Consent is one of the foundational principles of our industry. In its most basic definition, consent is an agreement, or granting of permission for something to happen or be done.
It sounds like a simple concept, but like all things human, there is nuance.
Consent is a voluntary agreement or permission given by a person who has the capacity to make an informed decision, to engage in a specific activity with another person. Consent should be given freely and actively, without coercion, pressure, or manipulation, and with a clear understanding of what is being agreed upon.
This is one of the many ways the process Intimacy Coordination holds space for the filming of Intimate Scenes.
Consent is crucial when it comes to filming intimate scenes because these scenes can involve physical contact and can be emotionally charged. Actors must have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and what will be shown on camera. In addition, they must be comfortable with the level of intimacy and nudity that is required for the scene.
The process of obtaining consent for intimate scenes typically involves detailed conversations between the actors, the director, and the crew. Actors should be informed about the nature of the scene, the level of nudity required, and any physical contact that will occur. They should also have the opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and suggest modifications to the scene if necessary.
It's also important to note that actors have the right to withdraw their consent at any time, even during filming. If an actor becomes uncomfortable with the scene, they should feel empowered to speak up and request changes or adjustments--an Intimacy Coordinator is there to help navigate this.
Consent is an ongoing process that should be continually reaffirmed throughout filming to ensure that all parties are comfortable and respected.
To learn more about the different types of consent, and the process of Intimacy Coordination, keep coming back to the blog!
