Getting Naked On-Screen by Amber Sweet

I have now done two films [1] in which I’ve had love scenes and had to take my clothes off, and in doing both I gained an immense amount of confidence and I learned a lot about myself as an artist. I wouldn’t do it for just any project, I have established my boundaries, and in both instances I had to evaluate the pros and cons. Above all, the number one goal is to look out for myself and my career.

I have always admired actresses who deliver strong, honest performances; who fully expose themselves, both emotionally and physically. I knew early on that if I wanted a career that mirrored the women I most revered in the industry (Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, and Angelina Jolie), I would always have to make bold and brave choices, and at some point I’d have to take my clothes off. This was a hard reality because I struggled for years with body issues, and during the early stages of my career I passed on a few parts strictly because of the nudity. Then I would watch films like “Gia” and “Little Children” and yearn for the opportunity to delve into extraordinary roles like that. It was a career given I had to learn to accept, it was just a matter of time before I confronted and tackled my fear.

When a brilliant and interesting script landed in my lap, I had to make that fateful decision: to be naked, or not be naked? After careful consideration, I had to just say FUCK IT and I accepted the part. To this day, it remains my most challenging and most notable role, and I do not regret a single revealing frame.
I have now done two films in which I’ve had love scenes and had to take my clothes off, and in doing both I gained an immense amount of confidence and I learned a lot about myself as an artist. I wouldn’t do it for just any project, I have established my boundaries, and in both instances I had to evaluate the pros and cons. Above all, the number one goal is to look out for myself and my career.
There are many things to reflect on when making the choice to de-robe. When pondering “to be naked, or not to be naked” I had to ask myself three important questions:

1) DO YOU FEEL SAFE?

This is the most obvious, and by far the most important. I only took my clothes off for a director that provided a SAFE set environment, collaborative and open rehearsal process, sensitivity to my vulnerability, and who mapped out the sex scenes like a choreographed dance. There were NO surprises, the on-set direction did not veer from the rehearsal or from the agreements in the contract, and I was always prepared and prepped so that I felt 100% confident and comfortable.

2) IS THIS DECISION IN LINE WITH MY GOALS?

I made the choice a long time ago to be a brave and fearless actress, and make career choices accordingly. I have to make smart choices and keep in mind that those choices will follow me. I want to be acknowledged and remembered for my talent and boldness, but getting naked doesn’t always guarantee accolade or career enhancement. I HAD to be selective. The sex scenes I choose to be a part of were imperative to the story and the nudity was tasteful. Both parts were leading roles, strong women, and characters that I was proud to play. It’s MY career and every decision counts.

3) ARE YOU IN CONTROL?

We have rights as actors and you should always be privy to all of those rights, but you should absolutely verse yourself in your rights regarding nudity.

[1] DO not get naked for free. EVER.

[2] You must READ and approve the contract. Be honest with your representation when settling on all agreements. Communicate at all times and always trust your gut. If something feels off or you don’t feel 100% secure, or that you’re in trustworthy hands, speak up.

[3] Post nude scene, you must also manage expectations: this doesn’t mean and shouldn’t mean that you will disrobe for just any project. I had to express to my old representation my standards, limits, and explicate that I will NOT take off my clothes for every low-budget indie film–and I will certainly not take off my clothes for $100 day in a film where I have no lines and am exploited.

[4] Stand your ground and know your worth. You deserve it.
Keeping these things in mind while permeating on the option to bare all, and also checking in with myself while executing said decision was crucial. I was able to walk away from both films a more seasoned, assured actress and am able to say that I am not only contented by my respective performances, I have no regrets.