Page 129 of Let’s Make a Scene

“You and I haven’t had a chance yet to talk about the sex scene that you filmed the other day.” She glances down at her notes.

“What would you like to know about it?” I shift uncomfortably. Brooke did catch my meltdown, but I’d been hoping she wasn’t going to mention it.

“Is it awkward filming those scenes?” she asks.

“A bit.” I laugh. “It’s very technical, which in some ways makes it more awkward—you know, ‘Cynthie, can you just move your bum a bit to the right’—but in other ways that makes it easier. Everyone’s very focused on getting the shot. It’s not titillating.”

Brooke nods. “And having Nisha there helped?”

“Having Nisha there definitely helped. I’m a huge fan of intimacy coordinators and I’ve worked with some great ones. It’s important to make those scenes feel safe.”

“Have you filmed scenes like that where you haven’t felt safe?” The question is casual.

I hesitate. “Yes,” I say finally. “A lot has changed in our industry in a short time, so even when I was starting out, there weren’t the same practices and standards that there are now. It was a bit like the Wild West, and you were at the mercy of your director.”

“And some of those directors didn’t prioritize your well-being?”

I shift in my seat. “I wouldn’t say that. There were times when I don’t think it occurred to a male director that something might be uncomfortable for me. Often the expectation was that I should get on with things without complaint because to do otherwise was unprofessional.”

“Can we talk about Rufus Tait?” Brooke asks.

“Rufus?” I repeat in surprise.

“You’re aware of the accusations surrounding him.” There’s a glint in Brooke’s eye that I’ve caught a few times—a hint of steel under the sunshine—and I think it’s entirely possible that she’s more than happy to let people underestimate her.

“I am.”

“What was your experience of working with him on A Lady of Quality?”

“I personally didn’t have any trouble with him apart from some off-color remarks,” I say thoughtfully. “But that’s not to say I don’t believe the women who have come forward. I absolutely do. Rufus had a reputation among the female cast and crew on set, and we were warned not to be left alone with him.”

Brooke looks surprised.

“What?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “I don’t know, I just didn’t think you’d answer the question.”

I shrug. “I’m not sure the lawyers will let you use it, but I don’t think there’s any harm in telling the truth. We have to let the light in on this stuff instead of trying to hide it away. It’s not in my interest, or anyone’s interest, for us to cover these things up. That’s what creates the problem in the first place.”

It’s Brooke’s turn to look thoughtful.

“Who exactly warned you about him?”

I furrow my brow. “I don’t remember specifically. I suppose it was one of those whisper networks that so many women have to rely on. You know, this one’s a problem, pass it on.”

Brooke nods. “So not Jasmine?”

My eyes narrow. “No, not Jasmine. For what it’s worth, I think if she’d known about him, she wouldn’t have had him on the film. You could ask her about it.”

“Oh, I did,” Brooke says airily. “That’s exactly what she said. And I believed her.”

“Good.” The word comes out a little sharp.

“I think Jasmine is actually very concerned about the well-being of people on her set,” Brooke continues. “Is that typical?”

The question feels pointed. “It varies,” I say, cautiously.

“Have you worked with specific directors who you think have created a problematic culture on set?” Brooke’s face is the picture of innocence, but I can see that she’s been plotting a careful path through this particular interview.