Actresses have revealed their traumatic experiences performing “disgusting” explicit scenes for video games, including rape and sexual assault scenes, in front of studios full of men.
Jessica Jefferies recalled being once presented with a “graphic rape scene” without warning and being the only woman on set.
Performing arts union Equity has called for improved warnings for video game actors who will be taking part in intimate scenes, by offering closed sets with minimal access and employing intimacy coordinators.
Ms. Jeffries, now a casting director in the video game industry, told the BBC She called the scene – in which players watched through a window for as long as they wanted before shooting the attacker – “purely gratuitous”.
Actors often perform video game scenes, including sex scenes, in person before converting them to digital format later in the production line.
Actors often perform video game scenes, including sex scenes, in person using motion capture suits (seen in an archive image) before converting them to digital form later in the production line.
Equity consulted Ms Jeffries on drafting new guidelines for video game actors, which address other “common issues” including the overuse of non-disclosure agreements and security concerns.
An anonymous voice actress welcomed the recommendations, recalling that she felt “shocked” while filming a sex scene in front of an all-male production crew, and compared the experience to how she would feel if she was asked to work on a phone sex line.
She added that she was afraid to raise her concerns as a freelancer for fear of being seen as a troublemaker.
Ms Jeffries explained that before a shoot she was often told only the days she wanted to be filmed and was not given a script.
Reflecting this, Equity requests that actors be provided with a story brief and scripts prior to filming where possible, and that explicit scenes be brought to the attention of those involved.
An anonymous voice actor recalled feeling “shocked” while filming a sex scene in front of an all-male production crew (file image)
Ultimately, after Jeffries objected to the scene he was asked to film, it was not shot, but the union asked that a safe line of communication be established between producers and performers to address any concerns in advance.
She also recommended that actors be given the option of a closed set, with an intimacy coordinator available for any explicit scenes.
Ms Jeffries and Equity said giving actors more information before filming would better prepare them, resulting in better performances and bringing standards in line with those of the film and television industry.
In publishing its guidelines, Equity said: ‘Our goal is to ensure fair pay and good working conditions for artists who have spent years training to develop the skills they use to bring video games to life.
‘We urge Equity members to demand these minimum standards and invite studios and developers to work with us on collective agreements that protect everyone and ensure the UK games industry continues to thrive.’
UKIE, the UK trade association for the games and interactive entertainment industry, has been contacted for comment.
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