Intimacy Coordination ... the low down
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO BE PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE
WITH ENDLESS STORYTELLING POSSIBILITIES:
The on set and live performance experience is always memorable, but for either the right or the wrong reasons.
Intimacy coordination is a relatively new role in the industry. It's understandable that, with some bad press—and if you’ve never worked alongside the right intimacy professional—you might worry about how it will impact creative vision, actor process, or production flow.
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Be assured, every intimacy coordinator works differently. Some have been affectionately referred to as “sensation supervisors” or, my personal favourite, “nudity ninjas.” That’s not my approach. My focus is on collaborative, story-driven, and risk-aware processes that enhance performances rather than restrict them. I work with productions to ensure that actors feel supported, directors maintain their vision, and everything runs smoothly—without unnecessary roadblocks.​
Why Your Production Needs Consent and Boundary Protocols (Even if You're Still Not Convinced)
As a producer or director, you have many responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety (WHS) standards and fostering a safe, supportive production culture. Hiring an Intimacy Professional isn’t just about best practice—it’s about meeting industry safety requirements while protecting both performer wellbeing and production integrity.
An industry-standard approach to intimacy coordination helps you proactively address risks, implement clear consent protocols, and document compliance, significantly reducing the likelihood of potential issues arising. With these safeguards in place, you can confidently create intimate scenes that serve your storytelling, knowing that cast and crew are supported within a risk-aware, legally compliant framework.
Scenes should be memorable for all the RIGHT reasons.
Most union guidlines define intimacy as intimate interaction involving bodily contact between performers whether sexual or otherwise, whether sexually violent or not and whether involving nudity or not. It also includes intimate interaction of a performer in a sexual or exposing manner. Any forms of nudity (partial, scantily clad, underwear) is also considered intimate.
What is intimacy?
Anytime the scene depicts nudity or semi-nudity.
If there is sexual activity depicted on stage, on camera or in audio.
If there are any other sensitive or exposing factors of the scene; those specific to the creative
approach (eg. a graphic or violent nature).
Power dynamics that would make a performer feel pressure to consent.
Cultural considerations.
Young performers.
'Make out' scenes.
When should I consider engaging an Intimacy Professional?
Currently, in Australia, MEAA has provided a framework for the stage and screen industries when creating, performing or recording performances of Intimate Scenes. The aim is to encourage the inclusion of Intimacy Professionals where beneficial or requested and to highlight the importance of consent. There have been recent changes to SAG-AFTRA contract and requirements for Intimacy Coordinators.
Do I have to use an Intimacy Professional?
HERE'S HOW WE'LL DO THIS:
01
SCRIPT BREAKDOWN
Identify intimate scenes while flagging aspects that could be overlooked.​
04
DOCUMENT
Provide risk assessments in addition to script breakdown, best practice protocol documents, set reports and if needed, create a layperson's overview of what is and is not consented to (non-legal document).
02
ASCERTAIN VISION
Understand the wish list of action, nudity, costuming. Go big ... there's no harm in asking for what you want.
05
LIAISE
Liaise with creatives (re any misalignments in vision to find solutions). Collaborate with ADs, wardrobe, DOP, art department (e.g. prosthetics), as needed.
03
UNDERSTAND BOUNDARIES
Actor communication - private/confidential meetings.
06
REHEARSE
Attend rehearsals (if scheduled), provide movement direction/choreography (if requested) based on director's preferred process.
07
PERFORM
Pre shoot/performance actor check-ins, assist with modesty garments, rehearsal of blocking, authenticity assistance (if requested), solutions.
Although intimacy scenes have been created without a consent specialist before...
You’re likely seeing consent conversations more and more in the mainstream—and naturally, they’re becoming part of film, television, and live production as well. But just because something has been done a certain way for years doesn’t mean it was done well.
Artists make themselves vulnerable, sharing the deepest parts of themselves for their craft. Intimate scenes deserve the same level of care as fight choreography or stunt work. A thoughtful, structured approach doesn’t hinder storytelling—it enhances it, ensuring performances feel authentic, supported, and free from unnecessary risk.
As a former professional dancer and Performing Arts educator, I am now an internationally certified Intimacy Coordinator. My extensive training, is leveraged with aligned tertiary qualifications and diverse transferable skills to attentively support productions. I take a collaborative approach to enhance intimate storytelling, while contributing to a dynamic, unforgettable on set experience.
