Terminology Tuesday: Nudity Rider

A nudity rider, or “nudity clause”, is a contract between an actor and production that defines what will happen on set while filming nude, intimate, simulated sex, or simulated sexual assault scenes. It might also be called a nudity waiver, simulated sex act rider, simulated sex waiver, intimate scene rider, or proposed written consent.⁠

Any actor filming a nude, intimate, simulated sex, or simulated sexual assault scene, or appearing nude or simulating a sex act on set (even if it does not end up in the final cut) needs to negotiate terms for a nudity rider 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 filming begins. ⁠

The CD will tell you if the role requires intimacy or nudity before you audition for the project.⁠

For union productions, the nudity rider 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 include specific terms. For non-union productions, it is reasonable to request that these terms be included in your nudity rider:⁠

🔺 The relevant script pages for all scenes that the actor is agreeing to perform ⁠

🔺 A list and description of the degree of nudity, contact, or simulated sex the actor consents to have on camera⁠

Even if the scenes in the script are descriptive, the creative team should always discuss more detail with all parties involved; specifically: all of the action that’s going to occur, how it’s going to be shot, who’s going to be present (these details aren’t in the script). ⁠

There *is* a section in the SAG-AFTRA Basic Agreement (section 43) that outlines the clauses for nudity on set but this 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 serve as a sufficient contract between actor and producer. ⁠

⏩ Prior written consent of the actor is required in the form of a letter or rider that outlines the actions of the nudity or sex scene that will take place.⁠

You will then discuss the nudity rider with your reps and agree upon all terms before you close the deal. ⁠

#themoreyouknow #thecastingdirectorscut #terminologytuesday #actorlife

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