Lessons from the Set: Navigating Consent and Bias in Sex-Positive Media

Join Sunny Megatron, a leading sexologist and educator, as she shares firsthand experiences from producing her groundbreaking Showtime series, Sex with Sunny Megatron. In this lesson, Sunny reflects on the challenges of filming a sex-positive, kink-focused show and the lessons learned about consent, bias, and communication on set. From unexpected crew reactions to navigating cultural differences between the kink community and mainstream media, this lesson offers valuable insights into creating respectful, ethical productions. Whether you're in the film industry or simply curious about the intersection of media and sexuality, this lesson will inspire you to approach sensitive topics with empathy and awareness.

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction to the Showtime Experience

- Sunny’s role as co-creator, host, and executive producer of Sex with Sunny Megatron.

- The challenges of producing a sex-positive, kink-focused show in 2013, before the rise of intimacy coordination.

2. The Clown Orgy Incident

- Filming a clown orgy segment and the crew’s unexpected reaction (e.g., wearing hazmat suits due to fear of bodily fluids and AIDS).

- The impact of bias, shame, and lack of sex education on set dynamics.

- How Sunny and the team addressed the situation through education and open communication.

3. The Golden Shower Scene

- Filming a golden shower party and the crew’s concerns about getting urine on their shoes.

- The importance of humor and cultural sensitivity in navigating on-set challenges.

- How the crew’s approach evolved from fear to understanding.

4. Casting Challenges

- The cultural clash between reality TV casting practices and the kink community’s emphasis on transparency and consent.

- How dishonesty in casting alienated potential participants and the lessons learned about building trust.

5. Talent Reactions to Consent Conversations

- A talent’s resistance to on-the-spot consent negotiations, viewing them as unnecessary or nerve-wracking.

- The importance of meeting people where they are and adapting communication styles to different comfort levels.

6. Key Takeaways

- Bias, shame, and lack of understanding can permeate every corner of a production, affecting crew, cast, and talent.

- Open communication, education, and cultural sensitivity are essential for creating ethical, respectful productions.

- Consent is a universal principle that applies to all aspects of media production, not just intimate scenes.