Expert reveals what really happens when actors get aroused while shooting sex scenes!
Sex scenes may seem romantic and well-played on screen, but they’re not all that sexy behind the scene. But, of course, there are times during filming when accidents can happen, including when an actor gets physically aroused during a simulated sex scene.
David Thackeray, an intimacy coordinator told that it is common for actors to get aroused while shooting intimate scenes. He said: "In fact, when shooting love scenes, arousal is very normal, as the actors are going through the physical and the mind, so yeah, it happens." Thackeray added that a time-out is called for the stars to collect themselves, and coordinators must also make sure the actors’ needs are met.
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Thackeray, who has worked on projects for studios such as Netflix, Warner Bros and HBO, explained that there are certain protocols, including a “time-out,” for when cast members get a bit too excited. “Just making it really clear that’s normal and that the worst thing you can do is carry on,” he revealed, adding that coordinators should be clear that, “Hey, this can happen.”
“Give them five minutes, then I come in and check in,” he told Insider. “Then we come back into it when they’re ready. The worst thing we can do is gawk or make it a massive deal. I will say for the crew as well, making sure they’re aware of what scene is being shot, what nudity is gonna be seen. You don’t want them to be surprised.”
In steamy dramas like Netflix’s 'Bridgerton', which demands many saucy scenes where actors need to be intimate and in order to make the scene look natural and compelling, actors need to be comfortable. So, intimacy coordinators are kept on set to help actors. They are the ones who keep love scenes running smoothly on set and help choreograph sex movements and intimate action, as well as help make the actors feel comfortable during awkward scenes. Coordinators also advise cast and crew on the possibility of the players becoming sexually aroused and being present for anyone who feels uncomfortable.
Phoebe Dynevor, who plays the role of Daphne Bridgerton in Bridgerton, revealed to Glamour, that an intimacy coordinator helped her with the many saucy, NSFW scenes she had with co-star Regé-Jean Page, who played love interest Simon Basset. “We did the intimate scenes like stunts, we blocked them out, so you have yoga balls, in between you and all sorts of things that never make you feel exposed in any way,” the actress said, adding that the scenes weren’t as effortless as they appear on the screen. She then underscored the value of an intimacy coordinator by noting that if they hadn’t used one, it would have been the male director telling her what to do.