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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. 

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.

Download the SAG/AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator standards and protocols