How are kissing and intimate scenes being filmed during COVID-19?
By Sandy C.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, how is Hollywood handling the filming of kissing and intimate scenes?
COVID-19 forced Hollywood to pause the filming of all TV shows and movies. Everything is slowly returning to normal, but this doesn’t mean extreme measures aren’t being taken, especially when handling intimate scenes.
If precautions were taken before, imagine how filming must be done today! From handshakes to sex, Hollywood is a different world behind the scenes.
In a recent interview with Variety, actor Jesse Metcalfe shared what it is like filming in today’s complex world, including scenes that were already tricky to shoot before.
Filming intimate scenes is not what it used to be
Jesse Metcalfe is currently filming the Hallmark TV movie Ships in the Night and shared with the source some of the protocols.
The production for Ships in the Night was delayed from March and was only recently able to resume filming. But before anyone from the cast can return to set, they needed to pass a COVID-19 test.
Even after passing the test, each actor and crew member is required to spend 14 days in quarantine, just in case they contracted the coronavirus whole on the flight or their way to the hotel. Think it’s over after that? Not even close.
The cast and crew aren’t allowed to leave the filming location until the job is finished to lower the risk of getting sick. And about those kissing scenes…
Metcalfe shares there are certain protocols for any type of intimate scene and that that’s a lot that goes into it.
"“I do have one kiss in the movie. We’re going through a rigorous protocol. We both got COVID tested again. And then, we’re using a topical spray on our faces that I guess kills the virus. And we’re also using a special mouthwash after the kissing scene.”"
Will it always be this way? I don’t think so. But it will be a long while before Hollywood returns to what it used to be. Still, did you imagine filming protocols were this extreme?