Joe Alves: Designing Jaws

Joe Alves: Designing JAWS is the only book that offers a unique view into the development of the world-renowned film, the first to tell the first-hand account from the Production Designer’s perspective and experience. Joe Alves was that Production Designer and it was to be his task determine exactly how a 25-foot Great White Shark could leap onto the bow of a boat and swallow a man whole, done convincingly in front of the whirring movie cameras. 

Painstakingly compiled and written by Joe Alves’ biographer and JAWS expert, Dennis L. Prince, Included here are Alves’ stunning pre-production illustrations; handwritten location and production notes; on-set photographs; blueprints of the shark’s design; and first-time publication of his complete collection of production storyboards. 

Given full and unfettered access to Alves’ personal archive, author Dennis L. Prince has painstakingly compiled and documented the design and development of the world’s first Summer Blockbuster picture—a film that has captivated moviegoers for more than 50 years! At long last, readers of this book and fans of the film are given a front-row look at rare elements and artifacts, most never before published, which dive deeper into the production, more than any other book of its kind.

Joe Alves: Designing JAWS is a must-have addition to every film reference library.