Andy Serkis says sex scene rules would be 'censorship'
Actors' union is looking at suggestions for how to deal with simulated sex as part of its report on sexual harassment
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andy Serkis has said new rules being proposed this week for the filming of sex scenes could stifle creativity and amount to censorship.
Actors’ union Equity is set to discuss new guidance for intimate scenes on film, TV and stage following the Harvey Weinstein scandal in Hollywood.
In the wake of the accusations against the disgraced producer, many actresses have since come forward to detail uncomfortable or unscripted sex scenes they had felt pressured into doing.
Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence claimed she had once been made to stand nude in a lineup, while Salma Hayek accused Weinstein of forcing her to do a “gratuitous” sex scene with a female co-star during the production of Frida. In a statement responding to her claims Weinstein said he “does not recall” pressuring the star.
The BBC reports that Equity is looking at suggestions for how to deal with simulated sex as part of its report on sexual harassment, which is set to be released in the next two weeks.
Serkis, who has starred in film franchises including Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes and most recently the box office hit Black Panther, spoke on the Bafta awards red carpet where he said: “I think that kind of censorship is censorship of creativity.
“It should be arrived at by the director and the actors involved. They have to find a comfortable way of doing it that will tell the story, because that’s what we are all there to do.
“It would be a shame if actors became so self-conscious about relating to people. You’re there to use your imagination, to create a role. I don’t think that you should be stopped from telling the story.”
Ita O’Brien, an intimacy and movement director, told BBC Radio 5 live: “It’s not about no sex. It’s not about no kissing. It’s not about no nudity. It’s actually allowing all of that to happen but in a safe way that allows for authentic, believable, juicy, passionate sex scenes.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments