'It's Not My Duty to Protect Actors' Marriages' — Producer Biodun Stephen

Award-winning Nollywood filmmaker Biodun Stephen has said it is not the responsibility of movie producers to protect the marriages of actors, responding to concerns over the increasing use of kissing and intimate scenes in Nigerian films. She made the remarks in a video addressing critics who argued that such scenes could negatively affect actors' relationships.

Stephen explained that actors are never forced to participate in intimate scenes and are free to decline based on their personal beliefs. She revealed that she has, on several occasions, adjusted scripts or found alternative ways to tell a story when actors expressed discomfort with kissing scenes.

According to the producer, the primary responsibility of filmmakers is to create believable stories while ensuring actors are treated with dignity and feel safe on set. She argued that the responsibility for balancing an acting career with a successful marriage lies with the actor and their spouse, not with producers or directors.

Stephen also noted that although she prefers making family-friendly films and is not a fan of excessive intimacy on screen, some stories require romantic scenes to make the emotions convincing. She maintained that producers should not be blamed for marital issues involving actors who willingly choose the profession.