An Intimacy Coordinator Is Sharing All The Spicy Ways Sex Scenes Are Filmed Safely
Who knew there were so many uses for baby oil?
Intimacy coordinator, PhD Jessica Steinrock, is on TikTok demystifying how sex scenes are made safely and I’m obsessed.
As hard as it is to believe, intimacy coordinators are relatively new in the film, television and theatre industries. Their job is to ensure safety and best practice for actors and crew when filming sex and nudity. Essentially, a stunt coordinator, but for sex and other intimate scenes.
Intimacy coordination is a sect of the entertainment industry becoming more commonplace, especially in the wake of the #metoo movement. Recently, it became prohibited on all HBO sets to film any intimate scenes without an intimate coordinator. SAG-AFRA, the biggest union in Hollywood, has been taking steps towards intimacy coordinators being standard expected practice.
This shift toward intimacy coordinators as standard industry practice is reflected in how films and series are being promoted too. In Machaela Coel’s acceptance speech for I May Destroy You‘s BAFTA win, Coel specifically thanked the show’s intimacy coordinator, Ita O’brien.
Similarly, Euphoria‘s Sydney Sweeney has spoken highly of the show’s intimacy coordinator and how they made her feel more comfortable and even empowered on set. Sweeney shared that having her Euphoria intimacy coordinator “changed my approach to everything.” I love having one and I think they should be considered a necessity,” she said.
But what does intimacy coordination actually involve and how does it actually work? PhD and CEO of Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, Inc, Jessica Steinrock has been demystifying the role on TikTok.
Steinrock explains everything. From what brand of breath mints she gives to actors, how entire sex scenes can be filmed without actors even touching, and how she supports and advocates for actors’ comfort and consent on set.
Personally, I’m obsessed with Steinrock’s watch-along videos in which she breaks down how the raunchiest sex scenes were made in films like the 50 Shades franchise, 365 Days, and series like Sex Education, Normal People and Bridgerton. She also breaks down the tools, tricks and modesty garments commonly used by intimacy coordinators – like stringless thongs, modesty pouches and the many wonders of baby oil.
You can watch more Steinrock’s TikToks below.