Jae Taylor's Lounge Discussions

I ask actresses to plan and layout how to execute the scene. I do this outta respect for my team. I also do this so I can never be accused of anything later. There is zero coercion, weird power plays or obligation. You called the shots for that scene. I shoot what you choreographed the way you felt it best be done. This has resulted in passion scenes being cut entirely. After working with the male actor for a period she felt uncomfortable being physically intimate. Expressed this to me in private and the scene was cut. Easy. This has also led for some very natural and passionate moments. Sadly, we've got people being taking advantage of on set and we have people taking advantage after the shoot for power and attention.

Ashley Renee Smith Personally, I don’t think this is an HR issue, it’s about the integrity of the director/actor relationship. It seems that we are creating a rule for an exception, which is never a good thing. We aren’t talking about the casting couch of Harvey Weinstein here, which I think has coloured the view of the director/actor relationship, but a professional alliance. As Stephen Follows records - and who are we to doubt his statistical eloquence and accuracy - only 1.9% of films had a credited Intimacy Coordinator in 2023.

If there is doubt about a scene’s necessity, then that comes out at the read, or before that, when the director is talking about the role with the actor, one-to-one. Or like Jae Taylor has just written (Hi Jae!) it is assessed and choreographed by the actor in discussion with the director.

I’m not saying every production with intimacy needs a coordinator, but I like this quote from the article: “If you’re wondering if you need to hire an Intimacy Coordinator for your next production, then you probably do.”

A director has a conflict of interest-- wanting the best scene and best movie possible. That could, and probably often does, cloud judgment. Such scenes may not be 'action' scenes but they are rife with risk.

I've directed more than my share of intimate scenes over the years. Most everything I write tends to include erotic elements and love scenes. The only issues I've confronted were with actors who have emotional/mental issues that create barriers to trusting the director. However, trust is key between actors and directors, regardless of what type of scene is being filmed. I need my cast to feel like I'm in the trenches with them and that I have their backs no matter what. The one time I hired someone to ensure the actors were handling everything well actually created more problems for me. But I'm open to trying it again if needed.

You're welcome, Kerson Raymond. Alright, cool.

Hi Kerson Raymond thanks for the uplifting post and looking forward to seeing your positive vibes in the community :)

Welcome back, Kerson Raymond! And really, kudos - we all need a chance to take a beat, reassess, and come back stronger. Actually, I just wrote a blog about the importance of updating one's Stage 32 Profile:

https://www.stage32.com/blog/take-the-work-out-of-networking-the-importance-of-a-polished-stage-32-profile-3639

You're ahead of the curve! Keep at it, and when you have a chance, definitely check out some of the topical Lounges. I think you'd particularly enjoy the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing) and the Producing Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/producing). Be sure to scroll through as we host weekly "Ask Me Anything" threads - I think you'll enjoy them as a free resource on your creative journey!

It's lovely to meet you, Kerson Raymond! Congratulations on all your accomplishments and the headway you've made within the industry. I went to your profile. I commented and rated some of your loglines. When you have time, please check out my profile. This year, I'm receiving all the positive energy for success and endless opportunities. I hope you don't mind, but I added you to my network. Welcome back again!

Hi Kerson! Nice to meet you here

I think stage 32 could be that tinder.

You're welcome, Jae Taylor. Your takeaway #3 didn't show up.

I think the problem is twofold. There's the industry's well-known disdain for writers coupled with the fact that it has never really taken the horror genre seriously. But horror is a genre that has always attracted writer/directors, perhaps more than most genres. John Carpenter, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, George Romero, Dario Argento, to name a few. Now we have the likes of Ari Aster and Jordan Peele who are writing and directing solid and thought-provoking horror movies.

Back in 2004, I managed to get my first screenplay, a horror movie, optioned. It eventually came to nothing, but at the time they were willing to let me, who had never directed a damn thing, direct the movie. I convinced them that I was the best one to do it since I understood the story and the visual demands of genre better than anyone. Looking back now I can see that it would have been madness on both our parts to press ahead with that plan, but the point remains. Horror is a delicate genre, so easy to do badly (80% of horror movies, frankly, are terrible). You need to 'get it' and often the writer does.

Richard Lamb A lot of horror directors also lean on strong DP's and crews, too ... most horror films are bad but a really good DP can make a bad horror film passable.

Scott Sawitz Absolutely.

Also when pitching an idea it's also important to have an agent pitch ideas , it provides an extra layer to securing your intellectual property. I'm also a talent agent forgot to mention that part. I have some experience working with executives on this level.

Ty Strange Ty, you sound like a villain from a Bond movie when W. Mitchell refers to as "Mr. Strange." LOL.

It depends how quickly they get back to you... if it's a quick "YES" then you've got a script to finish quickly.

I create the pitch deck, treatment and the first 10 pages.

Right, Anthony Murphy?!