Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro, Intimacy Coordinators (ICs) are now a standard part of safe, professional sets. Their job is simple and essential: protect performers, choreograph intimate beats with clarity, and keep communication clean so the work stays story-first and consent-led. Here’s how to prep, what to expect, and how to advocate for yourself with confidence.
The Role of Intimacy Coordinators: A Quick History Lesson
From the late 2010s onward, productions embraced ICs to prevent guesswork, ensure consent, and raise the bar on professionalism in scenes involving nudity or simulated sex. In 2025, ICs are treated like fight coordinators or stunt coordinators: they build choreography, set guardrails, and remain a neutral, safety-focused advocate on set.
Why Do We Need ICs?
- Safety & comfort: Clear boundaries replace awkward improvisation.
- Communication: Everyone aligns on choreography, coverage, and privacy.
- Professional standards: Documented processes reduce surprises and risk.
The Naysayers and the Skeptics
Some argue directors and actors can “work it out.” Sure—just like stunts. ICs exist so you don’t have to improvise safety. Time saved, clarity gained, risk reduced.
Prep Work: What to Expect in Auditions and Rehearsals
1) Discussion of Boundaries
Before you tape/read, you’ll outline comfort zones and hard no’s. Typical topics: touch points, wardrobe coverage, language, and choreography parameters. Boundaries can be updated anytime—put changes in writing via the IC.
2) Consent Forms
Consent documents clarify permitted actions, privacy expectations (closed set, monitor control), and how adjustments get approved. Read carefully; ask for edits if language is vague. Specific > generic.
3) Rehearsal Protocols
ICs stage beats like dance/fight choreography. You’ll rehearse transitions, eyelines, breath cues, and resets. The goal: repeatable, story-driven action that never surprises anyone.
On-Set Etiquette: Your Rights and Communication
1) Know Your Rights
Scenes involving nudity or simulated sex should include an IC and clear privacy practices. If something feels off, pause and request the IC.
2) Communicating Boundaries
Use direct, neutral language: “I’m comfortable with [A/B], not with [C]. I’d like [coverage item] in place.” Update as needed—no justification required.
3) Handling Miscommunication
Confusion happens. Stop, huddle with the IC, restate the choreography, confirm resets, and resume. No blame, just clarity.
4) Requesting a Closed Set
Closed sets reduce personnel to essential crew only, restrict monitors, and add privacy coverage between takes. Use the downloadable script below to make the request cleanly and professionally.
Wardrobe Checklist for Intimate Scenes
- Modesty garments: Nude-tone seamless underwear/dance belt; backup pair.
- Robes/Cover-ups: For between takes and blocking changes.
- Skin-safe tape & barriers: Hypoallergenic body tape, fashion tape, silicone patches; remover.
- Comfort & hygiene: Wipes, mints, moisturizer/aloe, heat/cool packs.
- Continuity & logistics: Labeled garment bag, zip pouches (clean vs. used), neutral socks/slippers, quick notes/photos (with permission).
Downloadable Resources
Note: Upload these files to your media library and replace the “#” with your live URLs.
Simple IC-Friendly Kit (Optional)
- Modesty garments (multiple tones): Seamless coverage — Check it out
- Skin-safe body tape: Hypoallergenic, residue-light — Check it out
- Adhesive remover (for skin): Gentle, non-irritating — Check it out
- Lightweight robe/cover-up: Quick on/off between takes — Check it out
Final Thoughts: The Future of ICs
ICs make sets safer, workflows clearer, and performances better. Your comfort and consent are non-negotiable—and with an IC, you can focus on the acting, not the anxiety. Keep your boundaries explicit, your communication simple, and your prep tight. Break a leg (safely).
Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).
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