It's common for actors to get aroused while filming sex scenes, and it can put an entire production on hold

• David Thackeray, an intimacy coordinator, told Insider how arousal is handled behind the scenes.
• Though an actor's arousal during sex scenes can put a production on hold, it's normal and expected.
• Approaching arousal with professionalism and ample communication is key during production.

Sex scenes are commonplace in many films and television shows, but the process of capturing one can be more complex when an actor becomes aroused on set.

According to one intimacy coordinator — a professional who guides actors and the crew through scenes with simulated sex and nudity — it's normal that filming these kinds of acts evokes many emotions, including arousal.

Insider spoke with David Thackeray, an intimacy coordinator for studios like Netflix, Warner Bros, Apple TV, BBC, and HBO, to find out what happens when a member of the cast is aroused while working on a sex scene.

Arousal while filming sex scenes is normal — and there's protocol for dealing with it

Thackeray explained that arousal is very normal when filming sex scenes, telling Insider that actors "are going through the physical and the mind, so yeah, it happens."

He said the key to handling any resulting arousal on set is professionalism. Thackeray explained that intimacy coordinators follow specific protocols to handle arousal, just like they do with most aspects of filming intimate content.

Thackeray said that during sex scenes, a time-out can be called for a number of reasons, including choreography that's gone off course, a modesty garment that has come undone, or arousal.

When this happens, it's the job of an intimacy coordinator to honor the actors' needs and normalize what they're experiencing.

We just make "it really clear that's normal and that the worst thing you can do is carry on," Thackeray said. "So we call that a time-out. Give them five minutes then I come in and check in … Then we come back into it when they're ready."

Intimacy coordinators let the cast and crew know that arousal is a possibility before shooting

In addition to helping cast members, part of an intimacy coordinator's job is informing the crew about the possibility of an actor becoming aroused during a scene and being there for anyone who may feel uncomfortable.

"Just making sure it's out in the room by going, 'Hey, this can happen,'" Thackeray said. "The worst thing we can do is gawk or make it a massive deal. I will say for the crew as well, making sure they're aware of what scene is being shot, what nudity is gonna be seen. You don't want them to be surprised."

In addition to understanding what the day will entail, Thackeray said, communicating that the crew can also call a time-out is imperative when filming an intimate scene. 

This story was originally published on February 18, 2022.