Nudity?!

Private User
Actor

Hi Guys
Just wanted to get your opinion on Nudity. I'm down to the final few for a lead role in a feature film but the part involves nudity and before I am seen for the final audition I need to let the director know if I'm seriously comfortable with the role. It's more beautiful nudity than sexual(if that makes sense?!) but it would be full frontal. What di I do?!
Advice desperately needed please guys?!
Thanks
Steph x


  • 17 years ago
  • 4,535
  • 37
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Hi Stephlian,

Hmmmn, the choice is entirely yours. What's your gut, instinctive reaction to this? It's great that you have been offered a job and you say the role is "good" and the nudity is tasteful/artistic..etc?

I only know how I instinctively feel about this sort of thing. I can feel when i'm been obbjectified and what comes off a person when they're doing it. I was offered a role in a "good" production a while back. It was for a decent theatre too. When the director asked me how i "felt about nudity" as there was supposedly unavoidable, extremely necessary scene I had to perform with another actor, but in the nude, I said that I should have been notified before the audition of this staging intention. I was p-ed off and so was my agent.

You can dress it up however you like. Simple fact is - when people look at an actor, onstage/screen IN COSTUME (of some sort) that is one thing. When all they are seeing is a naked body, it is your naked body - the "character's" and "yours" and, sadly, some people get quite a power-kick out of that. That is also nothing to do with acting capability.

Yes, there are lots of other arguments/ways of looking at this and I'm only addressing it from my viewpoint. If you want the part I ask you to double-check on whether you truly believe the nudity is vital or just another way of getting bum's-on-seats to the show.

Good Luck,
L


  • 17 years ago
  • 1
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

I think we had a similar thread to this somewhere along the line but to me it would come down to how comfortable you feel with the nudity, will you be ashamed if the footage rears its head in the future, is it REALLY necessary, is the project worth all the worry you are going through, do you really want this part so badly that you would put yourself through something that clearly feels uncomfortable to you?
When all is said and done, it has to be your choice but if you are having doubts then think very carefully before you say yes.
I agree, go with your instincts. Greatest gift ever!
Good luck whatever you decide.
Have a great day
Sasha


  • 17 years ago
  • 2
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

i believe that everybody has a price for everything, and that there is nothing that someone won't do for the right price. So, aswell as all the above reasoning (which i wholly support girls), i encourage to ask yourself this- whats the money like? is it enough to make me strip off? and how badly do i need this cash?

and all the moral and personal stuff too. just trying to make you remember that there's another factor there.

c yer x


  • 17 years ago
  • 3

There is not enough money in the world for some of the stuff I've been asked to do.

I'd say- if you're on here discussing it, it means you have doubts about it.
You're looking for someone to echo your misgivings (I do this all the time).

You have to ask yourself- am I happy with my body? Film isn't necessarily flattering.
Why am I being asked to get naked? Do you get a weird vibe off the director, or was it clear when you applied that there would be nudity?

You have to ask yourself whether your role is as serious as it might be- often ones with nudity tend to be skeletal roles at best- your naked body is relied upon to explain a lot of stuff.

In 90% of cases it isn't absolutely necessary. If you've read the script, love the character and can see why she needs to be nude, that's really different to some student filmmaker chancing his arm at some naked actress flesh...


  • 17 years ago
  • 4
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Another way of looking at this is to say that there's really no longer any taboo about appearing naked on stage, film or TV. If the film is a professional, paid feature and you're satisfied with the script and the production company, why worry? If you've never done a nude scene before it can be surprisingly liberating.

However, if you have the slightest doubt about the project itself, or your own feelings about stripping off for the camera, I'd say don't do it. And this is not only for your own sake but possibly - if he/she IS on the level - for the director's also. Not every director who wants a nude scene is a voyeur, and it seems you've been given plenty of warning of what's required, and therefore the opportunity to discuss the alternatives.

If it really is a good role, it would be silly to turn it down just because of the nudity.


