Featured Image Credit: Lionsgate
Topics: Jenna Ortega, Film and TV
Callum Jones
Following comments made by an intimacy coordinator about Jenna Ortega’s controversial x-rated scene with Martin Freeman, one major rule has been made by SAG-AFTRA.
Miller's Girl stars Ortega and Freeman and follows young writer 18-year-old Cairo Sweet (Ortega) opposite her teacher Jonathan Miller (Freeman).
And you can probably see where this is going, as the flick focuses on the pair's relationship as the lines between professor and protege begin to meddle together.
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The film's plot itself received a mixed reception from audiences, but there was one particular scene that's had a lot of people talking, which sees the two actors engage in a steamy scene as characters from a story that Sweet has written rather than their characters in the film.
Nonetheless, this didn't stop social media users expressing their shock at the scene.
“Bro I did not need to see Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman getting it on on the tl,” one user wrote.
“MILLER’S GIRL SPOILER. This scene is f-ing crazy #jennaortega #MillersGirl,” another added.
After the scene quickly became viral, intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona responded to the criticism it had received, and shared information on the behind-the-scenes process.
She told the Daily Mail: "There was many, many people throughout this process, engaging with [Jenna] to make sure that it was consistent with what she was comfortable with, and she was very determined and very sure of what she wanted to do.
"Part of my job too is supporting her decisions. I adapt to whatever is the comfort level of my actors, especially on a production like this where there is a large age gap between the actors.
"I'm hyper aware of both of my talent and making sure that we're consistently checking in and that at no point are any of their boundaries being surpassed. "And again, making sure - especially with someone who's significantly younger - that they are giving continuous consent."
Arjona said that there were discussions with the leads over the 'level of nudity' and the 'additional barriers' that would be placed for the intimate scenes.
She added that there was also a discussion with the cast and crew - as well as a test audience - to see if the nudity was 'too much'.
But now, intimacy coordinators could possibly see themselves out of a job if they are indiscreet with the privacy of the actors and filmmakers they work with.
The Guild has subsequently tightened up its Standards and Protocols for the use of Intimacy Coordinators - particularly when it comes to confidentially.
SAG-AFTRA spokesperson told Deadline: "Intimacy coordinators are a crucial resource on any set to ensure the protection of our members working in intimate scenes."
While there may be a reason for an intimacy coordinator to discuss the ins-and-outs of a risqué scene, it will not be allowed to happen without the actor's and production's permission.
"Intimacy coordinators should maintain the confidentiality of an actor’s work and experience in performing highly sensitive scenes unless they have the actor’s permission to publicly share this information." they said, adding that 'public release' of the 'scene work' without the actor's consent is 'unacceptable'.
UNILAD has contacted SAG-AFTRA and Kristina Arjona for comment.