Lala Anthony says filming sex scenes are “weird and awkward” [VIDEO]

Lala Anthony Explains Why Filming Sex Scenes Is So Awkward

In a new interview with Complex, actress and media personality Lala Anthony pulled back the curtain on one of Hollywood’s most misunderstood jobs—filming sex scenes. While the final product may come across as steamy and effortless on screen, Anthony insists that the behind-the-scenes reality is anything but romantic.

During her candid sit-down, she shared that while shooting these moments is a professional obligation, they often involve an uncomfortable mix of vulnerability. In combination with choreography, and strict boundaries. Her remarks provide a rare, unfiltered look into the emotional and logistical complexities that come with intimate forms of content.

A Look Back at Lala Anthony’s Career

Before she became a respected actress, Lala Anthony got her start in the early 2000s as an MTV VJ on Total Request Live. Her charisma and natural on-screen presence quickly made her a fan favorite.

She transitioned into acting in the mid-2000s. Gaining wider recognition for her recurring role as Lakeisha Grant in the hit Starz drama Power. Her performance was widely praised, and it marked a significant turning point in her acting career.

Lala has since appeared in numerous shows and films, including The Chi, BMF, Think Like a Man, Two Can Play That Game, and You Got Served. She’s also ventured into producing and entrepreneurship, continuing to expand her influence in entertainment and business.

But as her career has evolved, so too has the nature of the roles she takes—and with that, her need to engage in more complex, intimate storytelling.

Lala Anthony on the Awkward Reality of Sex Scenes

Lala Anthony didn’t hold back when asked about how actors navigate intimate roles. “It’s always awkward,” she admitted, noting that it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it—it never feels natural.

“You’re in a room full of people. There’s a camera crew, producers, directors, lighting guys… and here you are, trying to act like you’re having a personal moment,” she explained.

She emphasized that no real sexual activity takes place. Instead, everything is choreographed down to the slightest touch or breath. “Nothing is happening,” she laughed. “It’s all acting. But you’re still half-naked, pretending to be intimate with someone who’s probably just a coworker.”

Intimacy Coordinators Are Always On Set

Lala also shed light on an increasingly common figure in modern film and television production: the intimacy coordinator.

These professionals are hired specifically to ensure that both parties feel safe, respected, and empowered while filming sex scenes. They help block the scenes—meaning they plan out the movements—and make sure actors are always comfortable.

“It’s a job,” Lala said. “And the coach is there to make sure we treat it that way. It’s all about professionalism.”

The use of intimacy coordinators has risen significantly since the MeToo movement. Which forced many studios to revisit how they handle on-set intimacy. For Lala, their presence has been a game-changer. Ultimately, making awkward moments at least manageable and ensuring clear communication between cast and crew.

Fans Often Misread the Final Product

Despite the awkwardness, Lala Anthony understands why fans might assume that filming sex scenes is fun or even seductive. The way scenes are edited, paired with music and slow-motion visuals, can give the impression that the actors are enjoying a moment of real connection.

“That’s just good editing,” she joked. “Trust me, it’s not what it looks like.”

She noted that fans often message her or comment online about the heat between her and her on-screen partners. “They’ll say stuff like, ‘You two had crazy chemistry!’ But what they don’t know is that we probably had to do 15 takes with a boom mic dangling over us and someone yelling ‘cut’ every few seconds.”

Why Lala’s Comments Matter

Lala Anthony’s honesty about filming sex scenes adds to an ongoing conversation about the emotional labor that actors endure. While these scenes can elevate a narrative and add authenticity, they can also be a source of stress and anxiety for the people performing them.

Her remarks are especially important in an era where fans expect actors to be fully open on social media and where gossip sites often blur the lines between character and actor.

By sharing her experience, Lala is helping humanize a process that’s often glamorized—and misunderstood.

The Rise of On-Screen Intimacy in Prestige TV

Lala Anthony’s experiences reflect a broader shift in television storytelling. Over the past decade, the rise of prestige TV has brought with it a push for more raw and emotional portrayals. Especially of romance, trauma, and sexuality.

Whether it’s Euphoria, P-Valley, Power, or The Idol, modern audiences have come to expect authenticity—even in the most intimate moments. But that realism comes at a cost.

More actors are now speaking out about the mental and emotional weight of filming sex scenes, and Lala’s comments are part of that larger movement. Her voice adds dimension to a growing awareness that acting doesn’t stop when the clothes come off—it often just becomes more complicated.

Public Reactions: Support and Curiosity

Since Lala’s Complex interview aired, fans have responded with a mix of support and curiosity. Many expressed admiration for her transparency and said her honesty made them appreciate her work even more.

“I never realized how vulnerable actors have to be just to shoot a few minutes of a scene,” one fan tweeted. “Much respect to Lala Anthony.”

Others praised her for reminding audiences that intimacy on-screen is rarely what it seems—and that it’s built on trust, professionalism, and yes, a bit of awkward laughter.

Why It’s Time to Normalize the Conversation

Lala Anthony’s reflections are helping to normalize the behind-the-scenes realities of acting—particularly for women of color who often face additional scrutiny in Hollywood.

Her comments highlight the need for continued transparency and better industry standards. They also remind viewers to engage more critically with what they consume. Understanding that what’s presented on-screen is a crafted illusion.

By demystifying the process, Lala is giving both fans and aspiring actors permission to see vulnerability as part of the craft—not a flaw in it.

Final Thoughts

Filming sex scenes may look glamorous on TV, but as Lala Anthony reveals, the reality is far more technical, awkward, and emotionally nuanced. Thanks to professionals like intimacy coordinators and actors willing to share their stories, audiences can better appreciate the work that goes into creating believable on-screen moments. As a mother, it’s important for Lala to establish her professionalism within her career.

Lala’s honesty not only elevates the conversation but also reinforces her role as a multifaceted star. As someone who brings both beauty and bravery to her work.