The Daily Jaws

For this 50th anniversary conversation, Ross is joined by filmmaker and podcaster Jamie Benning, the creator of the celebrated Filmumentaries series and the fan-favourite project Inside Jaws. Jamie has spent years blending behind-the-scenes stories, rare footage and commentary into immersive explorations of cinema’s most iconic films.In this wide-ranging discussion, Jamie shares his personal journey with Jaws — from first encountering the terrifying poster as a child, to watching the ITV broadcast with millions of others in the early 1980s, and eventually creating Inside Jaws, a painstaking love letter to Spielberg’s classic. He reflects on how the film’s communal cinema experience still resonates today, why its editing, sound design and performances remain timeless, and how it continues to inspire empathy and fear in equal measure.Jamie and Ross also dive into the importance of collaboration on set, the legacy of Verna Fields, Bill Butler and John Williams, and the way small details — from Brody knocking over paintbrushes to the bell on the buoy — help ground the story. They discuss the book versus the film, the often-maligned sequels, the possibilities for a future Jaws experience, and the cultural impact of shark movies in the years since 1975.It’s a fascinating conversation with someone who has helped preserve and celebrate the history of Jaws for a new generation of fans.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this episode of The Daily Jaws 50th anniversary series, Ross Williams is joined by one of the UK’s most respected film writers, Ian Nathan. Former editor of Empire magazine, creator of acclaimed behind-the-scenes documentaries and author of numerous books including Steven Spielberg: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work, Ian has spent his career exploring the craft and legacy of cinema’s greatest storytellers. Few know Spielberg’s work — and Jaws — as well as he does.Ross and Ian talk about the moment he first saw Jaws on VHS and why it changed the way he thought about films, the human drama that makes Brody, Quint and Hooper just as compelling as the shark itself, and how the chaos of the Martha’s Vineyard shoot forced Spielberg to rely on instinct and, in the process, create a masterpiece. They explore the underrated presence of Lorraine Gary as Ellen Brody, the legacy and limitations of the sequels, and the place of shark cinema in the fifty years since. Ian also shares his favourite shots, his thoughts on which victim he would save, and whether they really did need a bigger boat.And just when Ian thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this very special 50th anniversary interview, Ross is joined by British acting and writing royalty, Reece Shearsmith. Best known for Inside No. 9, Psychoville, and as a founding member of The League of Gentlemen, Reece shares his lifelong love of Jaws and the impact the film has had on him as both a fan and a storyteller.Reece recalls first watching Jaws far too young during the heyday of VHS rentals, and how the film’s blend of horror, humanity, and humour stayed with him for decades. He and Ross dive deep into the layers of the movie, from Spielberg’s claustrophobic second half aboard the Orca, to the naturalistic brilliance of Richard Dreyfuss’ performance, to Murray Hamilton’s quietly devastating arc as Mayor Vaughn (complete with his fake cigarette).And just when Reece thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.Reece also brings along a never-before-heard anecdote from director John Landis about his time on Martha’s Vineyard helping to build the infamous jetty scene, offering yet another unique perspective on the making of this cinematic masterpiece.From choosing which victim he’d save, to debating whether they really did need a bigger boat, to reflecting on why Jaws is still the perfect movie half a century later, this is a conversation packed with insight, humour, and a genuine love for Spielberg’s classic.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

For 50 years, Jaws has inspired fans across the world — but online, the film has taken on a life of its own. In this special round-table episode, Ross brings together the admins behind some of the biggest Jaws Facebook communities: Amity Jaws Group, Let’s Talk Jaws Live, and Jaws 50.Joining the call are Martin Bushel and Robin Tierney of Amity Jaws Group, Nate Jones of Let’s Talk Jaws Live, and Mike Smith of Jaws 50 and Let’s Talk Jaws Live. Between them they moderate communities with tens of thousands of members, host trivia nights, organise live watch parties and keep the conversation about Jaws thriving every single day.The group share their first memories of encountering the film, from late-night television screenings and cinema re-releases to being put off milk forever by the autopsy scene. They reflect on the small but unforgettable background details that make the film endlessly re-watchable, the debate around what age is right for children to first watch it, and what Jaws is really about beyond the shark - community, authority, adversity and three men with the same goal but very different approaches. They also talk candidly about the sequels, the possibility of a remake, and the challenges and joys of running large fan groups online.What emerges is a portrait of Jaws fandom at its best: passionate, funny, and bound together by a film that continues to resonate half a century later.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

