Film & TV3 min(s) read
Woman who filmed graphic Netflix sex scene reveals prop that was used when 'actor was behind her'
Sarah Shahi has opened up about what really happens behind the camera when filming intimate scenes, sharing details about the practical techniques used to make them look realistic on screen.
The actress, known for her role in Netflix’s steamy drama Sex/Life, revealed several behind-the-scenes methods during a recent podcast appearance, including one prop that surprised even the host.
The 46-year-old spoke candidly about the realities of filming sexual scenes, explaining that although viewers may see passion and chemistry, the process itself is often highly choreographed and technical.
Her comments offered insight into how actors manage nerves, maintain boundaries, and navigate the physical demands of filming.
Shahi made the revelations during an episode of the Off The Vine podcast with host Kaitlyn Bristowe, who asked how performers handle the awkwardness of shooting intimate moments while surrounded by a production crew.
The conversation quickly turned to practical tricks used on set to make scenes work without compromising comfort.
Behind-the-scenes secrets from filming sex scenes
During the podcast, Bristowe asked: “You’ve obviously had a lot of sex scenes and certain things in a lot of your roles. How do you do that? Do you just have to completely disassociate and take yourself [away] from the cameras and people around? I don’t know, how do you do it?”
Shahi responded honestly about the emotional and physical preparation involved. “Sometimes there’s alcohol involved just to block out the nerves as much as you can.
“If I don’t find them attractive I just try to put another face on them. For example, the scenes where he [a co-star] had me bent over the counter and he was from behind.”
She then revealed one of the practical solutions used during filming. “The way we did stuff like that was we had like a deflated yoga ball, like a small little yoga disc ball thing. And you put it kind of lower here [Sarah gestures to the item covering the vagina from behind] and it lies between the two of you.
“So when he’s doing the action he’s actually bumping up against the yoga ball and I’m feeling the impact of the yoga ball and not him.”
Bristowe reacted with surprise, saying: “Hey, that’s genius!”
“It’s genius, right?,” Shahi echoed. “And it actually allows for more freedom because you’re not feeling things you don’t want to feel.”
The success of Sex/Life and its legacy
Sex/Life premiered on Netflix in June 2021 and quickly gained attention for its explicit storytelling and bold themes. Shahi starred as Billie Connelly, a suburban mother reflecting on her past relationships while balancing her present life. The series ran for two seasons before ending in 2023.
The actress shared many intimate scenes throughout the show, including storylines involving her character’s former partner Brad Simon, played by Adam Demos. The pair began dating after meeting on set and remained together for several years before separating in 2025.
Shahi’s recent comments highlight how carefully structured intimate scenes can be, giving viewers a clearer understanding of the planning, communication, and technical tools used to create realistic moments on screen while protecting the actors involved.