Nudity and Actors

overnighttolondon

overnighttolondon

Well-known member
Hey guys

I've got a project coming up with an intimate scene that involves some nudity. Any tips on how to make this run smoothly, especially in terms of making the actors comfortable, etc?

Maybe I'll start the list off here:
-> Be really explicit with what's going to happen in the scene, what's required of the actors, and especially what's going to appear in the final image (in fact, I should probably write that right into the release)
-> Make sure the actors know that they can stop things / change things at any time - take a break from the scene, ask any crewmember to leave the room (we'll shoot with a skeleton crew - me, the DP, and some C-Stands)
 
this also depends on the experience of the actors.

I wouldnt bring too much attention to the awkwardness. Let them do their job. Give them a closed set. Dont giggle or joke between takes.

Its the actors job to do what they need to do. its your job to just remove the roadblocks to that.
 
I suggest that you go to your local strip joint and try to get some girls. Just tell them your a film maker, they love that, and they'll be happy to be involve in the film. The problem is, can they act, I'd do a screen test, you don't want a stripper ruining your movie.


But only do this if the scene involves minor characters, but if you have major characters I wouldn't go that route. It's tough to get actors to be that intimate on an indie film, but if they are pros than they'll do it if they really believe in the project. Are you paying them..? Because if not, you might have a harder time getting them in the nude.. Good luck man.
 
Actors are cast from amateur / aspiring professionals (non-union, but with experience). I'm casting this weekend, and the ad made note of the nudity requirement. I don't need anything too explicit from them though. And yeah it's just a two-character short, they're the leads.
 
overnighttolondon said:
Actors are cast from amateur / aspiring professionals (non-union, but with experience). I'm casting this weekend, and the ad made note of the nudity requirement. I don't need anything too explicit from them though. And yeah it's just a two-character short, they're the leads.
Click to expand...

Good luck.
Some people freeze up once they have to strip down. And be smart... don't make them strip during the casting call.

Not that I assume you'd be that rude, of course!

David Kuznicki
Production Manager, WGTE-TV30
 
just be a professional about. if its a female treat her with care. do to her needs and make her feel relaxed and important with out bounds (because you are making them strip to their bare essentials.) just take care of them and comfort is important also if they wont do it remeber to shoot creatively to get something out of and still use those actors.
 
Everytime I have been on set for a nude scene it has been different. Sometimes it is quiet and professional, othertimes everyone is joking and just having a fun time with it. It really depends on the actors. Tell em what you need them to do, don't be bashful, and let them lead what sort of mood is created.

(BTW, don't forget your soundguy needs to be there).

Good luck
 
Wabbit got the ticket... It really does depend on the comfort level of the female actor. I've only had a couple of the situations, but they were worlds apart. In the first one, the very up-tight actress demanded that the director operate the camera and would only agree to specific blocking. The scene turned out for poo poo. The second situation involved a truely professional and uninhibited actor. She pulled her shirt off at the git go and after we all got over the fact we had a free look at titties, we went back to work and made a very cool scene.

If you are casting for nudity, make up your mind if you want unihibited sexuality or uptight, self concious nudity. You can find actors for ever level in between. Just be up front and professional.
 
Have a robe ready for any actors who will be removing their clothes! This is essential! It's an often overlooked thing to bring.
 
basically, make the potential cast memebers aware of any racy or controversial things that may be needed before they even audition or are considered. as long as they are cool and comfortable with it, no problem.

i think that it's heavily dependent on:

a) their nature/personality

b) your personality, and dedication to the cause (the film and the scenes in question)

if it's a really artistic scene, you may find an artistic actor that appreciates it. if it's a b-movie slasher shower scene, you may need to find someone who just enjoys being nekkid, and/or will take payment for it.

expand your contacts and talent pool as much as possible, so you can find a few edgey artists/actors available. i find it's also easier when you've worked with someone before, or otherwise developed their trust through prior presence....or if your prior product/s on display is just so good that actors can't wait to remove their threads and get in front of the lens.

I shoot fine art nude photography a lot, and generally if someone sees an image like http://mediatribe.kavefish.net/fineart/twist1 or http://mediatribe.kavefish.net/fineart/web_000lisared1btag_copy2 they see i'm much more interested in lighting and composition than the fact that there's nekkid people in the room.

And I also don't usually ask people to do stuff that I wouldn't do (unless they have something they are wanting to do on their own), which makes some people more comfortable. Though i'm not handsome, I've helped some friends test their photography by posing, and been approached by a local filmmaker to be a body double in a quick nude clip in an upcoming project. Whatever, it's tateful enough, and it's these people's art....i think that perspective and lack of hypocrisy helps with some models sometimes. Of course, I don't really bring up my own past voluntary experiences to my talent - cuz that could be construed as creepy - unless it's appropriate for the person and situation, and of interest to them for reassuring reasons.
 
Yea you gotta find someone who is realy open to the idea. I needed a Full nude for a project once, I found an exhibitionist girl i knew, and it was EASY. another project needed a pair of beautiful legs, i hired a girl, no face, nothing above the mid thigh, butshe couldnt deal with the camera being below her ass. so it was tough.

its all the person.
 
for a short i just filmed - when it came time to film nude scene the actress asked all persons that stayed on set to get nude too ... that pretty muched cleared the set ...
 
yeah that's been the case for me a couple times.....but the model/talent's gotta suggest it....if the crew suggests it, it may just be creepy, lol.
 
From a different perspective, I had a "friend" who cast her movie with actors, expecting to do a nude scene. She explained it beforehand, although not very clearly. And then about two days before, her actress balked. Backed out of the scene and wouldn't do it. At this point, she'd already shot footage. Whoops.
Get someone who's done it before, or be REALLY sure they'll do it. You don't need your film ruined by squeamishness.
2c
 
I did an AIDS Awareness spot once in which a young guy comes in from a nite of fun and starts musing about all that happened. Getting undressed to shower he starts thinking to himself … Wow whata’ great time ... well the musing excites to a frenzied washing with the fear of AIDS "Damn the Spot" 'kinda thing ...

Well, I cast a guy model who I've used 3-4 times before and he's also a stripper. But the "clients" who were into guys like that, were moaning under their breath ... OOOhhh.. Oh my God. U know.
My professional friend, pro model & stripper ask me to ask the Clients to leave!! .... SO I did. They vanished for 15 min. (yuck) and came back after we were done.

The moral of the story is don't let the PA's (or DP) or clients moan with interest.
 
Woohoooo Micah, that 2nd chick is hot!!! I'd buy that for a dollar!

Do you ever get into any cool lighting or compositional stuff too?
 
spidey said:
just be a professional about. if its a female treat her with care. do to her needs and make her feel relaxed and important with out bounds (because you are making them strip to their bare essentials.) just take care of them and comfort is important also if they wont do it remeber to shoot creatively to get something out of and still use those actors.
Click to expand...

well put. Comfort is key in this situation. You want the actors to really trust you and what you're doing. I think that if you can get a great amount of respect and trust running between actor and director, only great things can follow.

You just have to care about the actors and how they feel about the scene. Let them know that you're not just trying to put them in a very awkward situation, and that you are simply doing it because of your creative views and because the script calls for it.
 
and also take into consideration all of the other advice given in this thread, because it's all good stuff! especially the robe idea. You definately want to have something for them to cover up with!
 
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