What is Simulated Sex?
- Posted on
- By L
Whenever you see two characters in a movie gettin’ it on, what’s actually going on there?
Simulated sex refers to acts performed by actors in film, television, or theater that mimic real sexual intercourse or intimate activity without actual intercourse taking place. It is a choreographed, staged act using acting techniques, camera angles, lighting, and modesty garments, often guided by an intimacy coordinator, making it safe but "real" in the context of drama.
In film and TV, actors use clever blocking, body positioning (e.g., hiding under sheets), and skin-colored garments (modesty patches) to simulate intimate acts. Whereas, in theatre, according to ACTRA Toronto, performances are choreographed like a dance, requiring performers to discuss the scene in advance in depth and minimize physical contact to create the illusion.
There are many different tools and props that can be used to fake the appearance of sex for the camera- one of which is called a modesty pouch, or more casually, a “cocksock” that an actor with a penis can put it inside when they have to appear naked. Another is a thigh strap that keeps the penis down so that there is no possibility for an erection actually stimulating their scene partner. There is also frequent use of foam pads placed between actors to prevent contact, which are often hidden by blankets or foreground scene elements. Combined with decisive camera angles, these can create a super convincing facsimile.
Unlike porn, mainstream Hollywood sex is almost always simulated. The term “simulated sex” distinguishes acted scenarios from actual illegal content in production, and intimacy coordinators ensure the "simulated" scene is negotiated, professional, and respectful. Many actors disagree about the presence of intimacy coordinators, citing that they would rather feel it out and act it in the moment, that it will seem more authentic that way. However, the role of the intimacy coordinator is more of an advocate for the actors rather than a literal choreographer of the scene- they’re there to make sure that nobody is doing anything they don’t actually want to do.
So, the next time you’re watching a movie and you think “oh man, I wanna try that move!” just make sure you’ve got your cocksock and your foam pads ready to go.
Happy simulating!