Nudity guidelines given to British film and TV directors

Guidelines for directing nudity and simulated sex in British television and film have been released for the first time.

Created by Directors UK, the guidelines aim to illustrate best practice for directors working with producers, writers, performers, casting directors and intimacy co-ordinators, among others.

The organisation said it recognised that “by nature, auditions are based on a power imbalance” and that “some performers can feel obligated to agree to uncomfortable requests to get a job”.

It comes after actress Emilia Clarke said this week she felt uncomfortable with some of her nude scenes in Game Of Thrones, saying she had arguments about it on set and was told not to “disappoint” fans.

The release of the guidelines also follows the #MeToo movement – which led to widespread allegations of sex abuse against disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein and other high-profile firings.

Directors UK is advising a ban on full nudity in any audition or call back, and no semi-nudity in first auditions.

They instead suggest performers wear a bikini or trunks, and bring a chaperone.

Additionally, if a recall requires semi-nudity, the performer and their agent must be informed 48 hours before, and also be provided the full script.

The performer will also have to give written consent to the production before being filmed or photographed nude or semi-nude.

The new guidelines are supported by industry bodies including Bafta, BFI, and the Casting Director’s Guild.

Directors UK campaigns and engagement manager Natasha Moore said the guidelines were created to encourage directors to “think twice about the environment they create in auditions and on set.”

She continued: “Directors can use their influence to nurture a safe working environment for all and this is keenly felt when rehearsing and filming vulnerable and sensitive scenes.

“The guidelines equip everyone with everything they need to do their job without concern, and it is in this spirit of collaboration that we can all make our best work.”

A statement from Bafta said: “Directors UK were hugely instrumental in shaping the cross-industry bullying and harassment guidance which we published in 2018.

“They’ve really embraced the agenda and have created a suite of additional resources which build on the guidance and help their members not only to tackle poor behaviour when they witness it, but also to recognise their role in creating an environment where bullying, harassment and all kinds of coercive behaviour are not tolerated.”