Jaws (1975) was a blockbuster film that had a production budget of $7 million but grossed $260 million at the US box office alone. It had difficulties during production that extended filming from two months to five months. Universal Pictures heavily promoted the film with a "media blitz" including TV ads, paperback book promotions, and pre-opening marketing spending of $1.8 million. The film was a massive commercial success, making $14 million in its first week and becoming the highest-grossing film of all time by September 1975.

1. Film Studies Jaws (1975) Case study

2. Link to Trailer

3. Blockbuster In what ways does it exhibit characteristics of a blockbuster?

4. Boxofficemojo Revenue at box office US $260m = 55% Rest $210m = 45% Production budget $7m

5. Script development Original novel by Peter Benchley July 73 - before publication film rights offered Richard Zanuck/David Brown (Paramount)secure rights for $200,000 + Benchley to produce screenplay Spielberg secured as director after 1st draft of script

6. Script Development Benchley produces 3 screenplays - all considered unsuitable Final script written by Spielberg and Carl Gottlieb During preproduction, book sales are high, and thus the value of the project enhanced

7. Budget During pre-production budget set at $4 million 2 months shooting time

8. Production Shooting commenced April 1974 Difficulties extend shoot to 5 months at Marthas Vineyard Costs increase to $8millions Universal continue to support Universal start promotion 200 interviews at Marthas Vineyard

9. Production October 74 - filming moves to west coast Rough cut editing running in parallel to filming At end of filming 2/3 of rough cut completed March 75 cut delivered to Universal for audience test previews Minor edits made post previews Opening date set for 20th June 75

10. Distribution Universal & Bantam (paperback publishers) agree common logo Joint promotion programme April 75 Universal invites bids from US and Canadian distributors June 75 opens 500 cinemas

11. Promotion ”Media Blitz” Intensive TV advertising Paperback book launch Pre opening marketing $1.8, incl $700k on TV 25 x 30 second ad, 3 days

12. Pay off Box office $14m first week By Sept 75 recognised as biggest all time box office Half million t-shirts 2 miilon plastic tumblers 200,000 soundtack albums 1 million Jaws Log (about making film)

13. Pay off Dec 1975 ww box office $250m No video or ppv ABC pay $25m for 3 screenings of Jaws + Jaws 2

14. Film Studies Jaws (1975) Case study