  • 17 years ago
  • 5
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

When it comes to nudity in a film etc I'd always play the 'is it justified?' card. It also depends in how much you believe in the film itself. Personally for the right project I'd shave my head and wear a tutu if I thought it was important that I do for the role. So at least with nuduty you can put your clothes back on, shaved head take a while to grow back...I think I've diverted slightly, yes I agree that you should go with your gut x


  • 17 years ago
  • 6
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

I'm a publicist by trade and I personally don't do any job with nudity.However that is a personal choice.
There is certainly no stigma attached to actors who do nudity anymore you'd be surprised who've disrobed in the past.
However you must consider if the nudity could be viewed as exploitive when viewed out of context..if its non sexual there's a lot less chance of that.Also ask about still images etc.
If you feel that its a serious production by professional people and you're comfortable with it then there is no reason to feel worried about the effect that nudity might have on your career.
If you want specific advice on deals regarding publicity images PM me.I'd be happy to help.

love and luck
James


  • 17 years ago
  • 7
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Some interesting responses to this topic and I just want to say, Chris76 - ? What wouldn't you do for cash? Disturbing. Also, as a 33 year old woman I actually hate being addressed as a "girl", but then I'm sure that's just your patter and you've never thought about it before.

DannyMills - thanks for pointing out, quite rightly, that the issue of nudity is completely different for women. It's sad but true.

I'm just bored and tired of all the sh*ite on screen (theatre is a different medium and should therefore perhaps be addressed separately)where nudity is neither relevent to the character nor the plot and it's just all getting TOO predictable and souless. We could bullsh*t around this topic for hours but I reckon we've all experienced enough of this business to know how it works.

If there are a zillion actors just lining up to fill a part someone else doesn't fancy doing, fine. Let them do it, I don't mind - they're welcome to it.

Come to think about it, I think this is why I've been in a drumming show for the past 2 years - it's the best job I've ever had!It makes my soul happy and people come away feeling good and strong and uplifted - hoorah!

Louise


  • 17 years ago
  • 8
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Dear Stephanie

You say this role is a feature film. I would ask is it a low pay/ no pay feature film or would you be working on a proper Pact/Equity cinema agreement.

If it's a low pay/ no pay feature film I would be very concerned about appearing nude as the contracts for such productions often ask you to sigh nothing more than a waver. Giving you no control over were and for how long this film or your scenes from this film could be shown. Also I would think nude scenes would not send out the right message if used for a show real.

So if it's a low pay/ no pay film I would tell the director to get lost and would not spend any more time worrying about it. You have nice credits on your CV and better roles will come along for you.

If it is a feature film being made on proper Pact/Equity cinema agreement and if you are comfortable with acting in the nude then and only then should you spend time thinking about doing it.

Yes work can be hard to come by but if you are asked to take your clothes of only do on a proper Pact/Equity cinema agreement, do not let people use you. Also you will find that saying no could feel very empowering

Cheers
Sovay


  • 17 years ago
  • 9
Luke Peta
Actor

If it's in the script and relevant do it. It's unprofessional not to. Well in my opinion


  • 17 years ago
  • 10
Lucy Perkins
Actor

Sorry lukep I don't agree. Any idiot can write a script with nudity in it, that doesn't make it relevant or necessary. I think the point here is how professional this particular production is, based on that one can make a decision. Unfortunately women appearing nude is not the same thing as men appearing nude and can have many connotations for the future. Sad but true.
Lx


  • 17 years ago
  • 11
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

I don't think appearing nude *in a legitimate project* has the same negative connotations for either gender anymore.
Its important to make sure that there is no possibility of inappropriate promotional images being used elsewhere. Obviously you can't control unauthorised usage ie screencaps etc but you can make sure that the stuff you are seen as agreeing to do is stuff you're comfortable with.


  • 17 years ago
  • 12
Kate Eden
Actor

I think Sovay sums it up.


  • 17 years ago
  • 13
Private User
This profile is private

I don;t think it is unproffessional if you choose not to go naked even if it is legit.
It is all down to personnal choice ....

If the nudity was valid for a play I was going for , firstly I will be down the gym for a month or so before hand but I would also make sure I was happy to get naked infront of the people I was working with.

If the project is something you really want to do and the nudity isn;t that big a deal for you then go for it... after all we all have the same bits under our clothes!
i would make sure it was filmed and edited well though. the script may make it sound tasteful but as we all know if the post production work is crap then that could change matters.


