WORKING WITH ALL INTIMACY 

Intimacy means different things to different people but for intimacy coordinator purposes we have to have a common shared definition and understanding of what intimacy is.   We have to be aware of personal, cultural or religious reasons why someone might find something intimate even if does not meet the commonly understood definition of intimacy as per SAG-AFTRA or BECTU best practices for scenes of intimacy.

FACILITATE COMMUNICATION

As Intimacy Coordinator (IC) I bring a calm and safe energy to set, liaising between the actors, director, and production to facilitate communication around intimate scenes. I am there to facilitate story telling in a way that tells the story the director wants to tell while still upholding the actors’ boundaries around intimate scenes. I work to make sure that the actors feel safe, while at the same time supporting the director's process for realising their creative vision.

FAMILIAL INTIMACY

The goal of familial intimacy is to create believable characters with authentic relationships within a family unit, requiring actors to convey emotional closeness and connection through subtle physical gestures, nuanced dialogue and a deep understanding of their characters while adhering to strict safety protocols for intimate physical scenes. This can be particularly challenging for younger performers and as the IC my process is to approach these scenes professionally, with open and honest communication about the content and methods of filming, while supporting actors of all ages through any familial intimacy work.

ENABLE SAFE STORY TELLING

When there is clear communication, and when performers’ boundaries are being respected then there is an opportunity to dive more deeply into the story telling and to create something that is a lot more intimate and more realistic. When there is a lot more care crafted around an intimate scene the actors and director can feel safe, relaxed and able to do the work that they are there to do

Why is it important to have an Intimacy Coordinator

  • Someone designated to think about all the different aspects that come up relating to intimacy

  • Language the Intimacy Coordinator uses on set helps set the tone of intimate scenes

  • Makes the talent feel at ease and can make filming more effective

  • To complete Risk Assessments and Nudity Rider for every scene of intimacy

  • Reduces the risk of sexual harassment claims

When does a Production need an Intimacy Coordinator

  •  If a performer is a member of SAG-AFTRA you need to have an Intimacy Coordinator on set if there are scenes of nudity or simulated sex, this comes down to a nudity rider which lays out a performers written consent to perform nudity or simulated sex

  • If a performer is a member of Equity their best practice is to follow SAG-AFTRA guide lines

  • To reduce risk and ensure protocols are met for a closed set

  • For scenes of implied nudity the performers are still hyper exposed on set

  • Better to have an Intimacy Coordinator and not use them than not have one and need one