Hollywood Prepares for CGI Sex Scenes to Prevent Coronavirus Transmission

The novel coronavirus pandemic may completely change the way sex scenes are filmed in Hollywood. According to The Sun, when California studios reopen on June 12, producers will have to rethink “close contact moments” in order to avoid transmission of COVID-19 between actors. A 22-page document from the film editors’ association reveals that these moments, including sex scenes and other intimate moments, must be “either rewritten, abandoned, or [produced using] CGI” in the months ahead. All that’s to say: get ready to see more digitally-edited butts.

Hollywood productions have been shut down since March, but last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom gave studios the green light to resume filming on June 12 — provided that they abide by social distancing guidelines. According to an in-depth document circulated by the film editors’ union, sex scenes will need to be rethought in order to ensure the safety of all actors. In addition, all crew members will be required to wear masks, visors, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) and will be instructed to frequently wash their hands. These rules will be enforced by “coronavirus compliance officers,” who will be present on-set at all times.

On June 1, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers’ Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee Task Force released similar guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 once production resumes. The Task Force proposed frequent testing, and widespread use of PPE, as well as “special considerations” for cast and crew working in close quarters. While the report does not specifically mention sex scenes, it does recommend that these moments be readjusted on the front or back-ends: “Consider measures to minimize scenes with close contact between performers, such as amending scripts or use of digital effects.”

The Daily Mail reports that even though Gov. Newsom has permitted production to resume on June 12, “it remains unclear when actual work will restart given the fact that Los Angeles county has struggled to contain viral outbreaks.” In recent days, L.A. county, where the bulk of productions are filmed, has seen an uptick in positive coronavirus cases and confirmed deaths. On Friday, Newsom said that California counties have each been given final approval on reopening studios, which means that the decision will be up to  Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officer Dr. Barbara Ferrer.

Ferrer has yet to make a final determination about L.A. County’s studios reopening, but over the weekend, she said that the past few days have seen “a slight increase” in coronavirus-related hospitalizations, a concerning trend. “We’ll need to make sure that we’re not starting to see a significant increase in the number of people requiring hospitalizations,” said the public health official.