Intimacy Coordinator
Intimacy Coordinator + Being a Safety Net for Actors
An intimacy coordinator is a person who ensures a safe, respectful, and consensual environment during intimate scenes in film, theater, television, or other art or production forms. Their goal is to provide valuable insight when choreographing scenes that involve physical intimacy, nudity, or stimulated sexual acts with a focus on the well-being of the actors and crew.
For the past hundred years, the entertainment industry has been producing and promoting countless movies and series, which often involve these types of scenes. Not until recently have actors been able to trust someone to look out for them in vulnerable moments.
This article will explain why intimacy coordinators are vital to actors’ well-being and the industry’s future. Find out the key responsibilities of intimacy coordinators and how to become one if you’re interested.
Definition of an Intimacy Coordinator
For the past few years, you might have heard actors and producers talking about the importance of intimacy coordinators. They are present during shooting moments that involve nudity, physical intimacy, or simulated sexual acts to ensure that nobody is pushed beyond their own wellbeing.
For instance, it’s a known fact that many movies in history have included two actors completely nude, showing expressions of physical intimacy without care for their mental health. The art was above everything, even the well-being of the actors and the crew. I have heard people in the industry say things like “you must suffer for your art.”
That is why the role of intimacy coordinator is so essential in today’s movies and series. A recent example can be found in the ‘Firefly Lane’ TV series. The lead actress, Katherine Heigl, shared how grateful she feels that all scenes were recorded with the presence of an intimacy coordinator. Similarly, in the Babygirl Movie, the director and main actress reported that the presence of an professional was beneficial.
Without an coordinator, these young girls would have to fight for themselves, hoping the director and others saw their best interests, which was often not the case.
Key Responsibilities of an Intimacy Coordinator
To ensure that all parties involved are secured from any harm, an intimacy coordinator has several responsibilities. One of the most important ones is facilitating communication between actors and the crew. Intimacy coordinators are like liaisons between the two sides of this industry. Before filming or rehearsing, they discuss each scene’s nature and boundaries.
Besides communication, intimacy coordinators establish consent and boundaries by working with actors to define their personal comfort levels and boundaries. With the presence of these professionals, actors will not feel pressure to perform beyond what was previously agreed upon.
Another key responsibility is choreographing intimate scenes. To ensure story continuity and professionalism, an intimacy coordinator plans and blocks physical interactions. Akin to a stunt or dance routine, they structure and repeat intimacy.
Most importantly, intimacy coordinators make actors, crew, and anyone else who wants to enter this exciting world feel safe. For example, if you dream of an acting career yet are afraid that your beliefs, boundaries, and comfort will be questioned, an intimacy coordinator is your safety net.
Lastly, these professionals also ensure legal and ethical compliance. They do so by ensuring that productions comply with union guidelines and legal standards regarding nudity and simulated acts. They can also implement modesty garments, barriers, or other protective measures when sensual scenes happen.
How to Become an Intimacy Coordinator
SAG-AFTRA-accredited professional certificates in intimacy coordinating can be obtained through different venues. To be included in the union’s intimacy coordinator register, you must combine relevant training and job experience.
Aspiring intimacy coordinators are advised by SAG to show intent, develop their skill set, and network to obtain employment experience. To demonstrate interest in this emerging sector, future intimacy coordinators should participate in industry conversations. Another great idea is to join relevant organizations, attend networking events, build company relationships, find mentors, and look for assistance or shadowing.
To be an intimacy coordinator in the United States, a person will need to meet a few requirements, including:
- Pass a state and federal background check
- Obtain intimacy coordinator certification from a SAG-AFTRA-approved training program
- Continue educating yourself about sexual storytelling, communication, consent, gender, sexual diversity, sensitivity, movement coaching, masking, and power dynamics
- Gain knowledge about union contracts that discuss simulated sex
- Seek mentorship opportunities from an established intimacy coordinator
Also, many professionals have previously worked as sex and relationship coaches. This allowed them to have relevant experience working with couples and individuals and learning different methods to establish boundaries and build mutual respect. Such knowledge is extremely beneficial for intimacy coordinators.
Conclusion
It’s not a surprise that everyone, including sex therapists, is celebrating this rising trend in the entertainment industry. Intimacy coordinators establish a professional atmosphere that discourages exploitation or inappropriate behavior, contributing to improving the conditions of the industry. Because of intimacy coordinators, awareness of the need for workplace safety and consent is growing as well. Actors and crew members have been vocal about their need for an independent professional who can protect their boundaries in a healthy and sustainable way.
With the right training and education, intimacy coordinators can protect everyone involved in rehearsing and producing vulnerable scenes. By standing up for each person in this industry, intimacy coordinators are ensuring that the work environment of these people is not as harmful as it was before. Just like it is with any other profession, workers have every right to have their boundaries respected and not be traumatized during their work hours.
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