The allegations of Francis Ford Coppola kissing extras during the “Megalopolis” production now includes video evidence.
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Variety released two videos from the “Megalopolis” set during which a nightclub scene was being filmed. The scene captured was shot on February 14, 2023, as the outlet reported. The call sheet included that actresses playing female partygoers had been “cleared for topless nudity” while other extras out of the 150 to 200 on set were “cleared for [being] scantily clad.”
Two sources told Variety that writer/director Coppola was unprofessional during the scene in question and ruined takes while hugging and kissing actresses in frame.
“I’ve never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor,” one source said, deeming Coppola’s behavior “uncommon.”
The source claimed that Coppola announced on a microphone, “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”
Neither of the “Megalopolis” intimacy coordinators, Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson, were on set during this scene. McDonald said that she couldn’t “really speak to the reason why they chose to bring us in when they did and not when they didn’t.”
Another source pointed to how Coppola essentially had free reign on the production as it was a self-funded feature . “Megalopolis” debuted at Cannes sans distributor; the film was later picked up by Lionsgate and landed a September 27 theatrical release.
“Because Coppola funded it there was no HR department to keep things in check,” a source said. “Who were they supposed to talk to? Complain to Coppola and report Coppola to himself?”
In a May report by The Guardian , multiple anonymous crew members made public the allegations that Coppola behaved inappropriately during production. Coppola incorporated “old school” tactics to “try to get them in the mood” for the nightclub scene, as the report stated.
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Coppola later told The New York Times that he does not “disrespect” women.
As the New York Times wrote, “Pressed further, he added that there was a photo of one of the ‘girls’ he kissed on the cheek that had been taken by her father. ‘I knew her when she was 9,’” Coppola said. He later added, “ I’m not touchy-feely . I’m too shy.”
“Megalopolis” executive co-producer Darren Demetre admitted to Variety that there were two days filming a “celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene 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 said, “It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film. I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.”
Demetre had previously told IndieWire that he was “never aware of any complaints of harassment” during production.
Representatives for the “Megalopolis” production re-shared the statements from both Demetre and first assistant director Mariela Comitini from May.
Demetre said in full at the time, “I have known and worked with Francis and his family for over 35 years. As one of the 1st ADs and an Executive Producer on his new epic, ‘Megalopolis,’ I helped oversee and advise the production and ran the 2nd Unit. Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure it was delivered on time and on budget, while remaining true to his creative vision. There were two days when we shot a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene 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. It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film. I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.”
Comitini added, “As a 1st AD with more than 35 films to my credit, I can say working alongside Francis Ford Coppola was an honor. I watched as Francis created a vibrant, professional, and positive environment on set. As one of the industry’s most well-respected master filmmakers, Francis was undaunted by the enormity of this undertaking, and he finished the film on time and on budget.”
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