Did Sarah Jessica Parker Need A Location Release for Her Shoes?

With a lot of new sassy shoes, Sarah Jessica Parker launched her SJP line with Nordstrom from the stoop and sidewalk of Carrie Bradshaw's apartment in New York City's West Village.   She caused a kerfuffle at 66 Perry Street because the owners of the apartment complex did not consent to filming. In fact there's a chain across the stoop made famous in "Sex and the City"  that says "Do NOT go on staircase please."

“If you plan on filming on private property or capturing private property on film, talk to the property owner first and negotiate a “Location Release.” ”

I suspect Parker's film crew got the necessary permissions to film on the city sidewalk, but it sounds like they did not ask permission to film on the apartment stoop or stairs.  What we don't know is where the city filming permit ends and the private property begins. 

If you plan on filming on private property or capturing private property on film, talk to the property owner first and negotiate a "Location Release."  A Location Release will typically allow for access to the property for filming and allow what is filmed to be used by the production company. There may or may not be a fee paid for the access. You might consider additional changes to the agreement if the filming is outside or inside of a location.

And, if the filming is outside, you might also need a "Crowd Release." Scroll down for a sample location release.

Releases are not "one size fits all" so make sure you review any documents with your lawyer.