It was 1975. Movie history was made. While the summer movie season was always one of the better times for exhibitors, this year would be different. It was the start of what would become known to be “The Summer Blockbuster.”
Steven Speilberg’s Jaws created Hollywood history when it was No. 1 at the box office for 14 consecutive weeks, en route to making history as the first film to gross more than $100 million. Since then, Hollywood Studios have staged their releases to maximise the summer season and create sustained attendance.
So, as you watch the new releases and their ad’s, cross promotions and stars appearing on every measure of talk show; keep in mind that the Hollywood Hype Machine is in place in pursuit of the elusive biggest box office open ever. That’s even harder to catch than the shark in Jaws.