Instructions
You are a publicist working for Universal Pictures in 1975. Your job is to get people excited to see a brand-new movie that is about to be released. This movie is a scary thriller about a giant shark, and it’s directed by a young, talented director named Steven Spielberg. You need to write a press release—an official announcement sent to newspapers, TV, and radio stations—to convince them to write stories about your movie and get everyone talking!
Follow the steps below to craft the perfect press release for one of the most famous movies of all time: Jaws.
Part 1: Movie Fact File
First, you need the facts. A good press release is built on accurate information. Use the details below to help you write.
- Movie Title: Jaws
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Release Date: June 20, 1975
- Genre: Thriller / Suspense
- Plot Summary: When a peaceful summer resort town is terrorized by a giant, man-eating great white shark, the local police chief, a marine biologist, and a grizzled shark hunter team up to stop the beast before it kills again.
- Key Features: Features a terrifying mechanical shark, an iconic musical score by John Williams that builds suspense, and is set to be the first "summer blockbuster" movie ever.
Part 2: The Killer Headline
The headline is the most important part! It needs to be short, snappy, and grab a journalist's attention immediately. It should summarize the biggest news. Brainstorm three possible headlines for your press release below. Think about using strong, exciting words.
Example: Universal Pictures to Unleash Summer of Fear with "Jaws"
1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________
Part 3: The 5 Ws
Journalists need the basic facts right away. The first paragraph of your press release should answer the "5 Ws": Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Fill in the blanks below using the Fact File.
- WHO is releasing the movie? _________________________________________
- WHAT is the big news? ________________________________________________
- WHEN is it happening? ________________________________________________
- WHERE will people be able to see it? ____________________________________
- WHY is this movie important or exciting? __________________________________
Part 4: Write Your Press Release
Now it's time to put it all together. Use your headline from Part 2, your 5 Ws from Part 3, and the Fact File to write the press release. A press release has a specific format. Follow the template below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Your Best Headline from Part 2 Goes Here]
AMITY ISLAND, NY – [Date] – In what promises to be the most talked-about film of the year, _________________________ [Who?] today announced the nationwide release of its new suspense-thriller, Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film will swim into theaters everywhere on _________________________ [When?].
Jaws tells the terrifying story of ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ [Use the plot summary from the Fact File here. Add your own exciting words!].
Director Steven Spielberg masterfully builds suspense, making audiences feel they are right there in the water. "We didn't just want to make a monster movie," a studio spokesperson might say. "We wanted to tap into a universal fear. You'll never feel safe going for a swim again." The film's heart-pounding musical score, composed by the legendary John Williams, is already being praised for its ability to create pure terror with just two notes.
About Universal Pictures:
Universal Pictures is a pioneering film studio dedicated to bringing innovative and unforgettable stories to audiences worldwide. With a history of classic films, Universal continues to push the boundaries of cinema.
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(The "###" symbol signifies the end of the press release)
Bonus Challenge: A Quote from a Character
Press releases often include quotes. Imagine you are the police chief, Martin Brody. Write a one-sentence quote for the press release that warns people about the danger and makes them want to see the movie.
Chief Brody says: "_____________________________________________________________________________."
Answer Key
Note: Many answers involve creative writing, so these are examples and guidelines, not the only correct answers.
Part 2: The Killer Headline (Examples)
- Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Go Back in the Water... Meet JAWS
- Steven Spielberg's New Film 'Jaws' Redefines Summer Terror on June 20
- Universal Pictures Announces Thriller 'Jaws,' The Movie That Will Keep You Out of the Ocean
Part 3: The 5 Ws
- WHO is releasing the movie? Universal Pictures
- WHAT is the big news? The release of the new suspense-thriller movie, Jaws.
- WHEN is it happening? June 20, 1975
- WHERE will people be able to see it? In theaters nationwide.
- WHY is this movie important or exciting? It's a terrifying new film from director Steven Spielberg, and it's set to be the first-ever summer blockbuster.
Part 4: Write Your Press Release (Example of a completed section)
AMITY ISLAND, NY – May 15, 1975 – In what promises to be the most talked-about film of the year, Universal Pictures today announced the nationwide release of its new suspense-thriller, Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film will swim into theaters everywhere on June 20, 1975.
Jaws tells the terrifying story of a summer resort town under attack by a monstrous great white shark. The police chief, a scientist, and a tough shark hunter must join forces to hunt the beast down before it claims another victim.
Bonus Challenge (Example Answer)
Chief Brody says: "We're dealing with a perfect killing machine, and believe me, you're gonna need a bigger boat to survive this movie."