Videos now have emerged that seem to corroborate the charges, two months after filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola was accused of attempting to kiss extras on the sets of Megalopolis. Variety published two videos shot by a crew member, showcasing Coppola, 85, attempting to kiss young extras in connection with the filming of a crowded nightclub scene.
Videos Surface Of Francis Ford Coppola Kissing Megalopolis Extras
Francis Ford Coppola. Image Credit: CC/FICG.mx/Flickr
Recent footage from the set of Francis Ford Coppola‘s ambitious film, Megalopolis, has ignited controversy surrounding the acclaimed director’s on-set conduct. The videos, obtained by Variety, show Coppola interacting with extras in a manner that some viewers perceive as overly familiar.
These videos showed Coppola kissing young female extras. The footage shows him walking through a crowded dance floor, hugging various dancing women, and kissing several on the cheek.
As the videos spread rapidly across social media, public opinion has been divided. Some viewers see Coppola’s actions as harmless and characteristic of his affectionate nature, while others believe he has overstepped professional boundaries. The affectionate gestures displayed in the footage have sparked debate over what is considered appropriate behavior on a film set.
A new video of Francis Ford Coppola grabbing and kissing female extras on the set of ‘MEGALOPOLIS’ has surfaced online.
He reportedly announced with a microphone to the entire set, “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”
Another source… pic.twitter.com/ZVaLZNgyj6
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 26, 2024
Adding fuel to the fire, a source close to the production revealed that Coppola’s complete financial control over the $120 million project meant that traditional studio oversight was absent. This lack of external checks and balances is alleged to have created an environment where such behavior could occur without consequence. The source is quoted as saying, “After multiple takes of the scene, Coppola announced through a microphone: ‘Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.'” This statement has understandably caused significant outrage and has further damaged Coppola’s public image.
What Did Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis Crew Say?
Megalopolis. Image Credit: Lionsgate Films
Francis Ford Coppola’s team shared two official statements from key production members. Darren Demetre, an executive producer on Megalopolis, mentioned that Coppola created a lively club scene by personally engaging with the cast. “There were two days when a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene was shot, where Francis walked around the set to establish the spirit of the scene by giving kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and background players,” Demetre noted.
This approach was intended to inspire and set the club’s atmosphere, vital to the film’s context. Demetre emphasized that he was not aware of any complaints regarding harassment or inappropriate behavior during the project.
Another perspective was offered by Mariela Comitini, the film’s first assistant director, who described working with Coppola as “an honor.” She observed that “Francis created a vibrant, professional, and positive environment on set,” praising him as one of the industry’s most esteemed filmmakers, undeterred by the project’s scale.
However, this depiction of professionalism has been contested. During the nightclub scene shoot, discomfort was observed among crew members as Coppola embraced the extras, though no objections were voiced publicly. The lack of an external studio or HR department, due to Coppola’s independent funding, might have contributed to this dynamic. “Because Coppola funded it, there was no HR department to keep things in check,” a second source stated, highlighting the absence of a formal channel for complaints.
Intimacy coordinators Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson were involved in the film, overseeing various sex scenes. However, they were not present during the nightclub scene. McDonald expressed uncertainty about the scheduling decisions, noting, “I can’t really speak to the reason why they chose to bring us in when they did and not when they didn’t.”
Following the nightclub scene, senior crew members expressed concern over potential footage circulation of Coppola’s interactions with extras, reminding everyone of their non-disclosure agreements. Veteran intimacy coordinator Yarit Dor, though not part of the film, remarked on the unusual nature of the situation. Dor emphasized that scenes involving nudity typically require more than one intimacy coordinator to manage the choreography and support the extras effectively.
A source close to Coppola confirmed that an intimacy coordinator was present during the relevant scenes and dates of the shoot.
Megalopolis is the latest work by the Oscar-winning director known for the Godfather trilogy. Recently, Coppola was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, to be celebrated at the annual Washington, D.C. ceremony on December 8. Reflecting on this recognition, Coppola stated, “I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to collaborate with great artists and wonderful people throughout my career, and I have never stopped learning.”
Lionsgate secured the domestic distribution rights for Megalopolis in June. The film stars Adam Driver in the lead role, alongside Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, and Dustin Hoffman.
Lionsgate plans to release Megalopolis on September 27, 2024
