Intimacy coordinator explains what happens if an actor becomes aroused when filming a sex scene

Sex scenes can be pretty saucy when filmed correctly, and it’s very steamy for the audience to see when the film or show is released.

But what about for the actors?

When the scene is so believable, it’s only natural for someone to feel aroused, I mean, they’re literally pretending to do the deed with an equally hot co-worker.

It’s a dream.

However, getting a hard on probably isn’t the professional thing to do, so certain measures need to be taken in order to keep the soldier down.

On every set that has a sexy scene, an intimacy coordinator will be present to make sure that the actors understand what they’re about to do and feel comfortable while acting.

These things are called ‘modesty garments and Backstage explained the function: “Modesty garments are coverings or full-body makeup can shield certain body parts from the camera and prevent genital-on-genital contact, which is strictly prohibited on union sets.”

However, they might not be fully working when an actor gets a stiffy.

Getting aroused is a normal part of the job. Oleksandr Sharkov / Getty Images

Speaking to Backstage, Alicia Rodis, who is an intimacy coordinator explained that she keeps her own stash of modesty garments for use on set: “We take a shibue, open it up, and put a silicone guard underneath so everyone becomes like a Barbie doll.”

While men tend to wear a ‘sock’, it’s not the best thing to prevent a hard on as it’s soft and made out of fabric.

So, it would be obvious if a guy were to become ‘excited’ so to say.

Speaking to Business Insider, David Thackery explained that because of the mindset involved when filming those types of scenes, it’s bound to happen at some point.

If an actor is aroused, they call for a quick break. Andrew Bret Wallis / Getty Images

He said that actors ‘are going through the physical and the mind, so yeah, it happens.’

In those instances, production will stop on the scene and Thackery explained: “We just make it really clear that’s normal and that the worst thing you can do is carry on, 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.”

He then expressed that once the actor is ready to resume, the crew can choose to call a time-out when filming if they notice arousal too.

He said that it’s an entirely normal part of filming sex scenes and he doesn’t want anyone to feel embarrassed or as though they have done something wrong.

The actors are coached through the scenes so they are comfortable. zhihao / Getty Images

Instead, he said: “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 going to be seen. You don’t want them to be surprised.”

In other news, the Screen Actors Guild reportedly had to change its rules regarding intimacy coordinators after details about a controversial sex scene were shared.

According to Deadline, intimacy coordinators could be dismissed if they do not maintain discretion about their work.

It comes after details about certain scenes in Miller's Girl, starring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman, were discussed with the press by its on-set coordinator.

It’s a pretty professional gig to get into.

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