As a part of my job, I am lucky enough to engage in conversations with various actors, producers and directors. Usually, these discussions revolve around the minutiae of work; however, sometimes, we get to delve into more interesting and reflective topics.
Recently, I‘ve been thinking a lot about sex scenes, especially since the opening scene of Showmax’s new show, Adulting, is a sex scene. Consequently, I decided to speak to the cast about the topic.
Warning: This article contains themes of an adult nature and may include images that are considered risqué for illustrative purposes. Reader discretion is advised.
Whenever I talk to the cast and crew of a show about sex scenes, I‘m often met with the same response. It‘s almost as if they‘re reciting a line from a movie. The answer I usually get is some variation of, “When I‘m deciding whether to do a sex scene, I ask myself, ‘Is this really necessary?’”
At the premiere event for Adulting, Nhalnhla Kunene remarked that there are a lot of sex scenes on South African television nowadays, and he often questions if they are necessary to the narrative.
So, are sex scenes necessary?
It is often said that art should imitate life, and sex is a fundamental part of life. Therefore, it is reasonable for most stories about adult lives to include a sex scene, particularly when looking at the romantic aspect.
It is a common assumption in film and television that art imitates life. Consequently, sex and nudity, major components of life, often appear as necessary elements of stories about the adult experience, particularly when exploring the romantic aspects of life.
Most couples do not usually contemplate if having sex is necessary before they do it. People often engage in sexual activity for various reasons, such as feeling bored or aroused or wanting to strengthen their bond with their partner.
In tales of romance and intimate connections, countless motivations could drive a pair to become aroused and yearn for sexual pleasure. This is far more authentic and essential than any attempt to transform a sexual encounter into a profound, significant life lesson.
What goes into filming a sex scene?
Despite the potential for visible body parts in sex scenes in television shows and films, penetration is largely avoided. Protective gear is worn during filming to ensure the actors’ safety. For female actors, this is typically referred to as a “modesty patch“, and for male actors, a sock. In some higher–budget productions, actors required to simulate full frontal nudity may even wear a prosthetic penis.
Kunene, an actor on a television show, expressed his apprehension about shooting a sex scene. However, he and his co–star were determined to give their best performance. The production team provided them with intimacy coaches who worked with them before, during, and after the shoot to ensure their scene was consensual and professional. Kunene shared that both he and his co–star were nervous but they were determined to do their best.
“That’s why the intimacy coaches come in, they take you through the process and how its done. They workshop you and your co-star… ‘which areas can you touch and which areas can you not touch? This area is a green area and this area is a red are, and from there, they show you, ‘ this is what we use in between you guys’, so, we don’t have sex for real,” added Kunene.
Kunene’s explanation was echoed by Thembonkosi Mtehmbu who is currently trending for his opening scene in adulting.
“First and foremost, I tell my girlfriend… the mother of my daughter, that I have scenes like this” quips Mthembu before explaining how he prepares for such scenes.
“You have to be careful, you have to respect your co-star and your mind is usually not even in it!” he adds, mentioning how male viewers often thinki that filming sex scenes with attrcative co-stars is a fun time.
“You mind is not even there because you’re playing a character.”
Luthando expressed that he worked with three different coaches on the show. He took Denzel Washington as an inspiration, noting that even though the actor is highly acclaimed, he still attends acting lessons and works with coaches.
Mthembu hoped to emulate Washington‘s humility, never assuming he knew it all.
The nitty-gritty of sex scenes
A 2022 article by Insider revealed that actors often sign legal contracts before accepting a role that specifies the details of any required nudity. These contracts outline factors such as the type of nudity, the limits on how the footage can be used, and any other pertinent details.
The director and an intimacy coach may choreograph the scene to the last detail, or the actors may decide how to play it out. Improvisation is also sometimes allowed.
If an actor refuses to act in nude scenes, production usually uses body doubles and/or computer–generated imagery (CGI) to finish the scene.
