Fact Finder - Movies

Fact
The Birth of the Summer Blockbuster
Category
Movies
Subcategory
Blockbuster Movies
Country
United States
Description
Directed by Steven Spielberg, 'Jaws' is widely credited as the first 'summer blockbuster.' Before 1975, summer was considered a dumping ground for weak films because studios believed audiences preferred being outdoors. Universal Pictures changed the game by utilizing a massive 'wide release' strategy, opening the film in hundreds of theaters simultaneously rather than the traditional slow rollout. This was supported by an unprecedented television advertising campaign that cost $700,000. The film's success was driven by its suspenseful storytelling and John Williams' iconic two-note score. It became the first film to earn $100 million at the box office, fundamentally changing how Hollywood marketed and distributed movies.