With over twenty years of experience on set I provide protocol, integrity and encouragement for actors and crew working with intimate content.
INTIMACY COORDINATOR (IC) in film, TV & live performance, brings a clear structure and process for intimate scenes. With skilful choreography, IC can support artistic choices and character-driven impulses — allowing for a well-defined storytelling and more nuanced performances in a supportive space.
Through clear and efficient liaising between production and the performers, and upholding of consent and boundaries, intimacy coordinators build a creative and collaborative space, fostering trust, safety and creative freedom on set. As a Head of Department, an IC is responsible for coordinating intimacy throughout the production and aims to ensure that all departments stay informed and engaged in the creative collaboration as most useful.
My work begins with breaking down the script, having creative conversations with the director and cast, and collaborating with the different departments. The work can be compared to a stunt coordinator who deals with fight scenes; my job is to support the work of the actors and director who actively engage in creating the choreography for intimate action, and to ensure clear communication throughout the process. I liaise with other Head of Departments and coordinate the planning and production of intimate scenes. My IC workflow involves four parts:
- Prep
- Rehearsals
- On-set support
- Follow up & feedback reporting.
Having the necessary time for all of these stages allows for clarity, reliability and integrity when approaching, managing and bookending intimate scenes. It is increasingly common to engage an IC in consultations before the casting process begins and/ or during post-production as needed (e.g. in ADR or promos). I advocate for effective storytelling and the wellbeing of the cast, crew and creatives when working with intimate content.
I am happy to discuss the needs of your production or organisation as well as my IC process, protocols and workflow in more detail when you contact me.
Intimacy Guidelines/ United Kingdom:
- Guidance for Shooting Intimacy – published by Bectu (2022)
- Directing Nudity and Simulated Sex – published by Directors UK (2019)
Intimacy Guidelines/ Finland:
- Intimacy guidelines for Camera work – published by Finnish Film Foundation (2020).
- Guide for working with an Intimacy Coordinator– published by Finnish Film Foundation, Audiovisual Producers APFI and Actors’ Union in Finland (2021)
INTIMACY can be any moment of physical contact by a Performer or between Performers, or Performers appearing nude or semi-nude, during a scene. The context may be sexual or it can be non-sexual. Intimacy is a wide umbrella term that also includes kissing, bodily function scenes, simulated sexual assault or harassment, physical touch, familial intimacy, medical examinations, childbirth, and so much more. Ultimately, intimacy is individual and what one considers as an intimate act might differ from the other.
CONSENT can only be freely given if the Performer has full knowledge of the action required beforehand. Any form of coercion negates the Performer’s consent. If ‘No’ is not an option, ‘Yes’ has no meaning. Consent-based performance practices ensure there is consent for actions involving intimacy and that appropriate care is available when working with challenging content. Consent practices should extend to all production crew including those working in post-production.
Definitions: Some Intimacy Practitioners use “Intimacy Coordinator” for recorded media and “Intimacy Director” for live performance, while others use “Intimacy Coordinator” universally. A qualified Intimacy Coordinator may work in a production alone and therefore is the department head for intimacy (HOD). On productions with multiple Intimacy Coordinators, a Lead Intimacy Coordinator oversees all intimacy work and team members, taking on additional prep and HOD responsibilities.
Beyond my work on set, I offer consultations, workshops, talks and presentations in the UK and internationally. You can read more about this under Intimacy Education.
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You can find out more about Pia’s work at IMDb or connect with her on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.
You can explore the Testimonials to see what others are saying about their experiences working with Pia!
Please visit Press for the full list of articles and other media about Pia’s work as an intimacy coordinator.
SELECTED ARTICLES:
In this article in a Finnish lifestyle magazine Kotiliesi (09/2022), Sanna Puhto writes about the role of the intimacy coordinator and interviews Pia about her work and about introducing the role in Finland in 2019.
Valentina Mantyla wrote an article for Kelaamo (04/22) about intimate scenes and first-time directors. You can read Pia’s tips here.
In spring 2022, Finnish National Opera & Ballet collaborated for the first time with an intimacy professional. Here’s an article about Pia’s work in Salome with FNOB.
Pia Rickman 