The summer blockbuster explained

By Kaye Foley

June 20 is the fortieth anniversary of our introduction to a great white shark with an axe to grind in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws.”

Before 1975, the movies released between May and August were typically B-movies. But after weeks of sold-out crowds and $260 million in U.S. ticket sales, “Jaws” proved that summertime could mean big business at the box office.  

And with that, the summer blockbuster was born.

Hollywood honchos figured out there are some surefire ways to wind up with a megahit when it comes to these big-budget films. That often means action, superheroes, or the supernatural. Oh, and once you’ve struck gold, keep digging. Sequels are a seasonal staple. (Here’s looking at you, “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies.)

Even though there are some flops, Hollywood will continue to pour money into these entertaining flicks. The budget for “Jaws” ended up at about $12 million. This summer’s “Jurassic World” had a budget of $150 million. But it paid off when the T-rex-size movie smashed records in its opening weekend, replacing the former champ, Marvel’s 2012 hit “The Avengers.”

Forty percent of Hollywood’s annual box office revenue comes from this season’s movies. But the monetary gains don’t stop at the theater. From merchandising to establishing franchises, crafting a summer blockbuster is skilled business.

So next time you escape the summer sun for some movie fun, at least after you watch this video you can say, “Now I get it.”