Allan Adler originally refused to shoot Madonna’s wedding to Sean Penn for the National Enquirer. But when he realised they were desperate, with everyone else booked for other titles, Adler got savvy. “OK, fine,” he told them. “In that case, I want a day rate of $2,500, a Bell JetRanger helicopter and $3,000 in ‘persuasion fees’.” The Enquirer agreed and, two days later, he was circling the Malibu cliff with the other 20 or so helicopters that drowned out the exchange of vows below.
Adler used his “persuasion fees” to convince the pilot to get closer and stay low for longer, ensuring he got the best shots of the day, including a close-up of Penn rummaging under Madonna’s dress to remove her garter. By the time he landed, the Enquirer, based in Florida, had heard about Adler’s success and wanted him to fly down with the film. “OK, fine,” Adler said. “If you pay my day rate and buy me a first-class ticket.”
As they developed the images, the magazine’s publisher turned to the photo editor and said, “These are great. Now give this guy a $5,000 bonus and send him home. We can’t afford to keep him here another day.”