  • 17 years ago
  • 14
Lucy Perkins
Actor

I agree Alex. What I meant was it very much depends on the standard of the production. I'm sure plenty of actresses have agreed to appear nude in something that later turned out to not be worth it and wasn't done in the vein that was implied/assured and there have been regrets. I'm not speaking from experience, but I imagine that happens a lot. If the overall film is a bit dodgey, in whatever respect, your involvment in it is sometimes pigeon holed with that, unfairly so.
I was just saying that I'd consider carefully the professionalism of the production company before agreeing to get naked for arts sake. Don[t get me wrong I have no problem with nudity actually, but I'm not sure I'd want my naked image associated with something that I'm not happy with in the end, that's all.
Lx


  • 17 years ago
  • 15
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

Interesting how disparate the women's and the men's views are on this...


  • 17 years ago
  • 16

Have a look at the casting board right now- lots of devastatingly beautiful women required to get their kit off.

I wonder, would my accountant worry himself over whether he should do my tax return naked if I offered him enough money?

For most professions nudity isn't really an issue.
However there does seem to be a pervading attitude that actresses are pretty much game for anything- that your values and principles are for sale along with your face etc.

Is it the 17th century?

Also, I don't know about anyone else, but I hate all the nudity etc that's on screen- who's it for?
I'm no prude but I really don't enjoy having to listen to squelchy snogging and watching actors holding their stomachs in.
The industry seems to think that sex sells, but I'm all for the old star trek way of imlying it. Means you can watch it with the inlaws.;)


  • 17 years ago
  • 17
Private User
This profile is private

Wow! Some good responses there! Thanks guys! It's always good to get a second opinion! The film is actually going for DVD release and will hopefully be sold to sky-but I guess we'll see. It's not actually that well paid but there is a fee and a percentage of the profits.
I guess I'm just going to have to think long and hard about this one! But as my agent said, if I'm not 100% sure then I shouldn't do it!!
Cheers for the input
Steph x x


  • 17 years ago
  • 18
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

There's nearly always a way to get round it.

Rachel Griffiths was constantly sleeping with people in six feet under, but never once did she remove her bra. And yet, it didn't look odd.

If the fee's not coming to a few million, don't do it! :o)

As you say, if you're not 100 per cent sure, don't do it. You've asked others before making a decision, so I'd say you weren't.

xx


  • 17 years ago
  • 19
User Deleted
This profile has been archived

two points:

1. to lou4, there is NOTHING i wouldn't do for a certain amount of money, except for animal cruelty and murder. you may find this "DISTURBING", i didn't say however that the fee would be small but when i have billions then i can hide my shameful head on a desert island when you're still waiting for the bus in the rain. i merely said this to illustrate a point and i also think that anyone who believes otherwise is either naive or stupid. money CAN buy you happiness.

anyway, i digress.

2. regarding a huge amount of yet more naive comments from the ladies of this group. yes, i may be shot down in flames for this, but i don't care as this ridiculous notion of nudity being worse for women than men is stuck so far back in victorian times, that i almost choked on my g+t whist reading it. whatever happened to empowerment of women? emily pankhurst is probably screaming at you all from heaven.

the current state of the industry welcomes nudity from both sexes equally, and yet it is when men strip off that the giggles occur. why? i shall tell you, and believe me, as a gay man, bile is rising in my throat even as i say this. it is because at least your bits are neat and tidy and don't look like something added on as an afterthought. don't get me wrong, i enjoy the male nude form as much as the next person. however, as one can see from the screaming yet comical and mickey-taking attitude of ladies to male strippers as opposed to the reverance with which straight men view the female naked body, that the times they are a-changing!

added to this, lets study the ladies who have MADE IT as a result of getting their kit off. Sharon Stone (multi-millionaire), any of the baywatch cast and damn it, two of our most celebrated actresses (dame helen mirren and julie walters) have also shed their outer shell for cash. as far as gentlemen go, ewan mcgregor can't seem to keep his trousers on in any film, but he has no need to hide his splendid member. however, it is insulting of the women of this board to think that we guys have no insecurities about our bodies and that should we strip off, we galavant proudly and are praised by one and all. ABSOLUTE B******T!

so people, join as one and fling your clothes away. prance freely as nature intended! (and i can come and watch you make idiots of yourselves in my winter woolies!)

sorry for this rant guys, i just felt it was a point that needed making. so ladies, stop all the self-pitying-it's boring. and men, be a bit more sensitive.

goodnight kids

x


  • 17 years ago
  • 20
This topic has been locked.
Please note: Messages written in the forum do not represent the views of The Mandy Network, nor have they been vetted by The Mandy Network staff. If you read something which you believe to be offensive or defamatory, please contact us and we will take the appropriate action.