what to expect
Interested in working with an intimacy director or coordinator, but not sure what to expect? Here's a brief guide to how I work with producers, directors, and actors to create ethical and effective intimacy!
BEFORE THE WORK
(for directors)
I'll chat with you to ask a few artistic and logistical questions to get us on the same page. This can happen in person, over the phone, via email--any way that works best for you. I usually like to know:
-
How stylized vs realistic are you thinking?
-
What is this scene rated? G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17?
-
What story do you want to communicate with this scene? Is there anything about the characters that this scene should reveal?
-
If there are stage directions, do you want to follow them pretty closely or do you have something else in mind?
-
Anything you would like me to know about the actors, the production, etc?
If the scene(s) involve full nudity or more intense intimacy, I may ask for the actor(s)'s contact information to chat with them about their expectations, concerns, or questions.
Staging intimacy takes time, and during this initial meeting, we'll figure out how many hours should be build into the schedule.
DURING THE WORK
(for directors)
I'll come prepared with breath strips, chapstick, and any modesty/masking items needed.
​
I'll speak with the actors about their boundaries and give them tools to communicate those boundaries.
​
Once boundaries and expectations are established, we'll all collaborate to create the intimacy with the actors' boundaries in place! In my experience, this runs smoothly if I take the lead while checking in with you often, and you are welcome to share ideas with me as you have them.
If we're working in theatre, I'll work with the stage manager to make sure the blocking is recorded.
​
If we're working on film or television, I'll remain on set during shooting, assisting as needed.
Finally, I'll guide actors through a brief closure practice for them to utilize at the end of the day on set, or at the end of rehearsal/performances.
BEFORE THE WORK
(for actors)
If the scene(s) involve full nudity or more intense intimacy, I'll reach out to chat with you before rehearsal or filming about your expectations, concerns, boundaries, or questions. This can happen in person, over the phone, via email--any way that works best for you.
​
In rehearsal or before filming, I'll give you some tools to help you establish and communicate your boundaries with your fellow actor(s). You'll have an opportunity to connect with any scene partners before we begin.
​
I'll also come prepared with breath strips, chapstick, modesty/masking items, and anything else you may need.
DURING THE WORK
(for actors)
Once boundaries and expectations are established, we'll all collaborate to create the intimacy with your boundaries in place! In my experience, this runs smoothly if I take the lead while checking in with the director often, and you are welcome to share ideas as you have them.
If we're working in theatre, I'll work with the stage manager to make sure the blocking is notated.
​
If we're working on film or television, I'll remain on set during shooting, assisting as needed.
Finally, I'll guide you through a brief closure practice to utilize at the end of the day on set, or at the end of rehearsal/performances.