Have you ever wondered how your favourite actors are doing the deed during scenes in shows such as during those steamy sex Bridgerton, Normal People and Euphoria? We tell you just how these TV sex scenes are filmed.
Sexperts Megapleasure has conducted the following research into the production process behind TV’s steamiest scenes and it’s not all as straightforward as it seems.
Behind the Scenes Set-Up
Whilst a scene may only last a minute or two on-screen the behind the scenes process often takes a number of days to film properly. There’s makeup, touch-ups (not those kinds) all the way to lighting and direction changes. The actors involved may have to shoot the same sex scene dozens of times to get the perfect shot or combination of shots.
Agreed Nudity Contracts
Before shooting begins all nudity and sex scenes are outlined in detail within a contract that will only be signed if the participant are absolutely comfortable with proceeding. If the actor is not willing to participate in the scene body doubles / CGI will be used to get the desired shots without having to recast.
Practical effects in some cases can be used, one such recent example would be Lily James in Pam and Tommy who despite having being nude on screen before had to wear a prosthetic pair of breasts to mimic Pamela Anderson’s.
Trained Intimacy Coordinators
To help make the actors feel more comfortable crew members on set are kept to a minimum for added privacy at the time of shooting.
An intimacy coordinator will be around to specifically help with intimate scenes, making the process more comfortable and ensuring that all of the necessary safety precautions are taken.
The Netball Trick
During season two of Bridgerton, half-deflated netballs were used to keep a distance between the two actors involved in the sex scene.
This helps the actors maintain a sense of personal space yet is not apparent in the final cut, creating a realistic-looking scene thanks to the clever angles used.
Modesty Patches
As much as it may appear that way, actors are unlikely to be fully naked when filming sex scenes are discreet coverings are used during filming for their modesty.
Nipple daisies are used to cover an actor’s areola and you will notice that only the side of the breast is visible during the final cut. Flesh coloured underwear is also commonly worn, being matched to the skin tone of the actor to make them practically invisible and being long enough to even cover the thigh.
Minty Fresh
To make the experience as pleasant as possible for the actors involved in kissing scenes, they are provided with mints or chewing gum to freshen up their breath ready for the big moment.
This is especially used if one of the actors has just taken a cigarette break, avoiding those awkward moments of bad breath as they get up close and personal!
Glycerine Dream
To bring the vision of a hot and steamy night of passion to life, fake sweat is produced to make the scene as convincing as possible.
A mixture of glycerin and water is made and sprayed onto the skin of the actors, creating the illusion of beads of sweat which is perfect for those vigorous sex scenes.
Heat Pads Aplenty
With the scenes taking longer than they may appear to film, keeping the nude actors warm during filming is important for their comfort.
Between takes, actors are given robes that have heat pads underneath to keep their bodies warm and minimise discomfort wherever possible.
Social Distancing Of the Genital Kind
Actors will be given a hibue or shibue to wear which is a strapless thong that sticks to their pelvis. This acts as a barrier to prevent the genitalia from touching, maintaining privacy as well as aligning with health and safety requirements.
The subtle design is held in place by a washable and reusable silicone gel adhesive which makes it virtually invisible during the filming process.
