Bridgerton returns to our screens this Friday, March 25th for a second season.
The show’s first season was filled with steamy sex scenes, but the second season will not be as raunchy.Â
Ever wonder how those intimate scenes are actually filmed? Then keep reading…
Sex experts at MegaPleasure have analysed the process of filming sex scenes, and shared their insights into the production of them.
Take a look:
More takes than you may think
Although a sex scene may only last a minute or two on screen, the behind the scene process often takes days to film properly!
From makeup and touch-ups to lighting and a change in direction, the production process is not as simple as it may appear and the actors involved may have to redo the same sex scene dozens of times to get the perfect shot.
Agreed nudity contracts
Prior to casting, any nudity and simulated sex scenes are outlined in detail so the actors can review the needs of the role accordingly, only signing the contract if they are comfortable to go ahead.
If the actor is not willing to participate in the sex scenes, there is potential to use body doubles and/or CGI to get the desired shots without having to recast.
Use of trained intimacy coordinators
To help actors feel more comfortable, the number of crew members on set is kept to a minimum so those involved can work on ‘closed sets’ with added privacy.
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.
Netballs to create distance
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 during filming
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 nipple 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.
Extra mints during kissing scenes
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 and water spray
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 to keep actors warm
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.
Preventing genitalia from touching
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.
