Photo by VIDAR NORDLI-MATHISEN

Why do you need an intimacy coordinator for your project?

When a production executes a stunt, it hires a stunt coordinator who makes sure that every member of the crew remains safe, is educated and has given consent to the stunt at hand. This requires interviews with the production team to determine exactly what is called for in the scene down to the smallest detail. It also requires extensive choreography, planning, and safety meetings.

When an intimate scene is called for, the actors are often left to their own devices to map out how the scene should go. There is a high risk of blurred lines and abuse in a workplace where workers are required to kiss and simulate sex. To combat this, it’s becoming best practice to hire intimacy coordinators.

Now, with the introduction of the Intimacy Coordinator, the same thoughtful attention to detail can be given to create a safe environment for the actors involved in the scene as well to ensure that the vision of the director is met, thereby saving the production time and money.

In pre-production, the IC meets with the production team to determine what is specifically called for in the scene, and how best to tell the story to keep the creative vision and to keep the actors safe. After meeting with the director to determine their needs, we meet with the actors one-on-one to discuss ideas for the scene. During this time we confirm what areas of their body - in line with their nudity rider - they are comfortable revealing. In addition, we discuss consent for potential choreography for intimate scenes.

We then ensure that the actors and the production team are on the same page about the intimate scene at hand. We make sure that the nudity riders reflect the actors’ boundaries, and we facilitate getting them signed.

These detailed meetings ahead of the shooting day keep everyone up-to-speed on what is expected on the day so that precious time (and money) is not wasted.