Intimacy Coordination for TV & Film: What to Expect

Although my intimacy practice is mostly grounded in live theatre, I do occasional work in film and television and I’m often asked: What exactly does an Intimacy Coordinator do on a film set?

Whether you’re a producer, director, actor, or just curious about best practices, here’s an overview of how intimacy coordination works on screen.

The protocols shared here are based on guidance from SAG-AFTRA, ACTRA, and IDC (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators) training, which have set the industry standard for working with scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, or emotionally vulnerable content.

What Is an Intimacy Coordinator?

An Intimacy Coordinator (IC) is a trained professional who helps choreograph and support intimate scenes for film and TV. Their job is to make sure everyone involved feels safe, respected, and informed, while helping directors and producers achieve their creative goals.

ICs handle the logistics, advocate for performers, and ensure consent and communication are at the core of every step. Just like a stunt or fight choreographer, the IC works to plan, rehearse, and supervise scenes where actors are physically or emotionally vulnerable.

Before Filming: What Happens?

Intro Meetings
The IC connects with the director, producers, and ADs to:

• Review the script and flag any scenes requiring intimacy support

• Clarify how each scene will be shot

• Discuss safety and closed-set protocols

Performer Check-ins
Each actor involved in an intimate scene will meet privately with the IC to:

• Go over the scene in plain terms

• Talk through personal boundaries and preferences

• Learn about modesty garments, barriers, and privacy measures

• Ask questions or voice concerns

Nudity & Simulated Sex Riders
For scenes involving nudity or simulated sex, a written agreement (rider) outlines exactly what’s been agreed to. These must be:

• Finalized and approved by the actor (and/or their agent)

• Delivered at least 48 hours before shooting

• Signed before the scene is filmed

Wardrobe & Makeup Coordination
The IC consults with wardrobe and makeup teams to ensure all modesty wear, prosthetics, and coverings are available and fitted respectfully.

On Set: What to Expect

Private Check-Ins
The IC will check in with each actor privately before the scene, ideally in their dressing room or a quiet space, to confirm continued consent.

Choreographed Rehearsal
Intimate scenes are never improvised. The IC helps choreograph every physical beat, just like blocking a dance or fight. The goal is clarity, consistency, and comfort.

Closed Set Protocols
On the day of filming:

• Only essential personnel remain on set

• No visitors, cell phones, or extra monitors

• Actors are covered immediately after each take

• The IC stays close by to check in and adjust as needed

Ongoing Consent
Actors are encouraged to check in with each other between takes. The IC is available to confirm consent and manage any changes. If something shifts that wasn’t in the original rider, a new one must be created and the 48-hour window restarts.

After Filming: Privacy & Protection

Once the scene is shot:

• Footage is labeled “Restricted Access” and only available to essential editing staff

• All material is stored securely and used only for the intended production

Why It Matters

When an Intimacy Coordinator is on set, you can expect:

• Respectful working conditions

• Clear communication

• Creative solutions that support both the story and the people telling it

Actors can focus on their performance without second-guessing their safety. Directors and producers get reliable, repeatable results. And the work ultimately becomes stronger, safer, and more sustainable.

What Else Can an Intimacy Coordinator Support?

While much of the public conversation around intimacy coordination focuses on scenes involving nudity or simulated sex, an IC’s role can extend far beyond that. In both live performance and screen work, intimacy involves any moment of heightened vulnerability, personal exposure, or physical proximity.

Some additional areas where I provide support include:

• Kissing & Non-Sexual Touch
  Even a simple kiss or hug can bring up questions of consent, comfort, and repetition. I work with performers and directors to choreograph moments of touch with intention, ensuring clarity and consistency throughout takes or performances.

• Family Dynamics & Power Imbalance
  Scenes involving parent-child relationships, emotional manipulation, grief, or caretaking can require as much care as scenes of intimacy. I help teams navigate the physical and emotional boundaries that arise when portraying closeness, conflict, or trauma.

• Managing Physical Boundaries in Ensemble Work
  Close contact in group scenes can be overwhelming or uncomfortable. I support casts in creating clear agreements and shared language for safe touch, spacing, and body autonomy.

• Developing Consent-Based Culture
  I support creative teams in embedding consent into the process itself, not just the product. That includes warm-ups, boundary check-ins, and room agreements.

• Supporting Performer Wellbeing
  My presence signals that there is a dedicated, neutral advocate available to help navigate discomfort.