What an IC can bring to your film.

I recently overheard a discussion between two filmmakers talking about an intimate scene in a short film. The line that caught my attention was, "We were all a really worried about the kiss, but the actors were well up for it and it was fine!". My first thought is, if you were worried how must the actors have felt. My second thought being that, it was 'fine' for you and did the job for your film but how did the actors feel after walking away from the scene.

The statement I overheard is not unique, it is understandable to feel worried about filming something that is usually such a private and precious thing.Intimate scenes are often written into films without much thought and not much thought is given right up until the moment of performance, in which case it is too late. That is where the intimacy coordinator comes in.

As an intimacy coordinator I will take away this apprehension by talking about the intimacy in a matter of fact way. First discussing the precise physical movement whilst setting boundaries of consent, then blocking the physical movement incorporating the directors emotional goals for the characters. After everything is thoroughly blocked and nothing is left to improvisation, I will then be on hand and regularly checking in with the actors to make sure they are comfortable and respected.

Some actors feel supported enough by each other and the director to not need an intimacy coordinator, but the advise I would give is that if you are feeling slightly apprehensive about capturing the intimacy, getting the right performances from the actors or just making sure it is not an uncomfortable experience for everyone, then an intimacy coordinator can only improve your project.