Instructions
You are a publicist working for Universal Pictures in 1975. Your job is to get people excited to see a brand-new movie called Jaws! You will write a press release—an official announcement sent to newspapers and TV stations—to persuade them to write stories about the film. Follow the steps below to craft the perfect announcement that will have everyone talking about this new summer thriller.
Part 1: The Headline
A press release always starts with a short, powerful headline to grab the reader's attention. It should summarize the most exciting part of the news. Try to make it sound urgent and important.
Your Task: Write a catchy headline for the movie Jaws.
Part 2: The Introduction (The 5 Ws)
The first paragraph of a press release must answer the "5 Ws": Who, What, Where, When, and Why. This gives journalists all the essential facts right away. You will also need a dateline (City, State - Date).
Use these key facts:
- Who: Universal Pictures and director Steven Spielberg
- What: Releasing a new suspense film, Jaws
- Where: In theaters nationwide
- When: June 20, 1975
- Why: To deliver a groundbreaking summer blockbuster experience
Your Task: Using the facts above, write the first paragraph of your press release. Start with the dateline.
Part 3: The Body (The Details)
Now it's time to add more details to get reporters really interested. You can add information about the story and a quote from someone important, like the director. A good quote makes the story feel more personal.
Details you can use:
- The film is based on Peter Benchley's best-selling novel.
- The story is about a giant great white shark that terrorizes the small beach community of Amity Island.
- The town's police chief, a marine biologist, and a tough shark hunter must join forces to stop the creature.
- Director Steven Spielberg uses innovative techniques to build suspense.
Your Task: Write one or two paragraphs that add more detail. Then, write a fictional quote from director Steven Spielberg explaining what he wants the audience to feel.
Body Paragraph(s):
Director's Quote:
"We wanted to create a film that...
Part 4: The Boilerplate & Contact Info
A "boilerplate" is a short paragraph at the end that describes the company sending the press release. You also need to include contact information so reporters can call for more information.
Your Task: Write a short boilerplate for Universal Pictures and create some fictional contact information.
About Universal Pictures:
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Media Contact:
Name:
Title:
Email:
Phone:
Answer Key (Sample Response)
Note: Your answers, especially the creative parts like the headline and quote, can be different. This is just one example of a great press release!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This Summer, You'll Never Go in the Water Again: Universal Pictures Unleashes Jaws
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – June 9, 1975 – Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, Universal Pictures is set to redefine summer thrills with the nationwide release of its new suspense film, Jaws, premiering in theaters on June 20, 1975. Directed by visionary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, the film promises an edge-of-your-seat experience that will stay with audiences long after they leave the theater.
Based on Peter Benchley’s runaway best-selling novel, Jaws tells the terrifying story of Amity Island, a peaceful summer resort town whose shores become a hunting ground for a monstrous great white shark. When the attacks begin, the town’s police chief (Roy Scheider) teams up with a sharp marine biologist (Richard Dreyfuss) and a grizzled, veteran shark hunter (Robert Shaw) to confront the unstoppable predator in a desperate battle between man and beast.
Spielberg’s masterful direction creates a palpable sense of dread, famously suggesting the shark’s presence long before it is fully seen. "We wanted to create a film that taps into a primal fear, the fear of the unknown lurking just below the surface," said director Steven Spielberg. "This isn't just a monster movie; it's a story about courage and community facing an overwhelming threat. We hope audiences feel the suspense in every frame."
About Universal Pictures:
Universal Pictures is a pioneering leader in the motion picture industry, dedicated to producing and distributing high-quality entertainment for global audiences. For decades, Universal has been responsible for some of cinema's most beloved and iconic films.
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Media Contact:
Jane Miller
Senior Publicist
[email protected]
(555) 123-4567