The Impact of Paparazzi on Film Productions
The highly anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, set to release on May 1, 2026, has already generated significant buzz online. Thanks to paparazzi and fan videos, many moments between stars Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep have been leaked, giving fans a sneak peek into the film.
Leaked Footage and Fan Recordings
Spectators have recorded scenes of Hathaway’s character, Andy Sachs, driving down New York sidewalks, and Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, rising from the MET steps from afar. Some fans have even managed to capture actual dialogue from the film. While this may not be as significant for non-Marvel or Star Wars films, dealing with paparazzi and fans can still be a distraction for filmmakers.
The Challenges of Filming in Public
According to Emma Tillinger Koskoff, an Oscar-nominated producer, having paparazzi and fans on set can be expensive for production. "You have to improve security, especially if you have great talent," she says. Koskoff recalls the challenges of filming Joker: Folie à Deux, which featured paparazzi magnet Lady Gaga. The presence of paparazzi and fans can disrupt the filming process and compromise the security of the cast and crew.
The Rise of On-Set Leaks
The Devil Wears Prada 2 is not the only film to experience on-set leaks. Other productions, such as Blake Lively’s It Ends with Us and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, have also had scenes and photos leaked online. While some productions may view these leaks as a form of free marketing, others see them as a disruption to the filming process.
Paparazzi as Marketers
Some paparazzi, like Steve Sands, see their work as a form of marketing for films. "Many filmmakers welcome me because they recognize that good advertising is helpful," he says. However, not all filmmakers share this view, and some prefer to control the narrative around their film by releasing official photos and updates.
Filmmakers Taking Control
Some accomplished filmmakers, like Todd Phillips, have taken to social media to share high-quality images from their sets. This allows them to control the first look of their film and set the tone for the marketing campaign. By doing so, they can minimize the impact of leaked photos and paparazzi shots.
The Challenges of Filming in New York
New York City is one of the most difficult places to film without attracting unwanted attention. The lack of anti-paparazzi laws in the city makes it challenging for filmmakers to protect their sets and cast. Koskoff believes that New York should adopt laws similar to those in California, which aim to prevent harassment and violations by paparazzi.
The Need for Protection
Koskoff argues that the city should do more to protect filmmakers and the hundreds of millions of dollars they bring to the local economy. "You have to integrate something that protects the filmmakers and the hundreds of millions of dollars that we bring to this city to shoot," she says. However, the office for media and entertainment in New York City has stated that it is committed to balancing the needs of creative professionals with the rights of the press.
The Impact on the Final Product
Despite the leaked photos and on-set chaos, Koskoff is not too concerned about the impact on the final product. "The finished film will always speak for itself," she says. The quality of the film and the storytelling will ultimately determine its success, regardless of the leaked photos and paparazzi shots that circulate online.