The Daily Jaws 50th anniversary interview series continues with actor, comedian, and master impressionist Jim Meskimen. Known as “the man of a thousand voices,” Jim sits down with Ross Williams to share his own voice—and his love for Jaws.From an early brush with sharks on Happy Days (yes, the infamous “jump the shark” episode was Jim’s first TV job) to seeing Jaws in the cinema as a 15-year-old, Jim recalls the seismic impact of Spielberg’s masterpiece. He remembers the frenzy around its box office success, the way the film gripped audiences, and how it even shaped his teenage friendships—trading lines from Quint’s speech in biology class to stave off boredom.Jim reflects on dressing as Quint for Halloween, the film’s moral core, and the unforgettable Indianapolis speech, which he describes as the moment that expanded Jaws from thriller into something much deeper. He also pays tribute to Robert Shaw’s magnetism, calling Quint “the guy to be in that movie.”And just when Jim thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.This conversation is packed with warmth, humour, and a few uncanny impressions - imagine Liam Neeson, Christopher Walken, Robin Williams, and Tommy Lee Jones all auditioning for Quint. Jim delivers it all.Jaws may be 50 years old, but as Jim says, its legacy lies in how it brought people together in cinemas across the world, creating a shared thrill that still resonates today.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this very special 50th anniversary conversation, Ross welcomes writer, producer and host Phil Rosenthal — the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and star of Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. Phil takes us back to 1975 and his opening day experience of Jaws, describing it as the single most thrilling cinema event of his life.From memories of packed theatres, flying popcorn and the unforgettable jump scares, to his reflections on Spielberg’s genius and John Williams’ score, Phil shares how Jaws shaped his love of movies and even inspired his career in entertainment. The discussion also explores the humour at the heart of the film, the symbolism of its characters, and why Jaws still outshines today’s CGI-heavy blockbusters.And just when Phil thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law This episode is a celebration of Jaws not only as a masterpiece of suspense and adventure, but as the film that redefined summer cinema.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this 50th anniversary special, The Daily Jaws sits down with actor, writer, and comedian Tim Vine to talk about the film that has fascinated him for decades. Tim recalls first seeing Jaws on TV in the early 80s, then later catching it in the cinema where he couldn’t resist telling the audience, “This is the best film ever made.”He explains why the film rewards repeat viewings, from tiny background details only visible on the big screen, to the moments of improvisation that became iconic.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of AmericaWatch the full JAWS 50th anniversary interview series in full at https://thedailyjaws.com/jaws-50th-anniversary-interview-series

In this 50th anniversary episode, The Daily Jaws sits down with Charles de Lauzirika — award-winning producer and documentarian behind some of the most celebrated DVD and Blu-ray box sets ever released. Known for his restoration work on Alien 3 and producing Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner: The Final Cut, Charles joins Ross Williams to discuss his lifelong love of Jaws.Charles recalls seeing Jaws on opening weekend in 1975, the unforgettable moment that first seared the film into his imagination, and how it became less a movie and more an “old friend.” He talks about his prized collection of vintage memorabilia, the lessons Jaws teaches about craft and editing, and why the barrels remain one of cinema’s greatest examples of invention born from limitation.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboard sharks and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com. In proud support of: Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) Tourette Association of America Watch the full JAWS 50th anniversary interview series in full at https://thedailyjaws.com/jaws-50th-anniversary-interview-series

