Educate Yourself: Your Rights Regarding Scenes Involving Nudity or Simulated Sex 

Did you know that SAG-AFTRA requires at least 48-hour notice be given to an actor prior to filming a scene that involves nudity or simulated sex? This allows time for the actor, oftentimes with the help of an intimacy coordinator, to gather details about the scene to make an informed decision about what they are or are not comfortable with, reminds Samantha J. McDonald, a SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local Board member and certified intimacy coordinator.

“These agreed-upon details are then put into a legal document called a nudity, or simulated sex, rider that is then attached to your contract to further protect you,” said McDonald. “This rule prevents productions from putting actors in a position of being asked to do something ‘on the day of’ and them having to respond without ample time to think things through.”  

Check out the SAG-AFTRA Sex, Nudity and You member booklet for more information about your rights when it comes to hyper-exposed work, information about auditions, closed set definitions and more.  

This item was originally featured in the Winter 2021 Atlanta Local Newsletter.