While sex scenes are a familiar element in movies and TV shows, the intricacies of capturing such moments can become more intricate when actors experience arousal on set.
Intimacy coordinator David Thackeray, known for his work with major studios like Netflix, Warner Bros, Apple TV, BBC, and HBO, sheds light on the normalcy of actors feeling arousal during scenes involving simulated sex and nudity. Thackeray emphasizes that this is a natural part of the process, as actors engage both physically and mentally in their roles.
Maintaining professionalism is the key, according to Thackeray. Intimacy coordinators adhere to specific protocols to address arousal, treating it like any other aspect of filming intimate content.
In the event of arousal during sex scenes, Thackeray explains that a time-out can be called for various reasons, such as choreography deviations, wardrobe malfunctions, or arousal itself. The role of an intimacy coordinator is to respect the actors' needs and destigmatize their experiences.
"We just make it really clear that it's normal, and that the worst thing you can do is carry on," Thackeray states. "So we call that a time-out. Give them five minutes, then I come in and check in… Then we come back into it when they're ready." This approach highlights the importance of acknowledging the actors' emotions and creating a supportive environment during the filming of sensitive scenes.
