While film and television audiences have become accustomed to seeing realistic intimate scenes in productions like Normal People and Bridgerton, the full scope of an intimacy coordinator's responsibilities remains largely misunderstood by the public.
Beyond Choreography: The Confidentiality Mandate
The conversation around intimacy coordinators intensified this week when Jennifer Lawrence revealed she declined to use one for her new film Die My Love, feeling "very safe" with co-star Robert Pattinson. However, her comments highlighted a broader issue within the industry. "A lot of male actors get offended if you don't want to f**k them, and then the punishment starts," Lawrence disclosed on the Las Culturistas podcast.
This revelation comes as the Screen Actors Guild (Sag-Aftra) has significantly tightened confidentiality rules for intimacy coordinators following controversy around the film Miller's Girl, featuring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman. The updated guidelines now state that intimacy coordinators could be removed from the registry if they publicly discuss their work without actors' explicit consent.
The Long Game: Support Beyond Production
According to veteran intimacy coordinator Ita O'Brien, whose credits include Normal People and I May Destroy You, the role extends far beyond the filming period. "It's as important how we continue that support when the production goes out into the world and generates a response from an audience," O'Brien explained to Metro.
This ongoing support involves monitoring public discourse and working with publicists to ensure actors aren't "over-sexualised or objectified" during promotional activities. The role requires maintaining strict confidentiality boundaries agreed upon with actors, which can evolve even after filming concludes.
Case Study: Miller's Girl Backlash
The importance of these confidentiality measures became particularly evident following the release of Miller's Girl in January 2024. The film sparked heated discussion due to its sexual content and the 31-year age gap between stars Ortega (21) and Freeman (52).
Intimacy coordinator Kristina Arjona defended her work on the project, emphasising that both actors were "consistently checked in with to ensure none of their boundaries were being surpassed." She adapted her approach to accommodate the actors' comfort levels, particularly given the significant age difference.
The film generated viral reactions, with one scene described as "hard to watch" by viewers on social media. This public response demonstrated precisely why intimacy coordinators must maintain discretion about their work methods and the actors' experiences.
O'Brien stresses that confidentiality forms the foundation of trust in her profession. "To elicit trust means that if a cast is going to share something with us that is vulnerable-making, then it's absolutely fundamental that we hold that confidentiality," she insists.
The evolution of intimacy coordination from a niche role to an industry standard reflects Hollywood's ongoing transformation in the wake of the #MeToo movement. However, as these recent developments show, the position involves far more than choreographing convincing sex scenes - it requires maintaining actor welfare and confidentiality throughout a production's entire lifecycle, from initial rehearsals to global publicity tours.
