Intimacy Coordinators act as a liaison between the actor(s), director, and production to facilitate effective and clear communication around scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, and other types of intimacy. We support the team to find creative common ground, a space where the level of nudity and types of simulated sex used in the scene appeal to both the director's vision and the actor's comfort level. This ensures the process of filming intimate scenes goes smoothly, both behind the camera and on the screen. We do this by: Conducting a pre-production script analysis and risk assessment Facilitating a clear dialogue between the actor(s) and the director about their comfort level with the intimate content of a scene Preparing actors emotionally for challenging intimacy scenes, such as simulated sexual assault, and providing them with support throughout the process, as well as emotional aftercare if needed Liaising with production and legal to ensure the agreed level of nudity, and type of simulated sex, are communicated clearly in the actors’ riders Providing a safe environment in which actors can do their best work Ensuring that during the filming of a scene, the boundaries of the actors are not crossed and that they remain safe throughout, both physically and emotionally Ensuring that safe intimacy protocols and procedures are implemented, including closed-set and nudity guidelines. As a SAG-AFTRA certified Intimacy Coordinator practising in Australia, my practice is guided by SAG-AFTRA'S Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators and MEAA'S Guidelines for Stage and Screen. Serving as an on-set advocate and ally for LGBTQIA+ cast members Assisting in the choreography of simulated sex scenes to enhance authenticity and believability (where requested by the director) Coordinating with departments such as costume and makeup to ensure that the actors are provided with the appropriate nudity garments, barriers, and prosthetics Interviewing potential cast members to make sure they are comfortable with the nudity and/or simulated sex required of the role they are auditioning for before they are hired Providing post-production de-briefing including reporting and documenting (where requested by Production).

Intimacy coordinators should be engaged for projects that have scenes containing nudity or simulated sex (including simulated masturbation). They are also recommended and should be engaged upon request of directors, actors, guardians, or producers for other intimate or hyper-exposed scenes (e.g., two minors kissing). For scenes containing simulated sexual violence a stunt coordinator must also be engaged. A production may also consider engaging an Intimacy Coordinator when working with vulnerable or sensitive content that necessitates informed advocacy or when the process contains a potentially problematic power dynamic. If you would like to discuss if your production requires or would benefit from engaging an Intimacy Coordinator, please get in touch here: emk.intimacycoordination@gmail.com Some examples of other intimate or hyper-exposed scenes are those that contain: Intimate physical contact Kissing/making out Groping/fondling Flirting or seduction Sexual language Sexualised dancing Minors kissing Minors giving or receiving touch (e.g., a young person being held by character parents) Medical procedures (e.g., childbirth, autopsy)

Intimacy Coordinators are department heads and should be brought on in pre-production at the same time as other department heads. Engaging an Intimacy Coordinator in pre-production ensures they can identify and mitigate any potential challenges associated with intimacy scenes, saving the production time, money, and creativity (e.g., ensuring prosthetic makes are available to schedule or pre-rehearsals for scenes involving simulated sexual violence are conducted appropriately). Intimacy Coordinators are also available to assist with casting processes. They ensure all relevant union casting policies and procedures are met, and can interview with potential cast members and their reps to ensure they are comfortable with the level of nudity or simulated sex required for the role before they are hired.

It safeguards the emotional and physical safety of actors. Knowing that someone has their well-being and best interests top of mind can help actors to feel at ease in a fast-paced, high-pressure, set environment It interrupts power dynamics ensuring that actors and crew can perform their work consensually and safely It helps to set a professional tone with the crew around topics related to intimacy It gives the director an informed source to lean on for intimacy-related choreographic techniques and processes (where requested) It ensures crew are not required to perform beyond the scope or capacity of their roles. This ensures the psychological and emotional safety of actors and crew (e.g., costume and makeup departments should not be tasked with advocating for actor boundaries or holding space for post-performance closure) It supports the actors to give their best performances It makes filming more efficient It helps to mitigate lawsuits and market risks

Since it is a relatively new position on set, Intimacy Coordinators come from a variety of backgrounds and not all have the same training and qualifications. To practice at an informed level across the multifaceted scope of the Intimacy Coordinator role which includes legal awareness, advocacy, relationship management and choreographic components, certified Intimacy Coordinators receive accredited training in topics that include but are not limited to: Consent Anti-harassment/anti-sexual harassment Mental health first aid, trauma stewardship or related training Mediation and conflict resolution Gender identity and sexual orientation training Anti-racist and Equity Diversity and Inclusion training Bystander intervention Movement coaching and masking techniques Proper use of modesty garments and barriers When working with a certified Intimacy Coordinator you can be sure that they have the skills, knowledge, and competencies to: Advocate for the emotional and physical safety of actors Interrupt any problematic power dynamics on set Support the director and actors to find a creative space where the level of nudity and types of simulated sex used appeal to both the director’s vision and the actor’s comfort level Make filming more efficient Mitigate lawsuits and market risks Emily is certified with the Intimacy Professionals Association For a list of other SAG AFTRA accredited Intimacy Coordinator training programs, please see here