Director Mike Nichols' film became a landmark work reflecting the spirit of New York in the late 1980s. Filming took place in New York at various locations in Manhattan and Staten Island, where the story unfolds. The plot revolves around Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary striving to break into the business world. Upon its release, the film was not just a comedy about career but also a reflection of societal changes related to women's rights in business. The choice of locations underscores the film's key themes: ambition, the fight for equality, and the pursuit of success in the business world.

The Staten Island Ferry scenes represent a metaphor for Tess's journey to her dreams: the ferry symbolizes not only the physical journey between boroughs but also the heroine's aspiration for career growth and independence. The lobby of 7 World Trade Center was used for filming elevator hall scenes where Tess interacts with colleagues. This building held iconic status in New York until its destruction in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The offices at 1 New York Plaza served as the backdrop for Tess's secretarial pool. The trading floor, where scenes with traders took place, was on the 46th floor of the LF Rothschild building at 55 Water Street. This location symbolizes Tess's ambitions and her desire to break into the financial world, as well as the importance of teamwork in business. South Street Seaport and Ocean Yacht Club add elements of luxury and status to the plot, showing how success can change a person's life. These places serve as a backdrop for important interactions between characters and demonstrate the social aspects of their lives.

Filming Locations:

Ferry

In the Movie

Scene where Tess McGill and her friends sail from Staten Island to Manhattan. Tess McGill is a 30-year-old ambitious woman working as a secretary on Wall Street. Before work, she "celebrates" her birthday by blowing out a candle on a small cake during the ferry ride with friends. Tess possesses extraordinary intelligence and determination, striving to break into the male-dominated business world. Despite her abilities and an economics degree earned at night school, Tess is stuck in a subordinate role and faces prejudice from colleagues.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on the Staten Island Ferry. A passenger ferry service whose vessels operate regular routes between the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island. During the free ride, passengers can enjoy magnificent views of the Statue of Liberty and the Lower Manhattan skyline. The appearance of the Staten Island Ferry in "Working Girl" symbolizes Tess McGill's journey to her dreams and career ambitions: the girl moves from her modest neighborhood to Manhattan, where she wants to build a successful business career. The ferry ride, on one hand, is a metaphor for her pursuit of independence and success in the business world, and on the other, it simply reflects the daily life of thousands of New Yorkers who use this transport to move between city boroughs.

Katharine's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where Tess goes to Katharine's apartment on her errand. Katharine Parker breaks her leg and asks Tess to run several household errands, including arranging cleaning and dry cleaning in her elegant apartment. Tess arrives at the apartment and is amazed by its splendor; she imagines herself as the owner of these apartments. While there, Tess accidentally discovers documents that clearly indicate Katharine's intention to steal Tess's business idea. This discovery becomes a key moment in the plot, as it forces the heroine to act independently and use her skills to implement the idea, ultimately leading to a conflict with Katharine.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in an apartment at 80 Irving Place and East 19th Street in Manhattan. The Gramercy neighborhood, where they are located, is known for its historic architecture, beautiful parks, and old New York atmosphere. 80 Irving Place is a red-brick Italianate building constructed in 1854. The apartment in this building perfectly suits Katharine's character due to its refined interior, which reflects her high social status and successful business career. This location creates a strong contrast with Tess's more modest life and underscores Katharine's ambitions as a successful woman in high finance. Additionally, the location in a prestigious neighborhood makes this apartment a symbol of success and status, matching Katharine's image as an influential figure in the corporate environment.

Restaurant at the Port

In the Movie

Scene where Tess comes to a business meeting with Jack. Tess scheduled a meeting with Jack Trainer to present her business idea, which Katharine plans to steal from her. She hopes that Jack, as a high-profile manager, will appreciate her proposal and help her advance in her career. However, the meeting takes an unexpected turn: at a business banquet, Jack tries to get to know Tess, not realizing that she is the employee who scheduled the meeting. Tess also does not realize that the man showing her attention is Jack. As a result, due to a combination of alcohol and sedatives, Tess loses consciousness. Jack, not knowing who she is, helps her and takes her to his home. In the morning, Tess wakes up in his apartment and leaves, believing she spent the night with a stranger.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the South Street Seaport bar. In the 19th century, this place was an important commercial port connecting New York to global trade routes. Currently, South Street Seaport not only functions as a port but also serves as a modern urban space with restaurants, bars, and shops. The South Street Seaport Museum is also located here, preserving the rich history of the area. Since the film's release, the South Street Seaport has been rebuilt and renovated: the port building was made of glass, and at night it decorates the city with its bright lighting. This historic location became an adornment to the film, adding visual variety and breaking up the "office" jungle with shots of the port and a bar with panoramic windows.