Intimacy Coordination Policy

Purpose

This policy ensures a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment in film productions involving scenes of intimacy, whether physical or emotionally vulnerable. It provides guidance for both productions with and without a dedicated intimacy coordinator.

Scope

This policy applies to all students in department-affiliated film productions that depict intimacy or sensitive content.

Summary

• Naked simulated sex requires anintimacy coordinator present.
• There will be no simulated rape. You will find another strategy to represent rape.
• Intimate Scenes will be discussed and consented to ahead of time by the actors. No improvising of intimate scenes.
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Guiding Principles

1. Consent and Boundaries
   • All intimate scenes will only be performed with the documented, informed consent of all participating actors. You will have a written outline of what the intimate scenes will include that you will send to the actors ahead of time for their approval. No on the day improvisation of intimacy which is how abuse often occurs.
   • If there is naked simulated sex there must be an intimacy coordinator present.
   • There will be no simulated rape. You will find another strategy to represent rape.
   • Actors and directors must discuss and agree on comfort levels, physical boundaries, and any scene limitations in advance, with these agreements documented and accessible to all relevant team members.
     1. Physical boundaries to discuss include
        1. No Touch Zones : Defining specific areas of the body that should not be touched, like the face, neck, or chest, depending on the actor’s comfort level.
        2. Safe word” system: Establishing a predetermined word that an actor can use to immediately stop a scene if they feel uncomfortable.
2. Use of an Intimacy Coordinator
   • A dedicated Intimacy Coordinator is encouraged for complex intimate scenes or those involving high levels of vulnerability, nudity, or simulated sex.
   • For less complex scenes, actors and directors can proceed without an intimacy coordinator but must still follow established procedures for discussing boundaries and obtaining written consent.
3. Choreography and Blocking
   • All intimate scenes, whether or not an intimacy coordinator is present, should be planned similarly to stunts, with specific blocking and movements discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
   • Changes to choreography or blocking after initial agreements should be re-approved by all participants involved in the scene.
4. Closed Set Protocol
   • Intimate scenes will be conducted on a closed set, with only essential crew allowed to maintain privacy and respect. The Essential Crew members are the director, sound person, camera operator. The actor should also be asked if they have a person they would like to be on set with them during that time.
   • Crew members on set must maintain confidentiality and professional conduct at all times, and personal recording devices should be stored away.
5. Right to Refuse or Pause
   • Actors and crew have the right to pause or withdraw from a scene at any time if they feel uncomfortable. The director and crew should be prepared to adjust or reschedule scenes to accommodate any changes in comfort or consent.