Intimacy Coordinators: A Necessary Evolution or Over-Regulation in Hollywood?

In the past decade, the role of intimacy coordinators on film sets has become increasingly common, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement that rocked Hollywood in late 2017. While some actors have expressed skepticism about their utility, claiming they ruin the “spontaneity” and “chemistry” between actors, others like Richard Gere have come out in support of their role. In an interview with The Wrap about the Paramount+ spy series “The Agency,” Gere spoke alongside his fellow actors Michael Fassbender and Jodie Turner-Smith, both of whom strongly endorsed the role of their intimacy coordinator on set. Fassbender explained that directors often don’t give clear direction for sex scenes, leaving actors to their own devices. Turner-Smith added that intimacy coordinators should be there for actors, like a stunt coordinator, and that unrehearsed stunts should not be done. Gere, who has been in numerous steamy movies such as “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “American Gigolo,” noted that he never had Fassbender’s experience with directors who gave no more direction than “Off you go, guys.” He also said that he had never felt comfortable discussing the choreography of sex scenes with his scene partner beforehand, and that having the intermediary of the intimacy coordinator helps. However, not all actors agree with the use of intimacy coordinators. Mikey Madison caused a stir by refusing an intimacy coordinator for her many sex scenes in “Anora,” saying that she was always comfortable and that her director Sean Baker felt they should be used on a case-by-case basis. Baker and his wife Samantha Quan acted out the intimate scenes for Madison and her scene partners before the cameras started rolling. Other actors like Michael Douglas have expressed concerns that intimacy coordinators take control away from filmmakers, while Kim Basinger said she can’t imagine having someone come up to her and ask if they can put their hand in a certain place. Director Mia Hansen-Love suggested that intimacy coordinators are “virtue police.” On the other hand, Michelle Williams found the experience of working with one to be “extremely worthwhile.” The rise of intimacy coordinators in Hollywood speaks to how things have changed on set in the past decade. While some may see them as a necessary evolution to protect actors and ensure proper boundaries are set, others see them as over-regulation that takes away from the creative process. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this role continues to develop and be utilized on film sets.