws movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a...

Joe Alves is a talented man. He was a regular player in Steven Spielberg’s early works as production designer/ art director on The Sugarland Express, Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, an enviable portfolio for any such creative. He knows how to frame a shot and how to physically create the intended atmosphere. But if there was ever an example of such artistic finesse not being synonymous with director-material, it’s Alves’ singular directorial credit for Jaws 3D. It is easy to imagine poor Alves skulking off into the sunset, never to be seen again, once the magnitude of Jaws 3D’s failure really sank in; indeed, he would return to a sporadic career in production design, before apparently calling it quits with 2000’s Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists. He certainly achieved great success during his career, and it could be called a shame that Jaws 3D blights his record.

The acclaimed French filmmaker François Truffaut was never shy about voicing his opinion, even when it was less than complimentary. He first made a name for himself as a critic, but his French New Wave films like "The 400 Blows" challenged cinematic convention even further. Truffaut was unafraid to dip his toe into other areas of the film world, even acting in many of his own films. In a totally unexpected move, he also took a key supporting role in Steven Spielberg's unforgettable sci-fi film, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

In "Close Encounters," Truffaut plays a UFO scientist working for the French government in the U.S. to track alien activity. The director had never acted in any films besides his own, but Spielberg knew he wanted him for the role from the very start. "Truffaut was my first choice all along, but I didn't have the courage to...

If there is anything we know about Steven Spielberg, it's that he doesn't make his movies half-heartedly. If he's making a shark movie, he'll commission a shark animatronic and will film its scenes in a huge tank of water. If he's making a movie about dinosaurs, he'll ensure they look as realistic as possible through a combination of puppets and early CGI. Spielberg has become as important of a filmmaker as he is, partially because he rarely, if ever, compromises on getting his exact vision on screen.

"Close Encounters of the Third Kind," his 1977 epic about the idea of aliens visiting Earth for the first time, was no exception. Seriously, the spaceship used by the film's aliens is still stunning to look at even 45 years later. It was this spaceship, as well as the rest of its intricate props and setpieces, that prompted Spielberg to get as big of a...

Conan the Barbarian holds a special place in the history of cinema as the movie that effectively launched the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger and kickstarted a heady decade of sword and sorcery epics. Yet to writer Oliver Stone, two words will forever hang over John Milius’ rough-and-ready adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s proto comic book hero: What if.

Stone may have earned a writing credit on the finished film, but what ended up on the screen was a far cry of “Crom!” from what he had envisioned in the script he presented to producer Edward R. Pressman in 1978.

That screenplay was bold, brilliant, and, potentially, unfilmable. But to Stone at least those two words will linger on: What if. Pressman had recruited Stone amid the buzz surrounding his script for Midnight Express, the real-life story of the imprisonment and eventual escape of American national Billy Hayes from a Turkish prison,...

Hello, dear readers! This week’s batch of horror and sci-fi home media releases has a lot of fun offerings, both new and old. If you’re looking to catch up on some recent genre entertainment, there are plenty of options headed to both Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday, including Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, Death Valley, Kicking Blood, and Slasher: Flesh and Bone. Scream Factory is also giving both The Craft and Escape From New York the 4K treatment this week, and if you’re looking for some cult titles, both Girls Nite Out and Without Warning are headed to Blu-ray on May 17th as well.

The Craft: Collector’s Edition 4K

Sarah has always been different. So as the newcomer at St. Benedict's Academy, she immediately falls in with high school outsiders. But there's something different about her new friends, and it's not just that they won't settle for being a group of powerless misfits.

“Bruce the Shark” installation at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, November 2020 – Credit: Photo by Todd Wawrychuk/©Academy Museum Foundation

Bruce The Shark moved into his new home this week.

Cue John Williams theme music.

In 2016, The Academy Museum announced that it had accepted into its collection a major gift of the sole surviving full-scale model of the 1975 Jaws shark, donated by Nathan Adlen. The monumental Fiberglas model is the fourth and final version made from the original mold. Created for display at the Universal Studios Hollywood at the time of the film’s release, the prop remained a popular backdrop for photos until 1990, when it was moved to the yard of Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking, a firm in Sun Valley, California, that regularly bought or hauled used vehicles from Universal Studios. With the business slated to close in January 2016, owner Nathan Adlen has made a generous...

