Francis Ford Coppola, the celebrated director behind classics like *The Godfather* series and *Apocalypse Now*, is now under scrutiny for his behavior on the set of his upcoming sci-fi film, *Megalopolis*.

Recently released footage shows the 85-year-old director allegedly attempting to kiss and hug several young female extras during the filming of a nightclub scene.

The videos, obtained by Variety, depict Coppola moving through a crowded dance floor, where he seems to approach several women in an inappropriate manner.

The footage was captured last February during a nightclub scene filmed at the Tabernacle concert hall in Atlanta.

The background actors in this scene had been cleared for topless or scantily clad appearances, according to a call sheet obtained by Variety.

The set was bustling with around 150 to 200 people, including Coppola and various crew members.

Sources from the set claimed that Coppola’s behavior was unprofessional and that he often behaved with a sense of ‘impunity.’

One insider noted that Coppola’s actions were unusual for a director, describing his behavior as rare and uncharacteristic compared to other directors they had worked with.

There were reports that during filming, Coppola even used a microphone to apologize in advance for any unwanted advances, stating that his actions were “solely for my pleasure.”

Without an HR department to handle complaints—since the production was self-funded by Coppola—there was no clear channel for addressing such issues.

Intimacy coordinators Samantha McDonald and Ashley Anderson were involved in the production but were not present during the problematic nightclub scene.

McDonald expressed uncertainty about why their involvement was limited to certain scenes.

The lack of HR oversight and the absence of these coordinators during crucial moments might have contributed to the issues reported.

Responses and Reactions

Earlier reports from The Guardian highlighted similar concerns about Coppola’s behavior.

Insiders described the director as “old school” in his interactions with women.

Darren Demetre, a producer on *Megalopolis*, defended Coppola, stating that the director’s affectionate gestures were intended to set a positive tone and create a celebratory atmosphere for the club scene.

Demetre insisted he was unaware of any harassment complaints and praised Coppola for successfully managing the film’s production and creative vision.

Crew Experiences and Production Challenges

The production of *Megalopolis* reportedly faced significant challenges, including high turnover in the visual effects and art teams.

Some crew members expressed frustration with Coppola’s disorganized approach and lack of effective planning, leading to long periods of inactivity on set.

Despite these challenges, the film continued, with Coppola’s personal struggles—such as his wife Eleanor’s illness—adding to the complexity of the production.

Upcoming Release and Film Synopsis

*Megalopolis* is set to premiere on September 27, featuring an ensemble cast led by Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Dustin Hoffman, and several other notable actors.

The film’s plot centers on an architect’s vision to rebuild New York City as a utopian society after a catastrophic disaster.

With a hefty budget of $120 million, Coppola not only directed but also wrote and financed the film himself.

As the release date approaches, the controversy surrounding Coppola’s behavior on set continues to cast a shadow over the film’s production.

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