INTIMACY CO-ORDINATOR RULES. NP2
The SAG-AFTRA union in Los Angeles has unveiled guidelines for intimacy co-ordinators, who supervise sets when union members’ work involves nudity and simulated sex. The union released Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators on Wednesday, standardizing the guidelines in the industry. SAG-AFTRA noted that it has been dealing with workplace issues in the wake of the increased attention on sexual harassment. Here’s an overview:
1 FROM THE GET-GO
The document specifies that — prior to production — the intimacy co-ordinator meet with the executive producer/writer and director at a minimum, to discuss details of script breakdown and intimate scenes to determine degree of nudity, specifics of simulated sex and other pertinent details.
2 TALK IT OUT
The co-ordinator must ensure clear communication with actors regarding any nudity, simulated sex or hyper-exposed situation; meet one-on-one with performers prior to the rehearsal and filming of an intimate scene and confirm consent for the descriptive language to be used in the nudity or simulated sex rider, and any other consideration for the filming of the scene; and ensures continued consent during rehearsals.
3 THE GO-BETWEEN
The on-set guidelines include review of nudity riders, scene content, modesty garments and barriers with performers and directors; ensures proper implementation of closed-set protocols and guidelines; serves as a resource for directors and assistant directors with any specialized movement or choreography to ensure consent and safety.
4 EVERYTHING GOOD?
A key provision says the co-ordinator “ensures continued consent throughout the filming of scene (both consent to what their likeness is seen performing, and how the action is achieved) while minimizing interference in production flow.”
5 GETTING TOGETHER
The standards and protocols were developed in collaboration with SAG-AFTRA member leaders and a community of experienced intimacy co-ordinators, including representatives from Intimacy Directors International and Intimacy Professionals Association.