Performers in the gaming industry have shared their concerns about being asked to work on explicit content without prior notice. This includes scenes depicting sexual assault, which can be distressing for actors who are not informed in advance. In modern games, these scenes are often created by recording human actors who are then transformed into digital characters.
Jessica Jefferies, a casting director, talked about her experience of being asked to film a graphic rape scene without warning. She found the request disgusting and refused to participate. She believes that actors should receive detailed information about intimate scenes beforehand to avoid discomfort and ensure better performances.
Equity, a performing arts union, has created guidelines to address these issues. They recommend providing actors with a summary of the story, scripts in advance, offering closed sets for sensitive scenes, and engaging intimacy coordinators.
Some games, like Baldur’s Gate 3, have taken steps to ensure the well-being of performers during explicit scenes by employing intimacy coordinators. These coordinators help actors feel more comfortable and supported while filming challenging scenes.
Overall, the industry is moving towards better practices to protect performers. While there are still challenges to overcome, initiatives like Equity’s guidelines are making a positive impact on how explicit content is handled in video games.
Vocabulary List:
- Explicit /ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ (adjective): Stated clearly and in detail leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
- Distressing /dɪˈstrɛs.ɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing anxiety or sorrow; upsetting.
- Guidelines /ˈɡaɪd.laɪnz/ (noun): A general rule principle or piece of advice.
- Engaging /ɪnˈɡeɪ.dʒɪŋ/ (verb): Participating or becoming involved in.
- Performers /pərˈfɔːr.mərz/ (noun): Individuals who perform especially in front of an audience.
- Coordinators /koʊˈɔːr.dɪ.neɪ.tərz/ (noun): Individuals who organize and arrange activities.
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