Handling Pregnancy in Film and Television: Contracts, Adjustments, and Precedents

Introduction to the Film and Television Industry's Contracts

In the film and television industry, contracts for leading actresses typically include clauses that address various contingencies including pregnancy. However, these clauses can vary widely depending on the production, the actress's status, and the specific terms negotiated. The primary purpose of these clauses is to ensure that both parties are protected in unforeseen circumstances. This article delves into common scenarios regarding pregnancy during filming, industry precedents, and the practical steps taken by productions to accommodate pregnant actresses.

Common Scenarios: Contractual Clauses and Adjustments

Many contracts include force majeure clauses or similar provisions that allow for adjustments if unforeseen circumstances arise, such as pregnancy. These clauses are designed to provide flexibility and ensure that the production can proceed smoothly despite unexpected challenges.

However, it is rare for contracts to explicitly prohibit pregnancy. Instead, the industry focuses on how to handle such situations. If an actress becomes pregnant, the production may choose to adjust the filming schedule, rewrite the script, or use creative solutions like filming around the pregnancy. For example, the actress could wear baggy clothing or stand behind furniture and props to obscure her belly.

Health and Safety Considerations

The health and safety of the actress and her unborn child are paramount. Productions will generally work to ensure a safe working environment. This includes potential changes to the script, such as reworking scenes to minimize the actress's physical exertion. The production schedule would also need to be reworked to accommodate the actress's needs, often filming earlier scenes when she is less pregnant to ensure the camera can capture her more natural appearance.

Negotiations and Industry Precedents

In some cases, the actress and her representatives may negotiate specific terms regarding maternity leave or how her role may be affected during and after pregnancy. Despite the challenges, there have been instances in the industry where actresses have successfully managed their pregnancies while continuing to work, often with the collaboration of producers and directors.

For instance, Marilyn Monroe was pregnant during the filming of Some Like it Hot. Lisa Kudrow and Courtney Cox were both pregnant during the filming of Friends, and Scarlett Johansson was pregnant during one of the Marvel movies. In these cases, the productions adapted their schedules and scenes to accommodate the actresses' pregnancies, often using creative solutions to hide any visible signs of the pregnancy in the final product.

Practical Steps and Precautions

Filming shoots aren't that long—usually just weeks, not months—and for the most part, the actress won't show in the early weeks. If she does start to show, there are many ways to disguise it with clothing, furniture, props, and lighting. For example, the actress can wear fashionably baggy clothes or stand behind couches and tables, and the camera is typically not focused on her upper body without her belly being strategically hidden.

Moreover, the production schedule would need to be reworked so that the actress films early scenes when she is less pregnant, and any extra bump can be edited out in modern post-production. In the case of television shows, such as Friends with Lisa Kudrow, the pregnancy could even be written into the script to better accommodate the actress's situation.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how a pregnancy is handled depends on the specific circumstances, the production's flexibility, and the individual actor's preferences. While no production is likely to include a required abortion in a contract, the industry has proven adaptable and supportive of pregnant actresses. By working together and utilizing creative solutions, productions can ensure that actresses can continue their work even during pregnancy.