Intimacy Coordinators in Hollywood: Ensuring Safe and Realistic Scenes

Amidst the latest union contract from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), a new requirement states that productions must now make a sincere effort to hire intimacy coordinators when needed. This move comes as the film and television industry, which employs 2.74 million people and pays over $242 billion in annual wages, looks to enhance the on-set experience for actors and crew members alike.

Intimacy coordinator Alicia Northup shared in an interview with CBS News that she often receives inquiries about her unconventional career path, which involves guiding actors through intimate scenes that are often ambiguously described in scripts. She emphasized the importance of intimacy coordinators possessing a diverse skill set to create a comfortable environment for actors during such vulnerable moments on set.

"We're not the sex police"

The role of intimacy coordinators has evolved beyond just overseeing intimate scenes; they now provide essential guidance to accurately portray a range of vulnerable moments on screen. From depicting childbirth to showing someone in a wheelchair being bathed, these professionals are instrumental in ensuring that actors feel supported and secure while filming sensitive scenes.

"Anything that requires individuals to showcase their bodies in a highly vulnerable state is where intimacy coordinators can truly make a difference," Northrup explained to CBS News.

Zendaya's Positive Experience with Intimacy Coordinators

Zendaya recently spoke out about her positive experience working with an intimacy coordinator on the set of "Challengers," a film directed by Luca Guadagnino that explores a complex love triangle. The presence of an intimacy coordinator helped Zendaya and her co-stars feel secure and at ease while filming intimate scenes, highlighting the importance of these professionals in today's entertainment industry.

Intimacy coordinators have seen a significant expansion in their role over the past five years, with more people recognizing them as valuable creative resources with expertise in dramaturgy related to sex and sexuality. They are not to be mistaken for the human resources department or the "sex police," emphasized one coordinator.

A large part of the work done by intimacy coordinators occurs before the cameras start rolling. This involves discussions with directors regarding their vision for scenes, including specific body positions and actions that may not be explicitly outlined in scripts.

As explained by one coordinator, scenes in scripts are often described in vague terms like "They go at it" or "They make love." However, different directors may have varied interpretations of these phrases, leading to the need for detailed conversations about shot setups, body positioning, nudity levels, and specific actions to be portrayed.

Additionally, intimacy coordinators sometimes have to consider safety measures to protect actors during intimate scenes. For example, ensuring that an actor's scene partner does not consume peanuts if the actor has a peanut allergy and kissing could pose a danger.

Navigate the "messiness" of human interaction

Embarking on a career as an intimacy coordinator follows a non-traditional path. This role necessitates a unique combination of skills that current intimacy professionals may have acquired through experience as actors or in various positions within the film industry.

Moreover, it requires soft skills that are not easily taught, such as a specific demeanor and a delicate approach.

"We are here to help navigate the messiness of human interaction. Demeanor-wise, it's important to bring levity to the role, a light touch, and to be expert at de-escalating and intervening in a way that no one knows it happened," shared a professional in the field.

Although certification is not mandatory for practice, there are several training programs available that align with SAG-AFTRA's standards. The union maintains a roster of approximately 70 registered intimacy coordinators. One organization, led by Jessica Steinrock, has certified around 100 professionals and is recognized by SAG-AFTRA as an accredited training provider for Intimacy Directors and Coordinators.

These certification programs cover a range of topics, including consent training, movement coaching techniques, the use of modesty garments and barriers, as well as protocols for bystander intervention.

While certification can be a valuable way to showcase expertise, it is important to note that many skilled intimacy practitioners may not hold official certification. Practical on-set experience is also highly beneficial, and some professionals in this field juggle coordination responsibilities with other roles such as acting, assistant directing, or costume design.

Lucy Shapiro, a seasoned costume designer in the television industry, has noted the connection between her work and intimacy coordination. She is the founder of Covvier, a company that specializes in creating modesty garments with protective barriers for actors during nude or intimate scenes.

Previously, costume designers used makeshift items like shoe insoles, yoga mats, and deflated pilates balls to provide barriers between actors during intimate scenes. However, the introduction of intimacy coordinators led to the development of standard garments for such situations.

Shapiro expressed how working alongside intimacy coordinators has significantly improved the industry and made the filming process better for everyone involved.