Video Of Francis Ford Coppola Kissing ‘Megalopolis’ Extras Emerges, Crew Members Speak About Unprofessional Behavior On Set
Courtesy of Invision.
‘Megalopolis’ will recieve a theatrical release in 2 months time, but new information about Francis Ford Coppola’s “unprofessional” on-set behavior has emerged.
A video has surfaced of director Francis Ford Coppola trying to kiss young female extras on the set of his new sci-fi production.
The video corroborates a report in the Guardian that claimed the 85-year-old director “tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras” and told them “he was ‘trying to get them in the mood.’”
The Guardian story broke right before ‘Megalopolis’ made its world premiere in Competition at this years Cannes Film Festival.
Sources claim that Coppola’s behavior was unprofessional, as the director continuously hugged and kissed several women, often inserting himself into the shot and ruining the takes.
“I’ve worked with really important directors and that behavior is uncommon — the most I’ve ever seen any director do is say something like, ‘high energy, guys,'” the source says. “I’ve never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor.”
Apparently, Coppola spoke to everyone in the room with microphone and said; “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”
Darren Demetre, an executive producer of ‘Megalopolis’ noted that “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.”
On top of that, Mariela Comitini, the film’s first assistant director, described working with the director as “an honor,” saying; “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.”
However, when filming the nightclub scene, crew members were rendered uncomfortable as Coppola harassed background actors. Apparently no one intervened or objected, mostly due to Coppola’s production being self-financed with no outside studio interferences or HR department. Therefore, Coppola was the ‘say-all’ and ‘end-all’ of the entire production.
READ: Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ Receives 7-Minute Standing Ovation Alongside Boos
