In an era where diversity and authenticity in storytelling are paramount, navigating the portrayal of intimate encounters in film, television, and theater requires careful consideration and expertise. Brooke M. Haney, one of the first qualified intimacy professionals recognized by SAG/AFTRA, addresses this challenge head-on in their groundbreaking new book, The Intimacy Coordinator’s Guidebook: Specialties for Stage and Screen (Routledge; April 1, 2024).
From iconic classics like Basic Instinct to modern hits that push the limits such as Euphoria, intimate scenes have become integral components of entertainment across various genres. However, Haney’s guidebook sheds light on the complexities involved in depicting these scenes authentically, sensitively, and ethically.
Her expertise stems from their extensive experience as an intimacy coordinator for major television networks, streaming platforms, and film studios. Drawing on insights from over 30 industry professionals, including actors, directors, and producers, Haney provides a comprehensive resource for anyone involved in the creation of intimate scenes.
As Haney stresses, the job requires competency in the language of choreography — every move performed for the camera or a live audience, from a passionate kiss to a chilling assault, is meticulously choreographed, just like a dance or a fight scene — along with training in tools like modesty garments and props.
In addition, an intimacy coordinator must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to read situations and respond proactively. What’s more, every intimacy coordinator must find their unique lens. (For instance, some coordinators are specialists in bondage, whereas others are specialists working with minors.)
The book features other intimacy coordinators’ stories. It includes conversations with Olivia Luccardi (a producer and actress who played Melissa in The Deuce, the first television show to employ an intimacy coordinator), Tai Leshaun (a Black actress in Thunder Force and The Other Black Girl), Becca Blackwell (a trans actor, performer and writer), Jimmy Smits (an Emmy Award-winning Latino actor known for roles in TV dramas from NYPD Blue to Sons of Anarchy) and other Hollywood insiders who have worked on projects involving intimacy.
Haney underscores the necessity of understanding each actor’s boundaries and comfort levels, while also addressing specific challenges related to working with minors, actors with disabilities, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
REELated:
Key chapters explore specialized areas within intimacy coordination, including:
- Working with Minors: Ethical considerations, developmental psychology, and legal aspects to ensure the well-being of young actors.
- Nudity and Modesty: Techniques for maintaining emotional and physical comfort levels, utilizing prosthetics and modesty garments.
- Intimacy and Disability: Sensitivity to non-apparent disabilities and creating inclusive environments for performers with diverse needs.
- Representation and Diversity: Addressing issues related to body positivity, racial and cultural sensitivity, and LGBTQ+ representation in intimate scenes.
- Trauma and Consent: Handling sensitive subjects such as sexual violence with care and empathy, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all cast members.
Haney’s guidebook offers practical advice and valuable insights for intimacy coordinators, filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals alike. By promoting empathy, communication, and cultural awareness, The Intimacy Coordinator’s Guidebook aims to elevate the standards of intimacy portrayal in performance while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all involved.
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