Why I limit kissing scenes in my movies — Biodun Stephen

Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has pushed back against the notion that romantic scenes in movies are a primary cause of marital breakdowns for actors. She argues that the actors themselves and their spouses are aware of and must accept the professional demands of the industry.

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Kissing is not a big part of my craft

Stephen, speaking in a recently shared video, reacted to a young woman's assertion that filmmakers should reduce kissing scenes to prevent ruining actors' marriages. The filmmaker found the argument difficult to comprehend, noting that kissing is not a central element in her own directorial approach. "Kissing is not a big part of my craft," she stated, explaining her preference for films suitable for family viewing. However, she clarified that she does not rule out including such scenes if the narrative requires them.

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One of the things we are selling as actors is emotions and love. When people believe in that storyline, they start rooting for the love. That can be done with or without intense kissing

"One of the things we are selling as actors is emotions and love," Stephen explained. She believes that convincing performances can foster strong audience investment in on-screen relationships, a connection that can be achieved with or without intense kissing. The filmmaker stressed that the responsibility for navigating these professional aspects lies with the actors and their partners.

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I think that responsibility is on the actor who has chosen this profession and on the spouse who has accepted that their spouse is an actor. They must have made their peace with it

"I think that responsibility is on the actor who has chosen this profession and on the spouse who has accepted that their spouse is an actor," Stephen asserted. She acknowledged that some actors decline romantic scenes due to personal convictions, while others are comfortable with them. Ultimately, she concluded, "my job as a movie producer is to protect you. My job is not to break your home."

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There are actors who have said they can’t participate in romance because of personal beliefs, and there are actors who do not mind. So whether you are kissing or being intimate, my job as a movie producer is to protect you. My job is not to break your home