THE WORK
The Intimacy Coordinator is a profession that emerged in 2017, sparked by the MeToo movement and the Weinstein case.
Although Hollywood now considers this role essential, awareness and demand for Intimacy Coordinators in film and television
are still developing across Europe, especially in the Balkans.
The primary role of an IC is to create a safe space for actors in scenes involving nudity, simulated sex and other forms of intimacy, while supporting the director’s creative vision. An IC’s job extends beyond actor safety to collaboration with the entire production team. This cooperative approach builds trust, prioritizes emotional safety, and enables the production team to create impactful scenes in a respectful atmosphere.
1. What are the key roles and responsibilities of an IC?
- Actor Advocacy
Ensuring actor safety, discussing consent, boundaries, and body autonomy, and advocating for respectful representation, including LGBTQIA+ perspectives. ICs also provide emotional support, especially when scenes trigger trauma responses or emotional reactions in actors. - Liaising & Navigating Power Dynamics
Finding common ground between actors and production by aligning the director’s goals with the actors’ limits. They navigate power dynamics, facilitating open communication so everyone feels safe to express their “no.” - Facilitating Consent & Communication
Setting up clear communication channels among actors, supporting performers who need ongoing guidance, and helping maintain boundaries throughout filming. - Ensuring Protocol Compliance
Implementing closed sets, nudity riders, modesty protections and more, tailored to the specific filming context and protocols. - Choreography & Movement Coaching
Assisting with scene choreography if requested, aligning with the director’s vision while offering supportive guidance. - Coordinating Across Departments
Connecting departments involved in intimate scenes. This coordination promotes smooth collaboration and leads to an efficient shoot.
2. What types of scenes require an IC?
The focus of Intimacy Coordinators is primarily on physical and emotional intimacy, which in film and TV scenes includes:
- Intimate physical contact
- Nudity
- Simulated sexual acts (including masturbation)
- Kissing or making out
- Groping or fondling
- Flirting or seduction
- Sexual language
- Sexualized dancing
- Childbirth or breastfeeding
- Medical procedures
- All contexts of intimacy related to minors
Feel free to REACH OUT and discuss how Kristina can assist with your specific needs.
3. Why having an IC is important for production, and what are the benefits?
- Establishing Professionalism and education on set regarding intimacy topics. Crew members often lack the knowledge to discuss intimacy appropriately, which can lead to misunderstandings.
- Supporting Talents to feel more at ease, knowing someone is advocating for their comfort and well-being. The IC prioritizes the best interests of the talent.
- Enhancing Efficiency by ensuring performers are well-informed and prepared. This proactive approach minimizes surprises and helps maintain the production schedule.
- Mitigating Risks helping create a professional atmosphere that reduces the chance of lawsuits and market risks.
- Protecting physical and emotional safety of actors, especially during stunts or challenging consent situations.
- Balancing Power Dynamics between directors, producers, and actors, creating a safe space for actors to express their needs.
- Improving Performances by ensuring that actors are comfortable with intimacy so they can focus on their craft.
4. In which phase of production should an IC be on board?
Since this role remains relatively new in the Balkan region, and production teams may not yet be accustomed to working with an IC, it’s essential to involve them early in the production process.
While the workload may not be intense from the start, allowing time for planning and educating the crew about this sensitive position is crucial. As head of department, IC should be engaged during pre-production alongside other department heads.
Engaging an IC early helps identify and address potential challenges with intimate scenes, saving time, money and creative energy. They ensure that modesty garments, prosthetics, or nudity riders are coordinated in a timely manner, as well as any necessary pre-rehearsals.
IC can support the casting process by ensuring union compliance and verifying cast members’ comfort with required nudity or simulated sex.
5. Why is it important to work with a certified IC?
As the role of Intimacy Coordinator is still emerging, individuals in this position come from diverse backgrounds and may have different training and qualifications. To effectively navigate the complex responsibilities of an IC, certified professionals undergo accredited training in essential areas, such as:
- Consent
- Anti-harassment practices
- Mental health first aid and trauma care
- Conflict resolution
- Gender identity and sexual orientation
- Anti-racism and inclusion
- Bystander intervention
- Movement coaching and masking
- Use of modesty garments and barriers
Hiring a certified Intimacy Coordinator ensures they can:
- Advocate for actors’ emotional and physical safety
- Address power dynamics on set
- Mental health first aid and trauma care
- Help directors and actors find a comfortable creative space for nudity and simulated sex
- Improve filming efficiency
- Reduce the risk of legal issues
Kristina is the first IC in Serbia certified through the Intimacy Professionals Association, whose training program is accredited by SAG-AFTRA.
