Frequently asked questions
FAQ Index
Indice
Discover how an Intimacy Coordinator carries out their work. This section will answer the main questions and misunderstandings about the role of a professional Intimacy Coordinator. If you’re considering hiring this specialised role but have doubts about their duties and responsibilities, or if you want to learn more about intimate scenes and sensitive content, then keep reading.
1. Who is an Intimacy Coordinator?
An Intimacy Coordinator is a professional who manages intimate scenes or sensitive content in a film production. They take care of the choreography of such scenes, such as simulated sex, and ensure safety on set.
The IC analyses, reports, and manages the psycho-physical risks of a scene in order to execute the director’s artistic vision and protect the performers’ well-being.
Their work also involves coordinating different departments to ensure the set is a peaceful environment for all teams involved. They ensure that physical, emotional, and professional spaces are respected, creating a safe space for everyone.
The Intimacy Coordinator can support actors in performing intimate scenes or simulated sex with the use of modesty garments (protective clothing).
Here, you will find my intimacy coordinator kit for set and stage, which I can customise according to your needs.
2. When to hire an Intimacy Coordinator?
When a screenplay or script includes scenes featuring intimate content or sensitive themes, hiring an Intimacy Coordinator during the pre-production or production phase of a movie or live performance is highly recommended. For many productions, an Intimacy Coordinator is a requirement. The expertise of an Intimacy Coordinator may also be necessary during post-production, especially in video editing.
3. What is meant by intimate or sensitive scenes?
4. In which phases of a film does an Intimacy Coordinator work?
The involvement of an Intimacy Coordinator in a film production depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the scenes, risk factors, the number of performers involved, and the production budget.
The Intimacy Coordinator is present on set but is usually required in the pre-production phase to analyse the script, identify potential psychological and physical risks, and prepare the actors’ choreography.
5. Does the Intimacy Coordinator replace the film director?
Absolutely not. The Intimacy Coordinator does not replace the film director. Instead, they support their artistic vision whilst focusing on choreographing intimate scenes and ensuring actors’ well-being.
To better understand their role, it’s helpful to compare the IC to the Fight Coordinator,
who manages and choreographs fight and action scenes while accomplishing the director’s vision by bringing a unique professional background to the set. The Intimacy Coordinator collaborates with the director and other heads of departments involved in producing a film, while facilitating communication with the actors involved in executing intimate scenes.
6. Does the Intimacy Coordinator replace the choreographer?
The Intimacy Coordinator does not replace the choreographer. The Intimacy Coordinator is only involved in choreographing scenes with intimate or sensitive content and is not explicitly trained in dance unless they have additional qualifications. The Intimacy Coordinator and the choreographer work together to support scenes requiring their respective fields of expertise.
7. What’s the difference between Intimacy Directors and Intimacy Coordinators?
Intimacy Directors and Intimacy Coordinators are both professionals responsible for supporting the execution of intimate scenes or sensitive content present in a script.
However, there are some differences between the two roles. Intimacy Directors generally work with live shows, while Intimacy Coordinators work on set.
The term Intimacy Coordinator is the most widespread and recognised among the general audience and has become an umbrella term. Some countries have begun to use the term Intimacy Professional to combine the roles of Intimacy Directors and Coordinators into one broader professional title.
8. How do you train to become an Intimacy Coordinator?
Various workshops and courses available worldwide can train you to become an Intimacy Coordinator. However, not all courses offer an in-person programme, which is essential for learning to manage and choreograph intimate scenes. Additionally, some courses may not provide an internationally recognised certificate but only issue a certificate of participation. It ultimately depends on your preferences and what you are looking for.
9. Is there an Italian trade association for Intimacy Coordinators?
I am one of the founding members of Intimitalia, a union that includes Italian Intimacy Coordinators who work at the national and international level .
10. How to find a certified Intimacy Coordinator in Italy?
11. What qualifications are necessary to work as an Intimacy Coordinator?
Although a certificate is not always required, some productions may demand it.
Personally, I opted to train with Anica Academy and Safe Sets, as they offer an internationally recognised certificate and the opportunity to pursue the SAG-AFTRA certification path.
