Specialist for intimate scenes — choreographs love and nudity scenes, protects actors from harassment and discomfort.
Technical Details
Intimacy Coordinators use standardized protective equipment such as modesty garments, silicone barriers, and specialized underwear for simulations. Certification is provided by organizations like Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) through a 40-hour foundational course plus 20 hours of practical experience. Three specializations exist: Theater, Film/TV, and Advertising. The coordinator creates detailed choreography plans with frame-by-frame instructions, defines touch boundaries using body maps, and documents all agreements in writing.
History & Development
The profession originated in theater in 2005 by Tonia Sina, the first Intimacy Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In 2018, HBO systematically engaged intimacy coordinators for "The Deuce" following the Weinstein revelations. In 2019, Netflix introduced the position on "Sex Education," followed by Amazon Prime and Disney+ in 2020. In Germany, the profession was established in 2021 with the first certified coordinator, Gerrit Klein. Today, over 85% of US premium productions employ intimacy coordinators.
Practical Application in Film
For "Bridgerton" (2020), Lizzy Talbot choreographed over 40 intimate scenes with precise 8-hour shooting schedules per scene. For "Normal People" (2020), Ita O'Brien developed a consent protocol with 15-minute briefings before each intimate shot. The workflow includes pre-production discussions, set preparation with a closed set (maximum 8 crew members), live coaching during filming, and post-scene debriefings. Typical daily rates range between 800-1,500 Euros, depending on the production budget and number of scenes.
Comparison & Alternatives
Intimacy coordinators differ from stunt coordinators through psychological training and trauma awareness rather than physical safety techniques. Unlike script supervisors, they monitor performer well-being, not continuity. Small productions sometimes use set psychologists or experienced actors as trusted individuals, but without specific intimacy expertise. In countries without established coordinators, assistant directors or casting directors function as substitutes, creating legal gray areas.