Mark and Me Podcast Episode 8: Carl Gottlieb
Apr 14, 2017
Carl Gottlieb, screenwriter and actor famed for his work on Jaws, shares his remarkable journey in film. He reveals behind-the-scenes stories from the iconic movie set, detailing his collaboration with Spielberg and the creative challenges faced during production. Gottlieb discusses the tension between actors and how it shaped the film's dynamics. He also reflects on the nostalgia of Jaws and the legacy it leaves, alongside insights from his book The Jaws Log, making this a must-listen for fans of cinematic history.
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From Improv To Hollywood
- Carl Gottlieb traced his path from college journalism and improv to TV writing and acting on the Smothers Brothers show.
- That background led directly to his friendship with Steven Spielberg and eventual hire on Jaws.
Hired As Actor, Became The Rewriter
- Gottlieb was hired as an actor on Jaws and secretly sent Spielberg a memo to "eviscerate" the script.
- That memo sparked his later rewrite and formal involvement as the film's writer.
Live With The Director When Rewriting
- Live and work closely with your director during production if you must rewrite on set.
- Share space and feedback constantly to iterate pages quickly and keep decisions aligned.
