Nudity and simulated sex often have an important role in the telling of a story, whether in the film, television or interactive world.
Although performances in these scenes convey strong feelings and powerful emotions to an audience which can be integral to a storyline, SAG-AFTRA also recognizes the unique vulnerability that arises for performers when performing hyper-exposed work.
To best benefit performers and the industry as a whole, SAG-AFTRA believes that implementation of the following standards and protocols for the use of intimacy coordinators will allow productions to run more efficiently, provide a safety net for performers and establish specialized support that empowers both cast and crew.
What is an intimacy coordinator?
An intimacy coordinator is an advocate, a liaison between actors and production, and a movement coach and/or choreographer in regards to nudity and simulated sex and other intimate and hyper-exposed scenes.
What does an intimacy coordinator do?
- Acts as an advocate who serves as a liaison between actors and a production;
- Ensures that performers and other production personnel adhere to proper safety protocols;
- Serves as a resource in realizing a director’s vision;
- Assumes the role of a movement choreographer if requested by the director to enhance believability;
- Strives to build an environment in which actors understand what is expected of them in hyper-exposed scenes and to give informed and continued consent.
When do you use an intimacy coordinator?
SAG-AFTRA believes that intimacy coordinators should be hired in scenes involving nudity or simulated sex or upon request for other intimate and hyper-exposed scenes.
How does an intimacy coordinator provide value to both performers and production?
For performers, an intimacy coordinator:
• Provides an important safety net for performers working in hyper-exposed scenes that respects the boundaries of actors.
For a production company, an intimacy coordinator:
• Ensures the safety of personnel in hyper-exposed scenes, and facilitates coordination between production departments to fulfill the director’s vision and reduce financial, insurance or market related risks as well as avoid any unnecessary production delays.
An Overview of the Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators
The standards and protocols provide a framework for the use of professional, skilled intimacy coordinators throughout the entire production process (pre-production, on-set and post-production), and are designed to protect performers and facilitate exchange and collaboration with the least disruption to the production.
For questions, please contact us at: intimacy@sagaftra.org