Bruce Ramer, Attorney Who Gave the ‘Jaws’ Shark Its Name, on Navigating Hollywood as Film Turns 50

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The name ‘Bruce’ comes from the nickname given to the mechanical shark in the movie ‘Jaws,’ which was produced by Steven Spielberg and released by Universal Pictures in 1975. The film crew called it ‘Bruce’ as a nod to Spielberg’s lawyer, Bruce Ramer. Shark enthusiasts often refer to this name as its official title.

Gear up for a summer splash, as numerous tributes and anniversaries will be held this year to commemorate the 46th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking action movie, “Jaws,” which left a lasting impression on American cinema.

It’s reassuring for seasoned figures in Hollywood’s business world and those who follow it closely to know that Bruce Ramer, the renowned entertainment attorney often referred to as “Bruce,” is alive and well with robust health, despite the fact that the iconic rubber sea creature from the Universal movie may appear worn and damaged at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Reflecting on my conversations with Ramer about the transformations in Hollywood over the past five decades since my client, Spielberg, etched his name into film history, it’s evident that his enduring success, relevance, and respect aren’t rooted in raw instincts, but rather in something quite the opposite.

Ramer remarks that we’re experiencing more upheaval than at any point in his memory, yet there’s no sense of worry or unease. To him, “disruption” simply equates to another ordinary day.

Picture yourself standing firm against the top legal adversaries from the most influential studios, agencies, and media empires of the last fifty years. You might envision a heated confrontation with much shouting, grinding of teeth, and metaphorically speaking, sharks circling in the water ready to strike.

But that’s definitely not Bruce. 

When questioned about the emergence of powerful talent agencies such as CAA during the ’80s, Ramer instead challenges the questioner to reconsider their own perspectives.

According to Ramer, he didn’t view the emergence of agencies as a disruption since, in their optimal functioning, they provided genuine advantages for his clients.

Ramer’s memories lack juicy details – there are no stories about tough battles won, although a thrilling novel based on his long career of legal disputes for prominent figures would surely keep readers engaged.

Today, I’ve been pondering the factors that keep his enthusiasm for entertainment alive, and it appears to be rooted significantly in fundamental morals rather than shock value or gruesome displays.

As a film enthusiast, I’d be quick to cite a fellow legal expert in the entertainment industry when posed with the question. This could either be a formidable adversary or a trusted ally. In such cases, I wouldn’t hesitate to mention their name as solid proof of their professional caliber.

In his words, “Ken Ziffren is highly respected by me, both as a friend and a legal professional. We’ve collaborated on shared projects and found ourselves opposing each other in deals. Throughout it all, he has consistently demonstrated integrity, reliability, and expertise. He isn’t the only one; there are numerous lawyers I know who contribute significantly to their communities. Whether it’s through service on nonprofit boards or active participation in charities, they generously give back, much like Ken.

Over the last five decades, Ramer’s impressive clientele and illustrious career could have led him to seize a more financially rewarding role as a leading production executive in our town at some point. However, his choice to continue serving and growing with us speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for what we do together.

Ramer firmly states: “I’ve never entertained the idea of moving to the opposite side of the table,” and should there have been any exceptions, his perspective on today’s chaotic market solidifies his lack of interest.

He remarks that managing a studio now is significantly more challenging compared to four decades ago. It’s become more intricate with increased and steeper demands. Although the core aspects of the business remain unchanged, the environment surrounding them has grown much more complex and tough.

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2025-04-09 18:19