In one of the most recognisable viral moments in Jaws fan history, a photo of a baby in a handcrafted “Jaws crib” took the internet by storm. Ten years later, Ross sits down with the stars of that photo — Mikey (the original Jaws Baby), his dad Mark, and crib creator/uncle Joe — to hear the full story behind the image that captured the imagination of fans worldwide.They share how the crib was made, how the picture unexpectedly went global, and why it still resurfaces in the Jaws community a decade later. Mikey reveals what it’s like growing up “Jaws famous,” his first memories of the film, and his pick for the best scene. Mark and Joe take us back to their lifelong love of Spielberg’s classic, watching it on repeat as teenagers, and passing that passion down to the next generation.And just when Mikey thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law — none other than Jeffrey Kramer, Deputy Hendricks himself.From favourite characters to the eternal “bigger boat” debate, this episode is a celebration of fandom, creativity, and the enduring magic of Jaws 50 years on.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.comIn proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this special 50th anniversary episode of The Daily Jaws podcast, Ross Williams sits down with acclaimed novelist and screenwriter Joe Hill (The Black Phone, Horns) to dive deep into his lifelong love of Jaws. From childhood memories of watching the film endlessly on his father Stephen King’s early video disc player, to discovering its emotional heart in the tender moments between Brody and his son, Joe reflects on how Spielberg’s masterpiece shaped his creative life and storytelling instincts.The conversation explores Jaws’ genre-defying brilliance — part horror, part adventure, part small-town drama — and its timeless themes of community, courage, and complex male relationships. Joe also shares his theory on Robert Shaw’s authorship of the iconic Indianapolis monologue, his emotional connection to the hit play The Shark is Broken, and why he believes Jaws 2 is the second-greatest shark movie ever made.Then, just when Joe thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.This episode is a celebration of legacy, fandom, and the shared cultural language Jaws has created over five decades — from Lego Orcas to unmade spin-off ideas, from behind-the-scenes myths to the enduring power of three men on a boat facing the unknown.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this 50th anniversary special of The Daily Jaws Podcast, Ross Williams is joined by Dan Murrell — four-time Emmy-nominated producer of Honest Trailers, former Screen Junkies member, and one of Ross’s all-time favourite film critics.Dan shares the story behind the Jaws poster that’s travelled with him since his teens, recalls the first time he saw Spielberg’s masterpiece, and explains why his love for the film has only deepened over the years. From the layered character dynamics of Quint, Hooper and Brody to the timeless craftsmanship of the film, Dan explores what makes Jaws endlessly rewatchable.There’s also talk of sharks in popular culture, controversial fan debates (coffee or coffee ice cream? did Pippet survive?), and ranking the sequels. Plus, just when Dan thinks it’s safe to record a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law… Deputy Hendricks himself, Jeffrey Kramer.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.comIn proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this 50th anniversary special, The Daily Jaws sits down with legendary special effects technician Cal Acord, one of the original behind-the-scenes heroes who helped bring Bruce the mechanical shark to life.Cal shares an extraordinary first-hand account of his time on Jaws, revealing how the SFX team defied technical odds to get the shark working on open water. From designing hydraulic systems in a time before waterproof electronics to working on the ocean under enormous pressure (both literal and figurative), Cal gives a detailed and often hilarious glimpse into what it really took to make Jaws bite.He also reflects on the camaraderie of the crew, unexpected challenges on set, and the creativity it took to troubleshoot everything from sinking sharks to snapping cables. For fans of filmmaking, practical effects, or just great behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen.And just when Cal thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.This episode is a celebration of the ingenuity, grit, and problem-solving that helped define a cinematic masterpiece.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.comIn proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this 50th anniversary special, The Daily Jaws sits down with rock drumming legend Charlie Benante, best known for his work with Anthrax and currently touring with Pantera, to explore his lifelong obsession with Jaws. Charlie shares vivid memories of seeing the film on 86th Street in Manhattan with his sisters, the thrill of the lobby photos, and how Jaws changed his life forever.He dives into his favourite characters (he’s Team Brody), why the soundtrack is a masterclass in fear and simplicity, and how Jaws continues to influence his creative life on the road. Charlie also opens up about the emotional depth of Spielberg’s characters, the legacy of Verna Fields, and the genius of storytelling when everything that could go wrong on set… did.And just when Charlie thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law.This episode is a celebration of legacy, fandom, and the timeless power of Spielberg’s masterpiece. From saltines in Quint’s pocket to the emotional resonance of Brody’s journey, this conversation has something for every Jaws fan and if you are a fan of Pantera you might want to stay until the very end of the episode for an extra special guest.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.comIn proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this episode, Ross Williams welcomes actor Jim Murray MBE, known for his roles in The Crown, Masters of the Air, and many other screen and stage productions. A longtime friend of The Daily Jaws and a devoted fan of the film, Jim talks about watching Jaws on a bootleg VHS as a child and why it’s remained the gold standard in storytelling ever since.He explains why Robert Shaw’s performance as Quint has never been bettered - from the voice work to the vulnerability - and shares the story behind naming his dog “Mr. Hooper.” The pair explore the film’s themes of family, fear, trauma, and the pull between past and future, played out so powerfully through Quint, Brody, and Hooper.And just when Jim thought it was safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest stops by to lay down the law — Deputy Hendricks himself, Jeffrey Kramer. Jim also weighs in on the sequels, shares his favourite scene (hint: it involves the Brody family at the dinner table), and reflects on the film’s legacy as a blueprint for character-led filmmaking.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this special 50th anniversary episode of The Daily Jaws podcast, Ross Williams sits down with DJ, music producer, and longtime Jaws fan DJ Suss One - best known for spinning for Mariah Carey and holding down the decks on The Sherri Shepherd Show. A lifelong devotee of Spielberg’s shark epic, DJ Suss One reflects on how Jaws has stayed with him from childhood to today… especially whenever he falls off a jet ski.From watching the film as a young kid in the early ’80s to ranking it alongside Superman as one of John Williams’ finest scores, Suss One shares how the film scared him, inspired him, and shaped his creative taste. He unpacks the music, the legacy, and the sheer cinematic genius that made Jaws a blueprint for modern filmmaking—and for lifelong paranoia about what’s lurking beneath the surface. And just when he thinks it’s safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest crashes the interview to lay down the law.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this special 50th anniversary episode of The Daily Jaws podcast, Ross Williams sits down with legendary British filmmaker Neil Marshall, the creative force behind The Descent, Dog Soldiers, and some of the most iconic episodes of Game of Thrones. A master of suspense and horror, Neil dives deep into the cinematic brilliance of Jaws and its lasting influence on his own work.From seeing Jaws for the first time on UK television to being terrified even with the ad breaks, Neil shares the moments that cemented Spielberg’s masterpiece as one of the greatest films ever made. He reflects on what makes the film timeless—from its flawless direction and unforgettable characters to the primal fear it continues to stir half a century later.Then, just when Neil thinks it’s safe to be interviewed, a surprise guest crashes the call.Neil also discusses the shark’s legacy in his own films, his love for practical effects, and what a Jaws film directed by him might look like (hint: it’s at night, and it’s bloody). Plus, Ross and Neil wrestle with the big questions: Did Pippet survive? Was it coffee or coffee ice cream? And seriously—why didn’t they just take Hooper’s boat?Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboards and more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this legendary 50th anniversary episode of The Daily Jaws Podcast, Ross Williams is joined by none other than iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist and lifelong Jaws superfan — Slash.From the moment he watched Jaws as a 10-year-old in Century City, Slash was hooked. In this conversation, Slash opens up about his childhood memories of seeing the film, the unforgettable impact of John Williams' score, and how the movie ignited a lifelong fascination with sharks. He shares stories of meeting Richard Dreyfuss, attending John Williams concerts, and explains why Jaws remains firmly in his top five films of all time. And just when you think it couldn’t get any more exciting... there's a surprise appearance from Jeffrey Kramer — Deputy Hendricks himselfBrought to you by Stern Pinball, creators of the official Jaws pinball machine.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

