'The Shark Is Still Working' director creates touching tribute to JAWS poster artist

Ever since I was a child, like many others from my generation, I've been obsessed with one of the most iconic movie poster images ever painted. That poster is "JAWS". The recent passing of my friend, and phenomenal painter, Roger Kastel inspired me to make a short tribute video in his honor. I was given the news of his passing via an email from the New York Times, asking if I could provide a photo for Roger's official obituary. Of course, I was honored to oblige. 

In 2007, James Gelet, (one of my fellow producers of "The Shark is Still Working") and I traveled to his home in Clove Valley, New York to interview him. 

It was his very first time speaking on-camera about his work creating the book cover/movie poster. Meeting Roger in person was one of the greatest rewards of our documentary exploits. He and his lovely wife Grace were so welcoming and happy to share their stories and I could not have been more thrilled to hear them. For those of us who are die-hard lovers of JAWS, Roger's artwork on the novel and movie poster is as thrilling and iconic as it gets. To me, personally, standing in the small loft room where he painted the famous image was one of the most exciting moments of making the entire documentary. 

Words, image and video by Erik Hollander

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