Random thoughts.
There's a reason that Simon Birch wasn't called A Prayer for Owen Meaney. Irving absolutely hated the adaptation. Also, it's no more an action film than a romantic comedy is. (Although, let's face it, having as much experience as MSJ had, isn't setting the bar very high.)
Let's not go with Spielberg directed 6 movies prior to television. He made some amateur shorts and student films that happened to get released later because he's one of the most important directors in the world. (An 8 mm shot with a bunch of friends is more an indication of interest than preparation for directing an actual commercial film.) He directed some television episodes and Sugarland Express and then adapted a big blockbuster novel, which by all accounts was an extremely difficult, overbudget shoot that may have been partially saved by scrambling on the fly and deciding NOT to show the shark for much of the film.
Honestly, I'll bet a Hollywood production with some greenscreen work will be a lot easier than Jaws was to shoot. Shooting on location on water is one of the most difficult challenges to filmmakers. Lots of resources to lean on when you can just walk across the lot to discuss things with colleagues.
The biggest difference is not experience, it's that Spielberg was uber-talented and a once a generation talent. I'll agree, Berlanti doesn't fit that bill. OTOH, a producer in television is a hands on job. He's not someone that was sitting in an office somewhere collecting a check, but writing, working with directors, visiting sets, etc.
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