In light of recent remarks made by an intimacy coordinator regarding Jenna Ortega’s controversial x-rated scene with Martin Freeman in the film “Miller’s Girl,” SAG-AFTRA has implemented a significant rule change.
“Miller’s Girl” stars Ortega and Freeman in a storyline revolving around 18-year-old writer Cairo Sweet (Ortega) and her teacher Jonathan Miller (Freeman), as their relationship blurs the lines between mentorship and romance. While the film garnered mixed reviews, it was a particular steamy scene, portraying the actors engaging intimately as characters from a story within the film, that sparked widespread discussion.
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions to the scene’s unexpected intensity. One user expressed, “Bro I did not need to see Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman getting it on on the tl,” while another commented, “MILLER’S GIRL SPOILER. This scene is f-ing crazy #jennaortega #MillersGirl.”
In response to the scene’s viral attention, intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona provided insight into the behind-the-scenes process, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the actors’ comfort and consent throughout.
Arjona explained, “There were many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Jenna] to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do.”
However, amidst discussions over the level of n*dity and additional barriers for intimate scenes, SAG-AFTRA has implemented stricter guidelines regarding the confidentiality of actors’ experiences during such scenes.
A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA stated, “Intimacy coordinators are a crucial resource on any set to ensure the protection of our members working in intimate scenes.” While acknowledging the importance of discussing sensitive scenes, the spokesperson emphasized that any such discussion must occur with the actor’s and production’s explicit permission. Unauthorized disclosure of scene work or actors’ experiences without consent is deemed unacceptable.
The Guild’s updated Standards and Protocols for the use of Intimacy Coordinators underscore the paramount importance of maintaining actors’ privacy and ensuring their consent is respected at all times.
