Nudity clause

A nudity clause is a paragraph or a section in a performer’s legal contract that stipulates which parts, if any, of the performer's body are to be exposed during a theatrical, television, cinematic, or other type of production. The clause may stipulate that a performer will not be required to perform in the nude, or it may specify that a performer is not allowed to perform in the nude. Nevertheless, a character they play may appear to be nude by the use of a "body double" in place of the performer during a nude scene or the use of a flesh-colored bodystocking or a pubic area-covering merkin. Sometimes a performer will refuse to accept a role which involves nudity.

Most performing contracts stipulate which body parts may be used in the final product.^[1] This may, for example, be the back above the waist, include the buttocks, breasts, pubic hair, etc. They may also specify which parts cannot be shown - such as hands, neck, profile, etc. There are strict union guidelines around on-set nudity, which requires actors to be told of any nude scenes well in advance and nudity waivers require directors to itemize exactly what will be shown and how.^[1]

At times exposure of each body part is given a commercial value and open to negotiation.^[1] In 2001, Halle Berry appeared in the film Swordfish, which featured her first nude scene.^[2] At first, she refused to be filmed topless in a sunbathing scene, but she changed her mind when Warner Brothers raised her fee substantially.^[3] The brief flash of her breasts reportedly added $500,000 to her fee.^[4] Berry, however, denied this,^[2] explaining that after turning down numerous roles that required nudity, she decided to make Swordfish because her husband, Eric Benét, supported her and encouraged her to take risks.^[5]

Purpose

Especially when they are launching their careers, many female performers refuse roles that require them to perform nude, either for personal or professional reasons; companies such as Disney often go to great lengths to protect their performers' 'family friendly' image. 'No-nudity' clauses are relatively rare, in that an actress that is approached to perform such a role is usually at a stage in their career where a polite refusal is acceptable, and in most cases, body-doubles, body-stockings or other alternate options are available.

Studio imposition

Sometimes it is the studios or production companies that insist that their actresses do not take part in nude scenes or other appearances. For example, to preserve her wholesome image, Annette Funicello, who was under contract with Walt Disney, was not allowed to be seen in a two-piece bathing suit or show her navel in the beach party films of the 1960s for American International Pictures; though the prohibition was not always followed.^[6]

For cartoon characters

No-nudity clauses have also forbidden cartoon characters from appearing nude. Pamela Anderson, for example, who appeared nude many times in print and in films, informed Reuters that she insisted on a no-nudity clause for her cartoon alter ego, Stripperella, the adult animated series created by Stan Lee.^[7] Other cartoon characters, notably Homer Simpson and his young son Bart, have appeared nude many times, even on prime-time television, but with their genitals concealed, although Bart briefly shows his in The Simpsons Movie.^[8]

Controversy as to existence

Actress Shannon Elizabeth stated in an interview with a Maxim magazine reporter, that no-nudity clauses do not exist, contending that "There’s a nudity waiver—it's kind of the other way around. If you have a contract that says there's nudity, then there's nudity. If the contract doesn’t mention nudity, then nudity isn't allowed".^[9] Other performers have also indicated to have such clauses in their contracts. For example, in an interview with Cranky Critic, Kirsten Dunst when asked if she includes no-nudity clauses for her films, she responded, "Yeah, I'm always very careful about that, definitely." However, Dunst did appear nude in Marie Antoinette, All Good Things^[10] and Melancholia.

See also

• Nudity in film

References