SAG-AFTRA announced that the union has filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to represent intimacy coordinators employed by companies under the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). This move marks a step forward in the union’s commitment to establish safe working conditions and advocate for fair practices within the entertainment industry.
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, SAG-AFTRA has prioritized the well-being of actors in intimate scenes. Intimacy coordinators, who work closely with actors and production teams during scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, and other intimate content, play a crucial role in safeguarding performers’ consent and comfort. The union has already developed standards for intimacy coordination on set, and now aims to provide greater protection and standardization for these professionals.
SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher highlighted the importance of intimacy coordinators, stating, “Working in scenes involving nudity or physical intimacy is some of the most vulnerable work an actor can do.” She emphasized that this petition is part of a larger effort to address power imbalances and provide support to intimacy coordinators, who are vital in ensuring safe and respectful filming environments.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator of SAG-AFTRA, echoed this sentiment, noting that bringing intimacy coordinators under the union’s umbrella will strengthen their ability to negotiate fair deals, increase job opportunities, and enhance safety on sets.
The Organizing Committee of Intimacy Coordinators expressed their support for the petition, emphasizing the need for protections, standardized wages, and benefits. They stated, “Being part of SAG-AFTRA will ensure the sustainability of our profession.”
This petition aligns with the union’s broader goals to build a secure and equitable future for all its members, fostering an industry that upholds the highest standards of safety, respect, and professionalism.
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