About our work

WHAT DOES AN INTIMACY
COORDINATOR/ DIRECTOR DO?

THREE KEY "DO'S"
according to Intimacy Directors and Coordinators

Advocate

We advocate for actors' safety when rehearsing and filming intimate scenes.

We make sure that everyone involved in the filming of a scene sets their own boundaries and that said boundaries are respected.

We advocate for consent-forward practices and trauma-informed communication (incl. non-violent) communication.

We advocate for anti-racism and EDI practices.

We advocate for diverse representations of intimacy and take on the responsibility when it comes to underrepresented communities or historically stereotyped minorities.

Liaise

We liaise with all departments involved in live performing or filming an intimate scene to ensure the safest and most efficient and processes and best results.

These departments include professionals such as:

- Actors, dancers, singers, performers (and their agents); directors; writers; producers.

But also people operating in the following departments:

- Deputy stage managers, stage managers; costume and stage designers; camera departments; production designers; wardrobe; camera crew; sound and light technicians; stage technicians... and all their assistants, who do invaluable work.

Choreograph

We come up with choreography for the performers.

Choreography needs to...
a) be based on freely given and reversable consent of each performer
b) be repeatable
c) incorporate all other C's (see the five pillars of intimacy coordination)

We choreograph collaboratively with the performer and incorporate the performers' ideas in the final scene. We aim to fulfill the director's vision and work closely with them while respecting the performers' boundaries.

Choreographies are built with different ingredients, a bit

like a favourite recipe for a beautifully layered cake.

What are the five pillars of IC and ID?

You might have heard of the five pillars of Intimacy Coordination/Direction - or not, but here they are as proposed by Intimacy Directors and Coordinators :

1. Consent

2. Communication

3. Context

4. Choreography

5. Closure

WHAT IS CONSIDERED INTIMACY?

Intimacy is a complex and multifaceted concept that can encompass a variety of different behaviors, actions, and emotional states. At its most basic level, intimacy refers to a sense of closeness, trust, and vulnerability. This can manifest in a number of different ways, including:

Physical intimacy

Physical intimacy refers to any kind of physical contact or interaction that can include but is not limited to sexual or romantic acts This can include holding hands, kissing, petting, hugging, cuddling, and sexual activity.

Intellectual intimacy

Intellectual intimacy refers to the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and intellectual pursuits with another person. This can involve engaging

in deep conversations, discussing intellectual topics, and exploring

new ideas together.

Emotional intimacy

Emotional intimacy refers to the sharing of personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with another person in a way that creates a sense of closeness and trust. This can involve deep conversations, sharing of secrets, and offering emotional support.

Spiritual intimacy

Spiritual intimacy refers to the sharing of spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences with another person. This can involve sharing a sense of purpose, engaging in spiritual practices together, and exploring one's own spirituality within the context of a relationship.

In the context of an intimacy coordinator and direction, the focus lies primarily on physical and/or sexual intimacy and creating a safe and respectful environment for actors and performers to engage in intimate scenes on stage or on screen. The IC/ ID helps to choreograph and direct these scenes, ensuring that boundaries are respected, communication is clear, and actors feel empowered and supported throughout the process. They become active and consenting agents rather than passive or objectified non-subjects.

WHAT DOES AN INTIMACY COORDINATOR/ DIRECTOR DO?

THREE KEY "DO'S" according to Intimacy Directors and Coordinators