If you are a director or producer considering an Intimacy Coordinator for your project, you want to know that their presence is going to be helpful. While this post is about how an Intimacy Coordinator helps actors, you get your own post next. Stay tuned!

An Intimacy Coordinator helps actors in more than just the sex scene. Let’s break it down:

Pre-Production

The Intimacy Coordinator has already had a conversation with the director about their vision for the scene(s) as part of the overall story. Then, they’re going to have a 1-on-1 call with you to make sure that story is one you agree to tell, and that you see the scene in the same way.
In that call, an Intimacy Coordinator will also get clear on an actor’s boundaries, so that during filming, we tell the story in a way that upholds those boundaries.
An Intimacy Coordinator will create or consult on any documents (Closed Set memos, nudity riders, etc.) that may be needed. This paperwork will make sure actors’ boundaries are upheld during filming and that they are not over-exposed on set.

On the Day of Filming (TV/Film)

The Intimacy Coordinator will check in with the actor about any boundary changes, make sure the scene partners have a chance to talk ahead of the scene, and provide ideas for self-care and/or closure.

The Intimacy Coordinator can choreograph, in collaboration with the actors and director, intimate scenes that fit the director’s vision, upholds performer boundaries, and tells a dynamic, exceptional story. This is so helpful, because the specificity of movement allows the actors to know that they look good, and are doing their job well, and can channel all of their energy into ACTING, rather than making up movement, or worrying if it works. To me, this is so important! Actors are used to learning blocking or choreography, so that they can dive into the story and emotional content. We provide that for intimate scenes so the actor is no responsible for also creating their own movement. Actors also want to know that the scene looks good, or real, or is something that is not gratuitous. Having an Intimacy Coordinator as an outside eye helps ensure the scene meets everyone’s expectations.
The Intimacy Coordinator will ask for a rehearsal, so that the actors feel prepared for filming.
The Intimacy Coordinator will coordinate with Costumes/Wardrobe to make sure the actors have whatever modesty garments and/or barriers are needed for the scene for personal boundaries and/or comfort.
The Intimacy Coordinator will uphold any Closed Set memos or nudity riders, making sure the actors’ boundaries are intact and that they and the crew are not overexposed in the course of work. It can be really hard in the moment for actors to advocate for themselves. An Intimacy Coordinator can help cross those Power Dynamics can care for everyone’s safety AND the integrity of the story.
The Intimacy Coordinator may provide movement notes if requested by the director. Since Intimacy Coordinators are choreographers, they can get really specific on body part placement, movement quality, etc., to develop the story.
The Intimacy Coordinator will check in with performers throughout the process to support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The Intimacy Coordinator will suggest some ways to close out the work day, so that actors can leave, knowing they’ve done their work, and done it well, and have a good working relationship with their scene partner.