Good friend rescued Steven Spielberg getting fired from JAWS
Steven Spielberg faced considerable challenges in bringing his breakthrough movie to life. Back in 1974, the ambitious young filmmaker, then in his twenties, embarked on the daunting task of adapting a highly successful novel into what would ultimately become the inaugural summer blockbuster. Steering through intricate action sequences, elaborate practical effects setups, and demanding shoots on the open ocean, Spielberg grappled with a project he initially hesitated to undertake. Despite his reservations, he found himself exceeding both budget and schedule.
While working under the umbrella of movie-making powerhouse Universal Pictures, it might have been tempting for executives to replace Spielberg with a different director. Yet, one executive stood by him. As Spielberg himself recounted, an executive named Sid Sheinberg advocated for him, a decision that left a lasting mark on his career trajectory. When asked why he was never fired from "Jaws," Spielberg attributed it to Sheinberg's steadfast support. As the president of Universal at the time, Sheinberg wielded considerable influence over the fate of "Jaws," especially considering his wife's role in the film. Naturally, he was invested in its success.
However, Sheinberg's backing of "Jaws" went beyond mere professional obligation. It signaled a profound vote of confidence in Spielberg himself. Their collaboration flourished, paving the way for iconic films like "Jurassic Park," "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," and "Schindler's List." According to reports by the New York Times, Sheinberg played a pivotal role in the development of Universal Studios Orlando, integrating some of Spielberg's most beloved works into the theme park's fabric.
Upon Sheinberg's passing in 2019, Spielberg mourned deeply. In a statement shared via Deadline, he expressed his grief and gratitude, concluding with a poignant message of remembrance.
“We were a team for 25 years and he was my dear friend for 50. I have no concept about how to accept that Sid is gone. For the rest of my life I will owe him more than I can express.”
During the era of "Jaws," Spielberg recounts Sheinberg as a silent advocate in his corner. Reflecting on those times in a 2011 interview with EW, Spielberg described how Sheinberg discreetly intervened whenever there was talk of replacing him. Despite the constant warnings from producers Dick Zanuck and David Brown about impending changes, Spielberg emphasizes there wasn't overt discord among the parties involved. He clarified that their cautions weren't meant as threats or intimidation, but rather as prompts to explore potential solutions to script and scheduling issues to prevent production halts. However, Spielberg faced limitations in addressing these challenges after completing filming for the terrestrial scenes, leaving little room for alterations.
"I didn't have anything to do, because I couldn't cut the script," Spielberg explained. "I couldn't cut the third act out of 'Jaws'! I had to just keep moving forward, and the schedule was dictated by the mechanical shark and by the weather conditions." The director conceded that his team's choice to shoot on the ocean rather than in a tank was "hubris," but he also still maintained in the EW interview that, "had we shot in the tank, I don't think 'Jaws' would have been very successful because it would look really phony." Despite having "picked the worst place in the world to shoot" and nearly getting fired more than once during production, Spielberg completed the version of "Jaws" he wanted to make.
Sid Sheinberg with wife and JAWS star Lorraine Gary
The film's immense popularity was undeniable. Factoring in multiple re-releases, "Jaws" has amassed close to half a billion dollars worldwide, a staggering sum even before adjusting for inflation. Its success spawned three profitable sequels and catalyzed one of cinema's most enduring creative partnerships. While Sheinberg wasn't consistently recognized for championing artistic ventures—he famously clashed with Terry Gilliam over "Brazil" and was embroiled in a legal battle concerning "Donkey Kong"—he remains celebrated as one of Spielberg's earliest and most steadfast mentors. According to his New York Times obituary, Sheinberg not only provided Spielberg with his initial television opportunities but also greenlit the budget for "Jaws." He once imparted to the burgeoning filmmaker, "A lot of people will stick with you in success. I'll stick with you in failure." Fortunately, beyond the tumultuous "Jaws" shoot, Spielberg encountered little failure throughout his career.
Words by Ross Williams
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