The Nitty Gritty On Sex Scenes - What Should An Operator Know.
Sex scenes and scenes involving nudity are some of the stranger bits of business we have to deal with as camera operators. It goes without saying that the first and foremost rule is to be serious, be an adult, and take it very seriously. Actors who bare their souls are one thing but actors who bare their bodies 5 feet away from you while simulating sex are completely different.
I know it’s been said before but this is one of the most important cases where you need to read the room. Let the actors set the tone (assuming it’s not innapropriate) and follow their lead (to an extent). If they are happier joking around, let them, laugh with them, but dont get too involved. If they are stone silent and all business, that’s the way its going to be.
It didn’t used to be the case but nowadays there is an intimacy advisor on set, sort of like a stunt coordinator but for intimacy scenes. You can always ask anything you want of them and they are very helpful.
Actors and actresses will often confide in you (but not always) what they are concerned about and I always listen and assure them I will keep an eye on it. Also, tattoos are a huge deal now and actors and actresses often dont like them to be covered due to the time it takes (dont get me started on how much this bothers me) so there’s that.
When it comes time to shooting, communication is key and as an operator, for the sake of the actors, I will often listen to the plans and then out loud state back what I will and won’t see. On the surface this is me making sure I understand but in reality it is a check for the actors in the scene as well. “Ok, so just so I’m certain, while they are kissing I will focus only on their faces and then as their shirts come off I will be tilting down to her back while she is turned away from me and will focus on his hand on the small of her back.” Treat this like you would any stunt - serious, detailed, prepared - because you dont wnat to have to do it over and over again because of you.
I will also, before rehearsals, ask both the director and the intimacy coordinator what we can and can’t see. This way as we are lining things up I can make sure everything is working “When he turns her around I’m concerned we may see what we dont want to see. Is that a moment you will use or can we cut, re-stage them, and roll again?” All of these things let everyone know that this is all business, that you are a pro, and that you are there for the actors in the scene.
As far as actually shooting, its an odd thing because I am often in a position where an actor will ask me to guide them just so we can get through it faster “Hey if his hand is in the wrong place can you just talk us in?” and then instead of saying “Bob put your hand on her butt” I will say “Bob bring your hand a little higher, a little to the left, that’s where I need to see it” etc. Its all business and if you treat is that way it generally is very easy, even tedious. Also, big note, if the actor asks me to do that, or untying else, I will ALWAYS turn to the actress and restate what is going to happen “Is it going to be ok with you if I talk his hand in on the small of your back?’
Anything I am going to be involved in - communication, actually placing of hands (yes it’s happened) or anything that involves their space - I will ask permission of both parties.
Specific moments - lips kissing, hands on bodies, hands grabbing eachother - should be treated as inserts and I actually state that. It lets the actors know this is just business and helps them understand that instead of shooting a free for all until we get the pieces we need, we are going to make a list and grab every piece on it’s own, assuming this is ok with the director and DP of course.
Bottom line, you are there not only as a camera operator but as the closest person not in the scene and can offer a great deal of psychological support to actors and actresses who may feel out of sorts. Oddly I have found that after becoming a parent I am much better at this than I was early in my career.
Some specifics.
When the camera is not rolling, point it at the floor so anyone looking at it knows it’s pointing at the floor.
When the director calls cut, make a phsysical gesture of looking away or even standing and facing away until wardrobe lets you know people are clothed. This alerts your actors to you being a pro and that they can trust you.
Have everything worked out ahead of time. No one wants to figure a shot out with two naked people on set
Since you are as close as possible, offer anything you see that will make the situation more comfortable.
Do not take your phone out for any reason whatsoever.
Bottom line it’s odd and weird but it doesn’t have to be. Treat it like it’s part of the day, be hyper vigilant to the needs of your actors, and everything should be fine.
Bottom line? They are sort of tedious. I’ve been in really touchy scenes and scenes where everything is lighthearted. Simple rule of thumb is READ THE ROOM and respond accordingly. Pay attention, listen and make sure you know what the plan is, you don’t want to be the reason an actress has to get naked an additional time. No comments, no looks, make sure they know you are doing your job and nothing more.
Intimate scenes are awkward for everyone involved. As one of the few allowed on a closed set, I feel I need to do whatever I can to be respectful and protective of the actors. Part of that is to make sure everything at my end is as ready to go as possible, so the talent isn’t waiting for me or my team to make a last minute adjustment, while in a compromised position. These days, there’s an intimacy coordinator on set to safeguard what is happening both in front and behind the cameras, but little things, like turning your back immediately after cutting the camera to give the actors privacy, and allow costumes to come in and cover the actors in robes, helps ensure that the actors feel as comfortable and safe as possible.
