In an astonishing revelation, Aubrey Plaza, renowned actress and star of The To Do List (2013), recently shared a startling experience she encountered during the filming of the movie. What began as the expectation of a simulated masturbation scene turned into an uncomfortable reality for Plaza when she was unexpectedly asked to engage in the act itself.
In a resurfaced interview with Conan O’Brien, originally conducted as part of The To Do List’s promotional tour, Plaza bravely opened up about the scene and its unforeseen nature. O’Brien, inquiring about the challenging nature of shooting such a scene, questioned Plaza on her approach, acknowledging the inherent strangeness of simulating such an intimate act for the camera.
To Plaza’s surprise, she explained that the masturbation scene was not merely a simulation as she had initially anticipated while reading the script. Instead, she found herself on set, in her underwear and a Clinton t-shirt, with the camera mounted on the ceiling, and surrounded by a crew of older men smoking. Contrary to her expectations, Plaza was asked to touch herself on camera, right in front of the crew.
The implications of such a situation raise significant concerns. Plaza eloquently points out the problematic nature of being paid to perform sexual acts, as it undermines genuine consent and introduces power imbalances, particularly when the person in a position of authority is making the request. The pressure and potential threat to one’s livelihood make it even more challenging to truly give consent.
Adding to the discomfort is the fact that Plaza’s character in The To Do List portrays a teenager. While the film’s premise revolves around a high school graduate’s quest for sexual experiences before college, the actual depiction of Plaza, dressed up and acting as a teen, engaging in an explicit act is nothing short of a sick joke. It’s worth noting that, disturbingly, the term “teen” often vies with “lesbian” as one of the most searched and watched porn categories, further amplifying the issue.
Plaza’s experience stands in stark contrast to the evolving practices in the film industry, where steps are being taken to prioritize the comfort and well-being of actors. The use of prosthetics and modesty barriers has become more prevalent to ensure that performers feel protected and respected during sensitive scenes. However, Plaza’s encounter demonstrates a clear deviation from these evolving norms.
Reading about Plaza’s ordeal is unsettling enough, let alone experiencing it firsthand. Her expectation of a discreet scene, where her hand would slowly vanish from the frame, was shattered upon arrival. Instead, she was faced with a demanding full-body shot and the directive from the director to masturbate, precisely as stated in the script.
Plaza’s revelation sheds light on the need for ongoing conversations and improved industry practices regarding the treatment of actors, especially in scenes that involve intimacy and vulnerability. By sharing her experience, Plaza not only exposes a troubling incident but also contributes to the larger discourse on consent, power dynamics, and the importance of fostering safe environments in the filmmaking process.
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