Florence Pugh Details Inappropriate Directorial Requests During Intimate Scene Filming
Jakarta – Actress Florence Pugh has revealed experiencing inappropriate requests and directions while filming intimate scenes, despite praising the growing role of intimacy coordinators on set. The 29-year-old actress shared her experiences on The Louis Theroux Podcast, highlighting both positive and negative encounters with professionals tasked with ensuring actor safety and comfort during sensitive filming.
Pugh acknowledged the benefits of skilled intimacy coordinators, stating, “I’ve had great experiences with intimate coordinators. However, I’ve also had bad experiences.” She described instances where large on-set teams present during intimate scenes created an awkward and unproductive atmosphere. “They made everything weird and awkward, and it didn’t help at all. It felt like they wanted to get involved in an unnecessary way, and that didn’t help the process. I think it was a work in progress,” she recalled.
The actress, known for roles spanning self-reliant dramas to blockbuster features like Don’t worry Darling with Harry Styles and Oppenheimer with Cillian Murphy, emphasized that the position of intimacy coordinator is still evolving. She noted receiving requests she now recognizes as inappropriate, even while feeling confident and comfortable advocating for herself.
“I am quite confident, comfortable with my body, and can always make sure my voice is heard. However, there are many things that I now realize how inappropriate it was for me to be asked to do that or directed in that way,” Pugh explained.
Pugh underscored that effective intimacy coordination extends beyond physical safety, contributing to both the narrative quality and the actors’ well-being. “Thru working with the best intimate coordinators, Pugh came to understand how sex scenes could be part of the narrative, not just an obligation,” the article states. She further clarified that a key aspect of the process is understanding the characters’ relationship. “I understand the meaning better, especially when working with a great coordinator on sex scenes,” pugh said. “The goal is to find out the story, what type of intimate relationship they had, how they touched each othre, how long they had known each other,” she explained.
This discussion comes as the film industry increasingly prioritizes on-set safety and boundaries, particularly regarding intimate scenes. The role of the intimacy coordinator, a relatively new profession, aims to bridge the gap between artistic vision and actor comfort, ensuring scenes are filmed ethically and respectfully.Pugh’s comments highlight the ongoing need for clear guidelines and professional development within this evolving field.
