‘The Young and the Restless’: Stars Reveal Secrets of Filming Love Scenes
As seen in all soap operas, including The Young and the Restless, romance is key in storytelling. Every day, viewers tune in to watch the blossoming relationship between two characters. Love scenes are a pivotal part of any romance story. It’s the moment where characters give in to their passion and solidify their relationship. When it comes time to film these scenes, actors have their work cut out for them.
‘The Young and the Restless’ star Jason Thompson says everything’s filmed in one take
The Young and the Restless is ran on a tight schedule, so there’s no room for errors. With love scenes being a huge moment in a storyline, the actors and the director must get it right. In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, actor Jason Thompson reveals they have one shot at nailing the scene.
“They might do an insert of the belt coming off or the zipper things like that, but 95 percent of what you see is like one take,” the actor explained. Getting undressed for the scenes might be uncomfortable for the actors, but the director does everything to make them relaxed, including closing off the set.
Hunter King admits she’s not a fan of love scenes
As part of one of The Young and the Restless‘ super couples, Hunter King’s character often found herself rendezvousing with her fiancé. Although King’s had years of experience filming love scenes, the young actor admitted to being nervous. In a 2019 interview with SoapCentral.com, King revealed her dislike of the scenes. “I am the worst at love scenes! I think they’re awful. And I will laugh the whole time when I’m uncomfortable, so I’m an actor’s worst nightmare. I just think they’re so weird and awkward.”
King’s co-star and on-screen love interest Michael Mealor also shared her sentiments. In a 2020 chat with Soap Opera Digest, Mealor explained his issues with love scenes. “There’s no emotion attached to it, but you have to make it look like there’s emotion there. It’s an actor’s conundrum.” Although they’re awkward to film, Mealor credits King with making it easier. “We know each other so well that we don’t have to check in with each other like ‘are you okay?’ or ‘is that too far?'”
‘The Young and the Restless’ love scenes changed due to COVID-19
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused production to shut down for many soap operas. When The Young and the Restless returned to filming, the cast and crew had adjustments to make. They followed guidelines, which included wearing masks and the six-feet apart rule.
As for the loves scenes, viewers noticed a difference. Instead of shots of the characters being intimate, the show featured close-ups and dialogue to give the illusion the couple had made love. For real-life couples Bryton James and Brytni Sarpy and Sharon Case and Mark Grossman, their characters are allowed to show physical affection. In fact, Case finally confirmed her relationship with Grossman to her bosses so they wouldn’t have to socially distance in scenes together.
