Horrified female actors are asked to reenact 'disgusting' sex acts for video game footage including a 'graphic rape scene' in front of a set full of men
Female actors have revealed their traumatic experiences performing 'disgusting' explicit scenes for video games, including scenes of rape and sexual assault, in front of studios full of men.
Jessica Jefferies recalled that she once had a 'graphic rape scene' sprung upon her with no notice and as the only woman on set.
Performing arts union Equity has urged for improvements in warning video game actors who will be part of intimate scenes, offering closed sets with minimal access and employing intimacy coordinators.
Ms Jeffries, now a casting director in the video game industry, told the BBC she thought the scene - which was seen by players through a window for as long as they liked before shooting the attacker - was 'purely gratuitous'.
Actors often perform video games scenes, including sex scenes, in person before they are converted into their digital form further down the production line.
Actors often perform video games scenes, including sex scenes, in person wearing motion capture suits (seen in a stock image) before they are converted into their digital form further down the production line
Equity consulted Ms Jeffries in drafting new guidelines for video game actors, which addresses other 'common issues' including an overuse of NDAs and safety concerns.
An anonymous voice actor welcomed the recommendations as she recalled feeling 'shaken' when recording a sex scene in front of an all-male production team, likening the experience to how she would feel being asked to work on a phone-sex line.
She added that she was afraid to raise concerns as a freelancer for fear of being marked out as a troublemaker.
Ms Jeffries explained that she would regularly be told no more than which days she was wanted for recording in advance of a shoot, with no script provided.
Reflecting that, Equity is asking that actors be provided with a story summary and scripts ahead of recording when possible, with explicit scenes flagged to those involved.
An anonymous voice actor recalled feeling 'shaken' when recording a sex scene in front of an all-male production team (Stock image)
In the end, after Ms Jeffries objected to the scene she was asked to record, it was not filmed, but the union has asked that a safe line of communication be established between producers and performers to address any concerns in advance.
It also recommended that actors have the option of a closed set, with an intimacy coordinator on hand for any explicit scenes.
Ms Jeffries and Equity claimed that giving actors more information in advance of recording will better prepare them, resulting in improved performances and bringing standards in line with those for the film and TV industry.
In publishing their guidelines, Equity said: 'Our goal is to ensure fair pay and good working conditions for the performers who have trained for years to develop the skills they use to bring video games to life.
'We urge Equity members to demand these minimum standards and we invite studios and developers to work with us on collective agreements that protect everyone and will ensure the games industry in the UK continues to thrive.'
A spokesperson for UKIE - the UK's trade association for the games and interactive entertainment industry - said: 'We are deeply concerned by the reports regarding the inappropriate and disturbing requests made of female actors during the production of video games footage.
'We take these issues very seriously and we will be engaging with industry stakeholders to address these concerns and to explore ways further to strengthen our industry's commitment to ethical practices and the protection of everyone involved in the creation of video games.
'Video games and games businesses make a vital cultural, social and economic contribution to the UK.
'Ukie is committed to ensuring the long-term success of the UK’s video games and interactive entertainment sector, and we recognise the important contribution of performers and voice actors in making games.
'Although we are unable to intervene in individual contractual matters, we continue to work with stakeholders to promote and uphold best employment practices in our sector, to ensure the UK is the best place to make, play and sell video games.'
