The script has a love scene that ends with the characters falling asleep together. Before anyone films it, the intimacy coordinator sits down with each actor separately, asks what they are comfortable with, and then works with the director to block every movement like a piece of choreography. On the day, the set is closed to everyone who does not need to be there. The intimacy coordinator is the person who makes sure scenes with nudity or simulated sex are planned, agreed and filmed with care.
What an intimacy coordinator does
The intimacy coordinator is usually hired by the producer and works with the director and the cast. They start in pre-production, reading the script for intimate content and talking to the director about what the scene needs to tell the story. Then they talk to each actor about their boundaries, which is how far they are willing to go, and make sure any nudity is agreed in writing before the shoot, in line with the actor's contract.
On the shoot day they rehearse the scene like a stunt, with every touch and movement agreed in advance. They work with the first assistant director on a closed set and with the costume designer on modesty garments, which are coverings worn under the costume or instead of it that the camera does not see. If an actor changes their mind, the coordinator helps the director find another way to film the moment.
Responsibilities
- Read the script and identify scenes with nudity or intimate content
- Discuss the purpose of each scene with the director
- Talk to each actor about their boundaries and consent
- Make sure nudity and simulated sex are agreed in writing in advance
- Choreograph intimate scenes and lead rehearsals
- Arrange closed sets, modesty garments and barriers with the relevant departments
- Support actors during the shoot and pause filming when something is not right
How the role touches the budget
Lightly. The coordinator is usually paid a day rate for prep and shoot days, often from a small line in the budget. Some needs come out of other departments, such as modesty garments in the costume budget or extra rehearsal time in the schedule. Productions that plan for this in advance avoid last-minute delays on the shoot day itself.
How people get into the role
Many intimacy coordinators come from acting, dance, movement direction, stunts or theatre. They take specialist training in consent, choreography and how productions work, often through a recognised training programme. The role is relatively new on film and TV sets and has become a common part of productions with intimate scenes.
On stage and on screen
In theatre the same work is usually called intimacy direction, and the person an intimacy director. On film and TV sets the title intimacy coordinator is the most common. Some coordinators also advise on scenes with minors or on other sensitive content, such as scenes of violence.