FAQs

What is an intimate scene?

Scenes of Intimacy can be broadly defined as scenes with intimate physical contact or nudity, such as simulated sex. However, this can be expanded to include familial intimacy, embraces between friends, sexual tension, and chemistry where no touching occurs. It is also an element in scenes of sexual violence.

What is an Intimacy Coordinator?

An Intimacy Coordinator is the title given to an individual who has been trained and specialises in working on scenes or moments of intimacy for film, television, and theatre productions. An Intimacy Coordinator is:

• A movement choreographer.

• A liaison between actors, director, and production.

• An advocate for the well-being of the performer in regards to intimate scenes.

They are someone who works with the director, creatives, and actors to ensure that any scenes that require a certain level of intimacy are done so safely and respectfully, with everyone’s comfort levels and consent being addressed.

When should a production engage an Intimacy Coordinator?

Whenever a production includes scenes of nudity, simulated sex or intimate touch.

Are there other times a production should use an Intimacy Coordinator?

Yes. Ask yourself:

• Does the content necessitate special advocacy? 

• Is there a potentially problematic power dynamic?

• Would specialist movement advice and creative advocacy add value to the scene and assist the process?

• Can I avoid potential problems during the shoot by addressing them as early as possible with professional support?

What is an Intimacy Coordinator going to do?

• Risk assess scripts and consult with productions in determining scenes that contain intimate content/moments, and advise on best practice to facilitate the creation of those scenes.

• Create a safe workspace by offering processes in which to gain clear consent and set boundaries between performers. 

• Ensure a shared understanding of language and physicality before rehearsal / filming / performance commences.

• Will be present during rehearsals and filming of intimate content to support specific and clear communication between the director and actors.

• Provide specialised movement / choreographic input into the intimate moments of a scene to help serve the director's creative and artistic vision.

• Ensure the creation of safe, dynamic, and repeatable intimate content.

How can an Intimacy Coordinator assist production?

• Consulting and assessing risk.

• Addressing any problematic issues that might arise from intimate content in a production.

• Understanding, making suggestions and implementing production protocols around intimate scenes.

• Establishing reporting lines and making sure everyone on set / in the rehearsal space feels comfortable.

• Being present for cast / creatives and crew before, during, and after the creation of intimate scenes.

• Giving production more financial security by demonstrating an appropriate duty of care and providing reporting / documentation of work.

How can an Intimacy Coordinator assist a director?

• By creating a space where the intimacy makes sense and feels safe, while supporting the director in realising their artistic vision for the scene.

• Ensuring that intimate scenes are an authentic, creative, and fulfilling experience for all involved, by offering processes to create safe working spaces within which everyone feels comfortable and assured.

• Helping create repeatable action in intimate moments, ensuring efficiency of time on set / in the theatre, and the editing process.

How can an Intimacy Coordinator assist an actor?

• An Intimacy Co-ordinator assists actors to physicalise an intimate scene so that it is repeatable and based on character not personal experience, whilst respecting the actors' physical boundaries, which will lead to a smoother, more creative and more time-effective filming process.

• Empowers actors to physically realise the director’s vision for intimate scenes. 

• Initiates conversations around intimacy in scenes, listens to concerns, and creates a safe workplace.

• Is present and supervises during rehearsals and performance, makes suggestions, and shares knowledge.

• Ensures what was discussed beforehand is what happens on the day. From rehearsals all the way through to the performance.

• Makes sure there are no power dynamics in play causing anyone to feel they don’t have a voice in the intimacy conversation.

• Checks in with actors before, during and after rehearsal / shoot / performance.