Intimacy Coordinators (IC) create a safe environment with the goal of blending the performer's emotional and physical boundaries harmoniously with the Director's vision and ideas.
In a setting where individuality, autonomy, and trust are paramount, we conduct a thorough analysis of the needs of performers and colleagues, tailoring our approach to each unique production.
We serve as a reliable resource for performers, ensuring that boundaries and consent are clarified, respected, and empowered. Our goal is to highlight the beauty and emotional impact that intimate scenes, including nudity and simulated sex, can bring to the audience’s experience.
Intimacy Coordinators can assist in:
An Intimacy Coordinator is essential on a film set to ensure that intimate scenes, such as those involving nudity or simulated sexual content, are handled professionally and safely. We create a supportive environment for performers, helping them communicate their boundaries and fostering trust among the cast and crew. By establishing clear guidelines and, if desired, choreography, ICs minimize the risk of discomfort or misunderstanding, promoting a respectful atmosphere. Additionally, we play a crucial role in disrupting power dynamics, ensuring that all voices are heard and that consent is prioritized, which enhances the authenticity of the performance while safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved. Ultimately, this contributes to a more positive and collaborative filmmaking experience.
What is an Intimacy Coordinator’s process?
After reviewing the script and analyzing each scene that may require the support of an Intimacy Coordinator, we begin collaborating with the director—often joined by the 1st Assistant Director, Director of Photography, Unit Production Manager or Line Producer, and Costume Designer—to align on the vision for the scene. Once we gather all pertinent information, we hold private one-on-one discussions with the performers to address boundaries and comfort levels.
Next, we update the production department with these insights and relay the information to the legal team to initiate the development of nudity riders. As we prepare for the shoot, we coordinate with all relevant departments to outline the next steps.
On set, ICs ensure that all closed-set protocols are adhered to, facilitate clear communication among the performers, and occasionally assist the director with scene choreography. Ultimately, our goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages artistic expression while prioritizing the well-being of the cast.
Which departments does the Intimacy Coordinator work with?
Intimacy Coordinators collaborate with the director to align on the scene's vision and coordinate with the assistant director (AD) department for scheduling. We engage with the costume department for wardrobe considerations and modesty garments, make-up department if prosthesis or pubic wigs are needed, legal teams for contractual matters, and occasionally COVID compliance for hygiene protocols. If movement is involved that could potentially harm a performer or simulated violence is part of the scene, ICs also partner with stunt coordinators.
When should I hire an Intimacy Coordinator?
Intimacy Coordinators are head of departments and should be brought on at the same time as other heads off as well. The sooner you engage us, the more we can help identify potential challenges related to intimate scenes—such as the need for prosthetics or additional time and care for those scenes. Delaying the hiring of an IC until just before filming can lead to lost production time and hinder creative opportunities.
Johanna
Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF
Eden
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Die lauteste Zeit
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Tell Me What You Want
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Haus am Hang
Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
The Stranger Within
SAE München
Mine
SAE München
Itimacy Consulting
You can download Marlas IC resume here.
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