The use of intimacy coordinators on film sets remains a subject of ongoing refinement, according to one prominent actress who has experienced both the benefits and the shortcomings of the role.
Reflecting on her career, the actress noted that many of her earlier intimate scenes were filmed before the position even existed. While she described herself as confident and capable of advocating for herself, she acknowledged that some past directorial requests were inappropriate. Her perspective, however, has evolved with more recent projects.
She characterized the profession as one that is “still figuring itself out,” sharing that she has encountered both “fantastic” and ineffective coordinators. A positive collaboration, she explained, transforms the process from a purely mechanical one into a narrative-driven exercise. A skilled coordinator helps actors explore the story behind the intimacy—the nature of the relationship, the history between the characters, and the specific context of the scene. This approach provides a framework that makes the work feel less awkward for everyone involved, she noted.
This nuanced view stands in contrast to recent comments from other industry figures. Some actors have publicly stated they chose to forgo an intimacy coordinator, citing a high level of trust with their co-stars or a desire for a smaller, more private set. Others have expressed feeling that the presence of a coordinator stifled their artistic process, leading to criticism from some quarters for what was deemed an irresponsible stance.
Ultimately, the actress concluded that the effectiveness of an intimacy coordinator is entirely dependent on the individual. Through working with talented professionals, she has come to understand the role’s potential to be highly effective, framing it not as a restrictive measure but as a way to choreograph the “dance of intimacy” with purpose and clarity.
