So, You’re Considering the “Glorification of Sin”?
There’s nothing wrong with using sex appeal in your art. What is wrong though, is using is inappropriately. If your target audience is young children, then you need to keep it age specific. Don’t misunderstand what I just wrote! There’s sex appeal in media for all ages. Not all of it is Shannon Elizabeth in “American Pie” style. Heck, not all of it is even Pamela Anderson in “Baywatch” style. Just look at Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” and tell me that that’s not sex appeal, helping young boys to determine their own definition of beauty and attractiveness.
If you’re marketing towards children, a LITTLE sex appeal can benefit, but that is definitely an avenue that you want to tread carefully. Few things are going to outcast you quicker than developing a reputation for “dirtying” up the minds of children. No, I say that if sex appeal is a tool that you want to use, you may want to shoot for the 13 and up demographic at the least, or better, the 18 and up demographic!
Just A Warning…
You can guarantee that in the future, when I want to get the attention of the young men demographic, that I will use attractive women to do so. I have absolutely no hang-ups about this. If that sort of thing bothers you, then you might grow to hate Swollen Thumb Entertainment. Like I mention on the FAQ page, I’m not in the adult industry, and have no desire to be, but I have no problems with using sex appeal whatsoever. I do however feel that it’s not wise to use it to cover up a lack of substance. (Such as how Baywatch used it).
As For Your Choice
Weighing whether you want to use to power of sex appeal in your project is a good question to make peace with in the beginning stages. If you answer this question for yourself now, you won’t have to grapple with it early, and you’ll be able to explain to other possible business partners or fans why you have taken the stance that you have. Understand that I’m not trying to tell you whether or not you should use it. I’m just making suggestions about how your thought process should go.
Here is an important thing though. If you intend to use any form of sexuality in your film, story, cartoon, or album cover, then be up front about it. Put it in all of your contracts so you can make sure that your actors and crew are fine with that. And if you expect an actor to appear in any of these scenes, then draw up another contract for that. Plus, on the application, ask them if they are willing to appear nude. If they answer in any way except “yes”, then don’t believe them. If they answer “Only if it’s done tastefully”, then that pretty much means no. I got that last bit of advice from Lloyd Kaufman’s book, “Make Your Own Damn Movie!: Secrets of a Renegade Director
Are You Afraid To Offend?
While it is true that using sex to sell your product will alienate some people, this may not be a bad thing. Is it your goal to keep from offending anyone in your business endeavors? If so, then why? After all, it is better to be loved by some and hated by some, than it is to be forgotten by everyone. Who are you marketing towards? If it’s not to the people that are likely to be offended by it, then you might consider using it, because sex sells. That is an indisputable fact, like it or not. However, if you’re in, let’s say, the Christian line of work, then you probably don’t want to use it.
Ultimately, I feel that people are learning that sexuality isn’t the horrible thing that it’s been made out to be in the past. Pushing morales onto other people hasn’t worked very well, and if anything, it’s caused sexuality to flourish even more out of spite! It’s possible to live a life of your own morales, and to raise your children the way you want to without subjecting your beliefs about what objectionable and not to others. I know that there are many people who feel this way, or very similar, so there is definitely a market for sex appeal. And opposite that, there are plenty of people out there who will fly into a mad frenzy at the mere sight of an exposed midriff, so there are benefits to not using sex appeal as well. The choice is yours.
Hi Trey – This is a really interesting post. I think that I would say people are attracted to sex for a reason. It’s our own “life force” that we are attracted to. There are certainly ways to over-do it, but I don’t see sex appeal losing it’s attraction anytime soon.
I’m interested in following the rest of this discussion.
Amanda Linehan’s most recent blog post..Reflection: Keeping Your Dreams Alive In The Face of Reality
Hi Trey,
Another thought-provoking post. This topic is really relevant to me at the moment – the story I am working on deals with so many societal taboos including sexual abuse, the sex industry and a particularly harrowing scene where the main character induces her own miscarriage to avoid getting an abortion. Funnily enough, there is no scene I can think of that involves violence – other than a small car crash sequence. I anticipate a huge backlash from these scenes, but I say “bring it on!”. These things are happening every day to thousands of people. The only thing I am not sure about is the mention of abuse. I don’t show it but it is inferred. I’m trying to write it sensitively but realistically. Does any of that make sense?
curiousjessica’s most recent blog post..What I’m grateful for.
@ Amanda
Thanks for commenting. I think I can agree with everything you said. One thing’s for sure. The topic of sex will elicit a response from just about everyone, positive or negative.
@ Jessica
Well, I’d say the best way to write sensitively would be to seek out people who have been victims and get their opinion on what you’re writing. With all of the atrocities that people have written about and profited from, I really don’t see anything different about your subject matter. As a writer, you shouldn’t be afraid of a little controversy. I look forward to the final product.
Thanks for the reply! I definitely agree with seeking out the opinion of those who have been victims of abuse etc. Controversy is what its all about! Would love to flick you over a copy of the final product when I’m done
curiousjessica’s most recent blog post..What I’m grateful for.
@ Jessica
I’m looking forward to it. The most important thing to do though is just write. I wrote about Analysis Paralysis on January 18, where it’s more harmful to over-prepare than it would be just to create action. Good luck.