New JAWS Documentary THE FARMER AND THE SHARK Will Explore the Film's Unsung Hero Craig Kingsbury
There’s a new documentary on the horizon that Jaws fans are going to want to keep a close eye on. Filmmaker John Campopiano has officially wrapped production on The Farmer And The Shark, a feature doc that shines a spotlight on one of the film’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes figures, Craig Kingsbury.
If you’re a hardcore fan of Jaws, you probably already know Kingsbury as the real-life fisherman who helped shape the character of Quint, famously portrayed by Robert Shaw. But this documentary digs much deeper than that, exploring how Kingsbury’s personality, experience, and presence left a lasting mark on the film.
The official synopsis explains: “The Farmer And The Shark focuses on the unique influence Kingsbury had on the film, from both behind and in front of the camera, as the embodiment of Robert Shaw’s iconic shark hunter, Quint.
“Along the way, we also learn of the many island locals whose ocean savvy and ingenuity were instrumental in transforming Jaws from a potential failure to the paradigm of the summer blockbuster.”
Campopiano, who has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful deep dives into genre cinema, directs the project and co-wrote it with Rick DiGregorio, known for his work on Cheers. Matthew Spry also contributed as co-writer, rounding out a creative team that clearly knows this material inside and out.
Gabriel Long handled cinematography, while producers include Eastwood Allen (RoboDoc: The Creation of Robocop), Jim Beller (JAWS: Memories from Martha’s Vineyard), Kelly Ryan, and Matt Taylor.
On top of that, Laurence Gornall’s Unannounced Film Company has stepped in as the worldwide sales agent, which is a solid sign the film will reach a wide audience.
The film also features original music by Matt Cannon, artwork from Jacob Walsh, animation by Mike Nixon, motion graphics by Allen, and editing by Jay Espindola (Art Attack! The Dissection of Terrifier 3).
Campopiano shared his thoughts on finally crossing the finish line, saying: “Making The Farmer and the Shark has been a wonderful journey.
“We started production five years ago, whilst we were editing Pennywise, and the film was inspired by the grit, determination, and heart of the island community it depicts. We’re proud of what we as a team have accomplished, and we can’t wait for audiences to see it later this year.”
What makes this project especially exciting is its focus on the people who helped Jaws become what it is today. The film isn’t just revisiting familiar territory, it’s digging into the DNA of a movie that changed Hollywood forever and highlighting the real individuals who made that possible.
For fans of Jaws, film history, or documentaries that uncover the hidden stories behind iconic movies, The Farmer And The Shark is shaping up to be something pretty special.