Hey there, folks! Ever wondered how those sizzling and intimate moments in movies and TV shows are brought to life? Well, you’re not alone. The art of filming sex scenes is a tricky business. Get it wrong, and you’ll be remembered for all the wrong reasons (yes, “The Idol,” we’re looking at you!). But get it right, and you’ll not only secure a spot in the steamy hall of fame but also succeed in capturing one of life’s most enigmatic and intimate experiences. All of this usually happens in the least sexy setting imaginable, believe it or not.
Now, you might be thinking, how exactly is this magic created? To find out, we’ve dived behind the scenes to chat with the pros – director Sheree Folkson and intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien, who have been involved in bringing those steamy scenes to life in hit shows like “Bridgerton,” “Normal People,” “It’s A Sin,” and “I May Destroy You.”
Planning the Steamy Scene Filming
In an ideal world, according to O’Brien, intimacy coordinators get involved from the very beginning. Just like a fight choreographer or stunt coordinator, they’re there when the script is first read. This helps in providing a clear breakdown of the intimate content, ensuring actors and producers are on the same page. It’s all about working with best practices, building trust, and setting the stage for what’s to come.
Once the cast is set, director Sheree Folkson shares her vision with the actors and the intimacy coordinator, never discussing the details without the coordinator present. After reaching an agreement, it’s all put down in writing. It’s about clear communication and consent, discussing what the scene will involve, what will be shown, and what won’t. The intimacy coordinator also collaborates with various departments, including costume designers and location scouts, to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of the shoot.
Lights, Camera, Action!
When it’s time to shoot the intimate scene, it all happens on a closed set, keeping it as private as possible. In the room, you’ll typically find the actors, a camera operator, the director, and the intimacy coordinator. If there’s any degree of nudity involved, they’ve got a precise plan in place, including modesty garments and padding to protect the actors from unwanted contact.
The action starts with ‘camera rolling,’ sound, and then the choreography. Everything is carefully coordinated, down to the last detail. Folkson even mentioned using a handheld camera to ensure precision during the actual sex scene in “Bridgerton.”
While filming, the intimacy coordinator’s role is to watch for cues from the actors, not just what they say but how their bodies react. It takes a lot of self-awareness to trust and communicate boundaries clearly. Consent is an ongoing process, not just a one-time agreement. If an actor wants to pause the action for any reason, they have the autonomy to do so, ensuring their comfort and well-being are the top priorities.
After the director calls ‘cut,’ the actors don’t move until the costume department has covered them up. This is the time for notes, lighting adjustments, and anything else that needs to be addressed.
The Aftermath
If the filming schedule is well-planned, actors won’t have to immediately jump into another scene after an intimate one. It’s crucial to step away from the character and the scene. O’Brien sometimes includes a physical release with the actors, making it a clear ritual that they’re stepping away from the role.
And what about those meticulously planned scenes? Well, director Folkson assured us that none of the tapes are released, except to the director and editor, until the premiere date.
So there you have it, folks. Behind the curtain of those steamy and intimate scenes, there’s meticulous planning, clear communication, and a lot of attention to detail. It’s a far cry from the haphazard and uncomfortable experiences of the past. Filmmakers are making it a smooth, efficient, and professional process, ensuring that actors and crew can focus on creating great art, without the awkwardness.
And as Sheree Folkson wisely puts it, “There’s nothing sexy about it.” So next time you watch a passionate love scene on screen, you’ll know the real story behind it, and it’s anything but glamorous.
