Joe Alves!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend! Today we are looking into “Jaws” production designer, Joe Alves!

When people think of “Jaws”, they often remember the chilling music, the unforgettable line “You’re gonna need a bigger boat,” or the terrifying glimpse of a dorsal fin slicing through the water. But behind the camera, one of the key figures responsible for bringing that fear to life was production designer Joe Alves. His creative vision helped transform Peter Benchley’s novel into a cultural phenomenon and gave birth to the modern summer blockbuster. Alves’ ability to blend realism with suspense played a massive role in making the fictional Amity Island feel like a living, breathing place threatened by something monstrous just beneath the surface.

Joe Alves was instrumental in designing the iconic mechanical shark; affectionately known as Bruce; used in the 1975 film. When director Steven Spielberg needed someone to turn a man-eating great white into a terrifying reality, he turned to Alves, who was already known for his detailed and innovative work in production design. Alves helped create several versions of the shark, each customized for specific scenes. Despite notorious mechanical issues, Alves’ designs were so effective that they pushed Spielberg to rely on suggestion and shadow rather than direct visuals, which only heightened the suspense.

Alves didn’t stop with the original film; he returned for both “Jaws 2” and “Jaws 3-D”, taking on an even larger role with each installment. For “Jaws 2”, he once again brought the seaside town of Amity to life, ensuring visual continuity while raising the stakes. By the time “Jaws 3-D” rolled around in 1983, Alves stepped into the director’s chair, bringing his deep understanding of the franchise’s visual language to the forefront. While the third installment had a mixed reception, Alves’ dedication to innovation; particularly with 3-D technology; showed his willingness to push creative boundaries.

Today, Joe Alves is rightfully celebrated as one of the unsung heroes behind one of cinema’s most legendary thrillers. His meticulous eye for detail, pioneering design work, and willingness to take bold creative risks made “Jaws” more than just a movie; it became an enduring cinematic experience. Whether viewers realize it or not, much of what made them jump, squirm, and cheer was thanks to Alves’ brilliant handiwork.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Joe Alves: Don’t give up.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing week and will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo