The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently revised its guidelines regarding sex scenes after controversy surrounding a scene featuring actress Jenna Ortega, 21, and actor Martin Freeman, 52, in the film “Miller’s Girl,” released in January.
Key Changes: Jenna Ortega’s scenes
- Coordinators of intimacy, responsible for ensuring actors’ well-being during filming, can now only publicly discuss intimate scenes with the actors’ consent.
- The union emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive scenes and actors’ experiences, highlighting the need for permission before sharing such information publicly.
Reasoning Behind the Change:
- The decision stemmed from concerns about protecting actors’ privacy and ensuring their comfort during intimate scenes.
- Unauthorized disclosure of scene details could result in professional consequences, including loss of registration.
Response to Public Criticism:
- Kristina Arjona, the intimacy coordinator for “Miller’s Girl,” defended the film in an interview with the Daily Mail, asserting that Jenna Ortega was comfortable despite the age difference with Martin Freeman.
- Social media users criticized the age gap between the actors, labeling the scenes as “disgusting.”
About the Film:
- “Miller’s Girl” explores the relationship between Cairo Sweet (Jenna Ortega), an 18-year-old, and her creative writing teacher, Jonathan Miller (Martin Freeman).
Conclusion: The SAG-AFTRA’s decision reflects a commitment to ensuring actors’ safety and respecting their boundaries during intimate scenes. By requiring consent for public discussion of such scenes, the union aims to protect actors’ professional reputations and privacy. As discussions around on-set practices continue, it remains crucial to prioritize actors’ well-being and foster a safe working environment in the entertainment industry.
Also Read – Jenna Ortega’s New Film Causes Discomfort with Nudity