Intimacy coordinator for the web series Mastram, Amanda Cutting, on what her presence on a film set means for aesthetics in a post - #MeToo world
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 3, 2020)

For the longest time, the most persistent imagery of sex on our screens was the visual of two flowers coming together. And yet, in a parallel universe, existed the erotic novels by Mastram that explored the vivid sexual experiences of the common Indian. Thus, it was essential for producers of a biographical series based on Mastram, to depict sex uninhibitedly — much like how Vatsayana’s Kamasutra meant for us to enjoy the experience.

Among the first things that producer Sunil Bohra and the OTT platform MX Player did was hire an intimacy co-ordinator, a first for the Indian entertainment industry.

Amanda Cutting, who has previously worked on an unaired prequel pilot for Game Of Thrones, The Magicians and The Good Doctor, was flown in from Canada for the job.

Cutting, locked down at her home in Calgary, Canada, tells mid-day in a telephonic interview that she had to mentally realign herself to Indian sensibilities to deliver an authentic show that stayed true to its muse. “The idea of bringing me down was to ensure that performers are confident doing intimate actions and feel safe during shooting. Because I had both prior directorial experience and have worked on shows with explicit sexual content, they felt like I was a good fit,” she says about the 10- episode series directed by Akhilesh Jaiswal, starring Anshuman Jha and Tara Alisha Berry.

Mastram is an adapted biopic based on the life of erotica writer Mastram. The show blends in experiences of his personal life and his stories. On the subject, Cutting says, “I was familiar with Mastram because my uncle is East Indian. But, as part of my research, I familiarised myself with the details of the script and understood the cultural milieu of the stories he wrote. I got [my hands on] some translated Mastram novels to understand how he created sexual tension. A lot of the choreography for these scenes was done keeping in mind the novel.”

The thing about depicting sex on screen, Amanda concedes, is to ensure that it’s sensual and arousing. “In this case, I had to help the audience use its imagination to finish off stories. Some of it was explicit, a lot of it was suggestive. And that often has a more seductive impact than a full naked body.”

She adds that she stayed away from Bollywood clichés. “The positions usually utilised were discarded. I brought in many Kamasutra positions that honoured Indian culture and don’t rely on the Westerner’s gaze. Different things are considered appealing for people in different cultures. It was a pleasant discovery that Indians like curvy women. As a full figured woman myself, it was refreshing to know that curves are sexy. Also, it was nice to realise that build-up and tension is valued. Indians understand foreplay. Delayed gratification is a significant tool in my line of work where we can drag an audience along for the ride and keep them excited. That’s where the sizzle lies.”

Cutting walks us through workshops and storyboards created for every scene that helped familiarise the cast with the choreography of an intimate scene. “It’s like dance prep where there are set moves which are orchestrated. So, where do the hands go, in what position should each performer be, what are the barriers so that private parts don’t graze. The better you know them, the safer you feel, the better you perform. Every detail was discussed thoroughly and after that there could be no changes. It also reduced the possibility of retakes.”

She says that work begins where a script would say “they make love passionately on the beach” “What does this entail? Will they be nude or under beach towels? The intent of the scene had to be clearly stated. Depending on the scene, there was a strict close-set protocol where only essential crew was allowed. A lovemaking scene usually had the two performers, the DOP, the sound recordist, the director and myself. Eliminating people was important to ensure a safe environment.”

In the post-#MeToo world, her own hiring, Cutting believes, helps establish the idea of setting boundaries for artistes. “Defining consent is top priority now. Every actor has different boundaries and my job was to ensure the scene supports the story and is not gratuitous. No actor should be compelled or pushed into a scene. Sometimes, producers, even in the West, would pressure to show more; something that the performer on that day may not have wanted to do. Productions might want to push them to hold up to their contract but my job is to ensure they feel safe and consequently negotiate on scenes. Sometimes changing shooting angles can help say the same story, without making anyone feel uncomfortable. I am now getting called at the audition level itself to familiarise actors with what they are walking into. They can say no right at the start if they wish.”

Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 25, 2019)

mid-day had earlier reported about Ekta Kapoor conceptualising a web show based on Kamasutra, the ancient Hindu compendium on eroticism. The latest development on the front is that the producer has apparently pencilled in Sunny Leone to play the lead in the ALTBalaji series.

A source reveals that discussions have been on between the duo over the past few months. "Sunny has heard the outline of the show and has agreed in principle to be part of it. The two have earlier successfully collaborated for Ragini MMS 2 (2014) and Ekta is convinced that the actor is the right person for the role. Set in the 13th century, the fictional series will focus on the women of the Goli caste in Rajasthan, who used to serve as concubines to the kings," says the source, adding that the makers are currently polishing the script. mid-day reached out to the officials of ALT Balaji, who did not respond till the time of going to press.

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 20, 2018)

Actor-director Kabir Sadanand is set to follow his web shows, Married Woman Diaries and Virgin Woman Diaries, with a tale inspired by the Kama Sutra.

Talking about his venture, a contemporary take on sex, Sadanand says, “The idea to create this show stemmed from my conversation with someone who handles the marketing of the book. He asked me, ‘Name a sport that’s played and enjoyed by everyone across the globe.’ The answer was simple, sex. The book is not only about sexual positions, but also about mutual respect between partners. It’s a subject that needs to be told.”

He refuses to divulge any details about his actors, but claims that the casting process is nearing completion. “Pre-production work is on in full swing. Principal shooting for the first season will wrap up by May. After the success of our previous shows, we have got offers from other digital platforms as well. So, apart from YouTube’s FrogsLehren channel, it may also air on other spaces.”

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; April 9, 2018)

On celluloid, Ekta Kapoor has rarely shied from tackling bold content. So it comes as little surprise that she is ready to push the envelope on the digital platform as well. mid-day has learnt that the producer is set to bring a show based on Kama Sutra — the ancient Hindu compendium on eroticism — on her web platform, Alt Balaji.

Set in the 13th century, Kapoor’s show will be an adaptation of Vatsyayana’s text with a backdrop of Rajasthani folk. A source close to the development reveals, “The fictional series will be based on the Goli caste in rajasthan. It is believed that the female population of the caste used to serve as concubines to the kings. They would live in the same palace where the queens were housed, and would enjoy all the possible luxuries. Interestingly, they also enjoyed a fair amount of freedom and rights.”

We hear, the TV czarina had been toying with the idea of adapting the Kamasutra for long. So thrilled is she with the concept that Kapoor is apparently heading the scripting process of the saga. “The scripting is underway with Ekta supervising it. Simultaneously, she is also on the lookout for a director who will be able to handle the subject with the required sensitivity and aesthetics. India is the land of Kamasutra and it’s essential to throw the spotlight on the culture without passing moral judgment.”

The spokesperson of the production house confirmed the news.

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