Bruuuuuuuuce! No, you aren’t listening to the chant of fans at a Springsteen concert. That cheer is for Bruce, the so nicknamed full-scale shark model from Jaws, the iconic 1975 film that continues to make beachgoers afraid to go into the water. Now they can also be afraid to visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which in 2016 acquired the fourth and final and only surviving version of the shark model derived from the original Jaws mold, and on Friday finished up on the weeklong installation at the much-delayed and eagerly awaited museum which is on track to finally open to the public on April 30, 2021.

The Jaws attraction is not only significant for the Academy and its new venture because of the fact the film won three Oscars and was nominated for Best Picture, but also as a bona fide superstar draw that is the...

“Jaws” fans are hoping to protect sharks rather than hunt them down by rebuilding Orca — the boat that served as the final showdown between Chief Brody and the great white — and using it as a research vessel in the research and conservation of the sea dogs.

A fundraiser started by the fans called “Return of the Orca” is trying to raise $180,000 to turn a New England lobster boat into a new version of the Orca, which will be used by non-profit ocean conservation group Beneath The Waves for research expeditions in Martha’s Vineyard, which inspired Amity Island in “Jaws.”

Joe Alves, production designer for “Jaws,” will team with production partner Chris Crawford to use the same process they adopted in the 1970s to redesign the boat, using original production designs and footage from the film to make the boat look as much like the original Orca as possible.

Also...

The first Jaws movie gave Hollywood its first-ever summer blockbuster, and established director Steven Spielberg as the king of that genre of filmmaking. But there was one person who had an even longer connection to the Jaws franchise than Spielberg. Production Designer Joe Alves recently spoke to Syfy Wire about his difficult history with the franchise, which started with him being asked by producer David Brown to create illustrations based on Peter Benchley's soon-to-be bestseller novel, Jaws.

"He just asked if I could go through the galleys and make a lot of illustrations to sell the idea to the studio of doing a shark movie. And Steven wasn't aboard yet, so that was probably August, September of '73. And that's how that started."

From there, the idea of making a horror movie with a shark as the antagonist gradually evolved, bringing on board hotshot new director Steven Spielberg. Alves'...

Really, it’s only a matter of time before someone reboots Steven Spielberg’s Jaws with a CGI shark. We all know it’s true. But today Jaws Production Designer and Jaws 3-D director Joe Alves (obviously) reveals he’s against the idea. Alves tells ComicBook.com: “[It’s] not really just about a shark. It’s about those people and their relationship. […] More...

Oscar nominees “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Parasite” were the big winners Saturday night at the 24th annual Art Directors Guild Awards (held at The InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown). Barbara Ling’s elegiac recreation of 1969 Hollywood beat Dennis Gassner’s innovative period work on Sam Mendes’ one-shot, World War I extravaganza “1917” for the period prize, while Lee Ha Jun’s extraordinary production design on Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite” took contemporary honors. The wins for “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Parasite” suggest they are not out of the running for the Production Design Oscar.

Oscar ballots are in voters hands, due Tuesday, February 4.

Meanwhile, “Avengers: Endgame” and “Toy Story 4 ” earned Adg awards for fantasy and animation.

Ling performed a 50-year facelift on Hollywood Blvd. and Westwood Village. The restoration included such bygone cultural fixtures as the Pussycat Theater, the psychedelic Aquarius Theatre (which opened “Hair” in 1968), and Peaches Records & Tapes.

“Parasite,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” have won the top feature-film awards at the 24th annual Excellence in Production Design Awards, which were handed out on Saturday night by the Art Directors Guild.

“Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” won in the period film category, “Avengers: Endgame” in the fantasy film category and “Parasite” in the contemporary film category. The award for production design on an animated film went to “Toy Story 4.”

In the 23 years that the Art Directors Guild has been handing out awards, one of its winners has gone on to win the Oscar for Best Production Design 16 times, including the last six years in a row.

Also Read: Directors Guild Awards 2020: Sam Mendes Wins Top Prize for '1917'

This year’s Oscar nominees for production design include two of the Adg winners, “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood” and “Parasite,...