Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has responded to critics who blame movie producers for including kissing scenes in films, asserting that it is not a producer's responsibility to protect an actor's marriage. In a video addressing the backlash, Stephen explained that actors and their spouses are fully aware of the demands of the profession, and decisions about intimate scenes are discussed and agreed upon before filming begins.
Professional agreements and personal choices
Stephen noted that while some actors decline kissing scenes due to personal beliefs or marital agreements, directors and producers work around such refusals. Others have no objections. According to her, a producer's primary duty is to ensure the safety and respectful portrayal of actors on set, not to 'salvage' their marriages. 'An actor's marriage is not my responsibility,' she stated, emphasizing that each actor must communicate their boundaries with their spouse and the production team.
Comparisons with Hollywood dismissed
Stephen also dismissed comparisons between Nollywood and Hollywood, highlighting that Nollywood's fast-paced production schedule leaves little room for actors to build off-screen chemistry. She argued that this makes on-screen intimacy less of a concern for marital fidelity, as professional boundaries are maintained. Her focus, she said, has always been on treating actors professionally throughout the filming process.
Her comments come amid ongoing debates in Nollywood about the appropriateness of kissing scenes and their impact on actors' personal lives. The video was shared on Instagram by Linda Ikeji, sparking further discussion among fans and industry insiders.
