An Inside Story on Spielberg and Sheinberg
You’ve probably heard of the legendary director Steven Spielberg. Wouldn’t it be wild if he had been fired from the movie that kicked off his career – Jaws? Let’s dig into the crazy story behind Spielberg’s first big hit.
The Battle to Make ‘Jaws’
The making of Jaws wasn’t a walk in the park. It was one of the first movies ever shot in the ocean and the crew faced a ton of challenges. They went way over the intended budget and timeline, thanks to unexpected weather conditions.
Spielberg, just a rookie director back then, was hell-bent on sticking to his idea of how Jaws should look. This caused a lot of clashes with the studio, but his dedication turned ‘Jaws’ into the classic film loved by many today.
Sheinberg, the Champion of Spielberg’s Vision
This is where Sid Sheinberg steps in. He was a big shot at Universal Studios and saw something special in Spielberg’s work. Despite the rising pressure, he fought off calls to fire Spielberg and defended him from losing his job.
Sheinberg’s trust wasn’t in vain. Jaws turned out to be a smash hit, both with the audiences and critics, approving that Spielberg’s tough stand was worthwhile.
The Sea Trials for Filming ‘Jaws’
Shooting a movie in the sea was a whole new ballgame. Spielberg and his crew had to find the ideal spot to shoot – an open sea with a flat sandy bottom to keep the mechanic shark steady and away from the sight of the land. Plus, filming in shallow waters turned peaceful sea swells into troublesome waves, making Jaws one of the most demanding movies ever made.
Spielberg’s Fond Memories of ‘Jaws’
Interestingly, Spielberg remembers the challenging times with fondness. He says he’d do it all over, just for the sake of the audience. It’s his never-say-die mindset, even when up against huge challenges, that’s made him one of the top directors today.
Wrapping Up
Seeing Spielberg’s courage and persistence, despite the tough odds, shows us why he is such a celebrated filmmaker today. His determination to succeed, backed up by Sheinberg’s unwavering support, gave us the classic movie ‘Jaws’ that continues to be a favorite.
If you want to experience the rollercoaster ride that is ‘Jaws’, it’s available right now on Netflix! Let’s take a moment to appreciate the teamwork of Spielberg and Sheinberg that made this film possible.
Remember, the next time you’re watching a Spielberg movie, there’s another person we owe a thank you to – Sid Sheinberg.
So, here’s to Sheinberg – the studio exec who saved Spielberg’s career and gave us ‘Jaws’!
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/the-studio-executive-who-saved-spielbergs-jaws-and-career/