Nollywood producer and filmmaker Biodun Stephen has said producers and directors should not be held responsible for protecting actors’ marriages from challenges that may arise from professional demands, including intimate scenes.The filmmaker made the comments while responding to criticism surrounding kissing scenes in Nollywood films. She argued that actors and their spouses should understand the realities of the entertainment industry before deciding to pursue or support an acting career.
Producer says actors can reject intimate scenes
Biodun Stephen explained that actors have the right to decline roles or scenes that conflict with their personal beliefs or boundaries.According to her, some actors may be comfortable with kissing scenes, while others may choose not to participate in them for personal or religious reasons.She maintained that the decision should be respected by filmmakers, provided the actor communicates their boundaries clearly.
‘My job is not to break anyone’s home’
The filmmaker said her primary responsibility as a producer or director is to ensure that actors are treated professionally and presented appropriately on screen.She explained that intimate scenes may sometimes be necessary to make a storyline believable and help audiences connect with the emotions and chemistry between characters.However, she stressed that actors who choose the profession, as well as their spouses, must understand the demands that may come with the job.Biodun Stephen argued that couples should discuss and establish their boundaries regarding scenes such as kissing and physical intimacy, rather than shifting the responsibility to filmmakers.She also noted that her responsibility is to protect actors professionally during production and not to take responsibility for the state of their marriages.
Biodun Stephen defends creative freedom in filmmaking
The producer further explained that kissing is not a central feature of her filmmaking style because she prefers to create movies that families can watch together.However, she said she would not completely rule out such scenes if they were important to a particular story.Her comments have reignited the debate over intimacy in Nollywood films and the extent to which professional acting roles should be separated from actors’ personal relationships.
Conclusion
Biodun Stephen believes actors and their spouses must take responsibility for managing the personal impact of professional acting roles, including intimate scenes. While filmmakers should respect actors’ boundaries, she says protecting an actor’s marriage is not part of a producer or director’s professional responsibility.
CLICK HERE TO COMMENT
Leave a Reply