In this powerful and deeply personal 50th anniversary edition of The Daily Jaws Podcast, Ross Williams sits down with actor and writer Ian Shaw — son of Robert Shaw, the man who brought Quint to unforgettable life.Recorded aboard a replica of the Orca stage set, this episode explores Ian’s extraordinary journey: from growing up with a father immortalised in one of the most iconic films ever made, to co-writing and starring in The Shark Is Broken — a critically acclaimed play that brings the behind-the-scenes story of Jaws to the stage.Brought to you by Stern Pinball, creators of the official Jaws pinball machine.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

Zach Galligan - best known for his role as Billy Peltzer in Gremlins joins Ross to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws. Zach shares the story of how Spielberg personally cast him after watching a single audition tape, the lingering terror Jaws gave him as a kid swimming in Long Island waters, and how working with Roy Scheider became a defining moment in his early career.The pair also dive into the power of practical effects, from the malfunctioning shark on Jaws to the evolution of Gizmo in Gremlins, and speculate about the future of Gremlins 3. There’s even time for Zach to confess the surreal moment he realised he, like Ke Huy Quan, got his big break from Spielberg.And just when he thinks it’s safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest crashes the interview to lay down the law.Brought to you by Stern Pinball, creators of the official Jaws pinball machine.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America

Lucrezia Millarini - award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and die-hard Jaws obsessive - joins The Daily Jaws Podcast to celebrate the film that bit her early and never let go.In this 50th anniversary conversation, Lucrezia shares how a childhood encounter with Jaws sparked a lifelong fascination—and the lasting trauma of never feeling quite safe in a swimming pool again. She talks about growing up a confident swimmer, her summers in Italy, and how one accidental TV broadcast rewired her relationship with water forever. From the haunting realism of Mrs Kintner’s grief to her love for Brody, Hooper, and Quint, Lucrezia unpacks the emotional genius of Spielberg’s film and why it still feels like cinematic comfort food.Then, just when she thinks it’s safe to be interviewed, a surprise guest crashes the call: DeputyHendricks himself, Jeffrey Kramer.Brought to you by The Daily Jaws Store – home of screen-accurate barrels, keychains, chalkboardsand more. For non-US orders, email: orders@dailyjaws.com.In proud support of:Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)Tourettes Foundation of America