Controversy Surrounds Francis Ford Coppola's Behavior on the Set of "Megalopolis"

Photo: Mega via Getty Images

With just two months until the release of "Megalopolis," a storm of controversy has erupted around legendary director Francis Ford Coppola. Newly surfaced videos show Coppola engaging in inappropriate behavior with young female extras on the film's set.

The videos, obtained by Variety, depict Coppola attempting to kiss several of the women during a scene that featured actress Nathalie Emmanuel.

This incident, which reportedly took place on February 14, 2023, at Atlanta's Tabernacle concert hall, involved extras who had been cleared for topless and scantily clad appearances.

Allegations of Unprofessional Conduct

Two sources have confirmed to Variety that Coppola, who independently financed the $120 million budget for "Megalopolis," acted with impunity, free from traditional checks and balances typically provided by studio oversight.

The Guardian's report, released just before the film's world premiere at Cannes, alleged that Coppola had told the extras he was "trying to get them in the mood" as he attempted to kiss them.

A source present during the nightclub scene described Coppola's actions as highly unusual, stating that he would frequently jump up to hug and kiss several women, inadvertently disrupting the filming process.

Mixed Reactions from the Production Team

The production's response has been mixed. Darren Demetre, an executive producer on the film, and Mariela Comitini, the first assistant director, defended Coppola, describing the environment as vibrant and professional.

They suggested that Coppola's behavior was a method to establish the celebratory atmosphere needed for the scene.

However, this depiction has been disputed by others on set, who felt uncomfortable witnessing Coppola's actions but were uncertain whom to report to, given the lack of an external HR department.

The Role of Intimacy Coordinators and Best Practices

The film included several intimate scenes, with intimacy coordinators Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson involved in overseeing these moments. However, they were not present during the shooting of the controversial nightclub scene.

McDonald expressed uncertainty about why they were not called in for that specific day, highlighting a gap in the film's oversight.

Yarit Dor, a veteran intimacy coordinator not involved with "Megalopolis," noted that best practices in the industry recommend multiple intimacy coordinators for scenes involving significant numbers of extras to ensure proper choreography and comfort.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Following the incident, senior crew members reportedly reminded those involved of their non-disclosure agreements, cautioning against sharing behind-the-scenes footage.

This situation raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and crew members, particularly in productions where traditional oversight mechanisms are absent.

The Future of "Megalopolis"

Despite the controversy, Lionsgate has acquired the domestic distribution rights for "Megalopolis," with a scheduled release date of September 27.

The film, starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Jon Voight, is anticipated to be a strong contender in technical categories during the upcoming awards season. Coppola, a celebrated figure in cinema, was recently honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, set to be awarded in December.

Coppola's team has not issued a public comment on the videos or the allegations, and it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the film's reception.

The situation underscores the complexities and challenges within the film industry, particularly regarding the treatment of cast and crew members and the responsibilities of directors and producers.

As "Megalopolis" nears its release, the focus will likely shift to how these revelations affect the film's critical and commercial success.