What is an Intimacy Coordinator?
An Intimacy Coordinator (IC) ensures actors’ safety during intimate scenes while supporting the director’s creative vision. By prioritising consent, boundaries, and body autonomy, ICs help create a respectful and professional environment on set. They work across departments to manage dynamics, serving as a bridge between actors, directors, and production. This balance between comfort and creativity leads to a smooth and efficient filming process. Certified ICs undergo accredited programs that equip them with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of their work. In essential areas like: Consent & Anti-harassment practices, Mental health first aid, Conflict resolution, Gender identity & sexual orientation, Anti-racism & inclusion, Bystander intervention, Movement coaching & masking, Use of modesty garments & barriers
When do you need an Intimacy Coordinator?
An IC is essential for scenes involving physical or emotional intimacy, including:
Intimate physical contact, Partial nudity or full nudity, Simulated consensual and non-consensual sex or sexual acts, Simulated sexual violence, Kissing and making out, Groping and fondling, Flirting and seduction, Sexualised dancing, Childbirth and breastfeeding, Death, Any intimate scenes involving minors
Why an IC is important for productions?
Streamlining Production – Clear planning and communication keep performers informed and prepared, minimising delays and maintaining the production schedule.
Mitigating Risks – A structured approach to intimate scenes prevents legal and reputational risks by implementing industry-standard protections like closed sets, nudity riders, and modesty garments, tailored to each production's needs.
Advocating for Talent – ICs ensure actors' comfort and safety by facilitating consent discussions, setting boundaries, and advocating for respectful representation.
Enhancing Performances – When actors feel safe and supported, they can fully engage in their roles, leading to more authentic and compelling performances.
Ensuring Emotional Safety – ICs helps to protect both actors and crew, particularly in scenes with potentially triggering content. Their presence helps recognize and address situations that could lead to distress or trauma.
Strengthening Collaboration – ICs maintain a balanced working dynamic between directors, producers, and actors, encouraging open communication to align the director’s vision with the actors’ comfort levels.
Promoting Professionalism & Education – Many crew members may lack the knowledge or terminology to handle intimacy appropriately. ICs establish a professional standard, improving understanding and preventing miscommunication.
What does an Intimacy Coordinator do during pre-production, on-set, and post-production?
PRE-PRODUCTION
Meets with the producer and/or director at a minimum, to discuss details of script breakdown and intimate scenes to determine: 1. degree of nudity, 2. specifics of simulated sex (as applicable) 3. any other pertinent details
Meets one-on-one with performers prior to the rehearsal and filming of an intimate scene and confirms consent for the descriptive language to be used in the nudity or simulated sex rider, and any other consideration for the filming of the scene.
Ensures clear communication with actors regarding any nudity, simulated sex or hyper-exposed situation.
Ensures continued consent during rehearsal process.
Facilitates resolution of any discrepancies in agreements or expectations between actors and productions.
Communicates and as needed collaborates with departments such as assistant directors, costumes, props and makeup to ensure that the performers are provided with appropriate nudity garments, barriers, and prosthetics to reflect rider details.
ON-SET
Reviews nudity riders, scene content, modesty garments and barriers with performers, directors and assistant directors.
Ensures the proper implementation of closed-set protocols.
Serves as a resource for directors and assistant directors (as needed) with any specialised movement or choreography to ensure consent and safety while enhancing believability and director vision.
Ensures continued consent throughout the filming of scene (both consent ot what their likeness is seen performing, and how the action is achieved) while minimizing interference in production flow.
POST-PRODUCTION
IC is available for support post-filming, if performers have questions or concerns.
May verify that a final cut is consistent with contractual obligations and riders.