Tribune Tower: Incidental photography ok, inundation requires compensation

28-Nov-07 – Tribune Tower’s appearance in the Wednesday, November 28 episode of “CSI: NY” seems like a good “test case” for recent claims by Marina Towers Condominium Association that film makers cannot use the image of Marina City without its permission.

Mary Jo Mandula, Vice President of Properties for Tribune Company, the owner of Tribune Tower, says they didn’t have anything to do with the film crew for last week’s episode, which included shots of the Tribune Tower exterior – specifically the north side, which is embedded with rocks from famous locations.

However, Wednesday’s episode is more involved. “The producers came to us for script approval and for permission to film on our property. Part of the episode was shot here at and around the building, so for a day, we were inundated with CSI crew and talent.”

According to Mandula, “You cannot charge for incidental shots of any building that appears in magazine photos, commercials, movies, TV shows, etc.”

If a business wanted to use the property for something they in turn would trademark, for example, Mandula says a property could seek compensation, but typically Tribune Tower does not.

In October, the “CSI: NY” crew spent a day filming at various downtown locations.

Another film crew had taken over McCormick Freedom Museum on Wednesday, but Mandula says that was CNN shooting video for “Lou Dobbs Tonight.”