Intimacy Coordinators in Film and Television
Over the past decade, intimacy coordinators have become a regular presence on film and TV sets. They assist performers when scenes involve nudity or sexual activity, aiming to prevent uncomfortable or unsafe situations. The role grew notably after the Me‑Too movement highlighted widespread harassment and misconduct in the industry.
In an interview with HuffPost UK, Lena Headey recalled that she never worked with an intimacy coordinator at the start of her career. “I’m so old that I never had one back when people wanted to see me naked,” she said. At that time, there was simply no conversation about such support, so actors “just got on with it.”
Today, Headey acknowledges the usefulness of the position, though she notes that quality varies. A skilled coordinator can make filming smoother, while an inexperienced one might add awkwardness. She feels confident enough now to state her limits clearly and to say “no” when needed.
Headey also brings the topic to the forefront in her new BBC Sounds audio drama "Intimacy," which she wrote, directed and stars in. The series follows a former actor who steps back from the industry after a troubling experience, retrains as a therapist and later works as an intimacy coordinator. The story explores questions of self‑worth, belief and personal integrity.
While some peers such as Sir Ian McKellen and Sean Bean have questioned whether coordinators hinder spontaneity, others like Jane Fonda, Kate Winslet and Florence Pugh have said they wished such support had existed early in their own careers. Headey describes the ongoing debate as “interesting” and sees herself as bridging two generations of performers.