What's really going on in sexy scenes in movies?

It looks real. The sex scenes in movies and television can be intense and realistic. It's supposed to. But it's fake. Deciding how much is shown during the scene, including nudity and intimate acts between actors is a decision made by the director, actors and intimacy coordinator. I talked with Jazzy Ellis, a certified intimacy coordinator for the film and television industry, fresh off the set of Rob Peace, written and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. I asked her as many questions as I could from an actor's perspective.

What is an Intimacy Coordinator (IC)?

According to Ellis, "An Intimacy Coordinator is an advocate for actors, the liaison between the actors and production and they're also the choreographer for any movement that needs to be involved in the scene." But what you think you're seeing is not always what you're actually seeing. Between the choreography, physical barriers between bodies, and creative camera angles and lighting, the magic of these spicy scenes is created.

The IC is it's own department head and works closely with the director, crew and actors to understand the creative vision of the project, the objective of the scene, and identify, guard, and communicate personal boundaries of the performers. The IC is it's own department and helps to create a safe environment for everyone involved in shooting the scene. 

What's the ultimate function of the IC?

An intimacy coordinator's core function is to open communication between actors and production so that the scene maintains complete consent. Communicating with the actors and understanding their physical boundaries is the primary responsibility. 

The IC assists the director in choreographing these often awkward scenes. While the director's focus is placed on the acting and objective of the scene, the IC is looking out for the actors themselves. The IC keeps watch on the monitor that shows the camera shot. If the camera shot captures more nudity than agreed to or violates the actors' boundaries, the IC will discuss with the director. At that point, they need to implement changes and at minimum, mark the "take" as one that requires editing to correct the shot. 

The IC is always watching for signals that the actor needs a break for whatever reason. These are previously agreed to physical signs (earlobe tug, etc.) or a code word.

What launched the position of the intimacy coordinator?

With a history of sexual abuse, harassment and intimidation in the film industry, and with the "MeToo Movement," the creation of the intimacy coordinator role was born. 

The power dynamics on a film set can create an atmosphere of intimidation and pressure. Actors in the past have felt unheard or pushed to go beyond their safe boundaries. According to Ellis, "You could've already started the scene...if at any point you are not comfortable continuing, you can revoke consent, and I'll be there to make sure no one does anything that you don't want them to do."

Advice to actors from an intimacy coordinator

Ellis encourages all actors to have a conversation with their talent agents and managers about their personal boundaries. Since the agents and managers communicate with the industry on their behalf and submit actors for auditions and create contracts with productions, it's important that they understand what their actors are willing or not willing to do. 

There are many types of boundaries we have as human beings. In our discussion today, we talk about the physical boundaries we hold. Generally, these boundaries revolve around the amount of nudity shown on camera or the actual physical touching of our bodies by other actors in a scene. 

Agents and managers understand that just because an actor has physical boundaries, doesn't automatically disqualify them for a project requesting an actor to go beyond their boundaries. Between artistic shots, negotiation and understanding the objective of the project, in some cases, crossing the boundaries may be acceptable. The decision is left up to the actor if they want the role.

Don't be afraid to discuss your boundaries. It helps your representation recognize how to present you to the industry, understanding that we are artists.

Red Light, Yellow Light & Green Light Boundaries

When you're in a scene, whether it's on set or in acting class, it's important to know your scene partner's physical touch boundaries. Ellis uses the red, yellow and green light system. Point to the general places on your body where you're comfortable being touched. Arms and head might be green, whereas waist might be yellow, and torso, chest and legs might be red, or something similar to that type of conversation.

This allows your scene partner to understand how an intimate scene might progress and still create the illusion of the act itself without crossing boundaries and causing distress.

What is a nudity rider?

A nudity rider (or nudity clause) is in addition to the contract, and an agreement between the actor (and their agents) and production that details all the action that will occur in the intimate scenes, including who is present in the room while shooting, the level of nudity (in detail) and other intimate details pertaining to the scenes. The actor will always be covered with a robe between takes. 

 A closed-set should always be the practice. This means that only crew that is absolutely pertinent to the production of the scene will be present or allowed to view a monitor. 

A production cannot use a body double without the actor's consent. The actor must agree to use a body double if production would like to show more nudity than what an actor authorizes.

What physical barriers do actors use?

At all times where there is a risk of genital areas making contact in a scene, the actors will wear physical barriers on their bodies. These physical barriers or modesty garments not only cover their genitalia, but it also provides a padding or cushion between bodies to prevent one actor feeling another. 

Depending on the actors' requirements and the director's vision, the barriers can take shape in many ways.

One sort of barrier used by intimacy coordinators is a strapless thong. Padding, such as a yoga mat, bra pads, or gel inserts, among other creative options, can be shaped and fastened to separate the actors and still convey nudity. The objective is to prevent rubbing from one actor to the other during the scenes, depending on the choreographed movements. 

In order to convey complete nudity, these barriers come in flesh tone colors, if so desired by the actors and director. Even though actors can be completely nude in a scene, if there is any chance of contact, they'll wear a barrier.

Film is forever

With today's understanding of film, it's very possible to shoot intimate scenes without any nudity or simulation. There are many ways to imply or insinuate intimate, sexual contact. Just because a script details sexual acts doesn't mean there can't be a discussion or negotiation around the actual shooting of the scene.

Intimacy coordinators excel at choreographing movements and angles to keep the artistic vision of the writer and director without pushing the boundaries of the actors. But, best practice, is to cast an actor who has already agreed to the requirements of the scene. Negotiations usually happen when a scene or requirements change.

Film is forever. Once the scene is filmed according to the nudity rider, that film is property of the production.

The intimacy coordinator is an amazing resource!

As of today, intimacy coordinators are not required on set for intimate scenes. SAG-AFTRA highly recommends intimacy coordinators are utilized in any scenes where nudity or simulated sex is being shot. This not only protects the actors, but assists production in filming scenes that can be uncomfortable for the crew as well. It's the IC's responsibility to choreograph the scene based on the director's vision, maintaining and honoring the actors' boundaries while communicating with all parties.

Just as you'd have a stunt coordinator choreograph and set up safety protocols for stunts in an action film, you also need an intimacy coordinator to choreograph and set up safety protocols for intimate scenes. It's all about keeping actors and the set a safe place to work. After all, this is a job site!

How to get an intimacy coordinator on set

The best time to bring an intimacy coordinator into a project is during pre-production. The IC can help to detail the requirements of the actors being considered for the role. This explains the detailed actions and nudity in the breakdown for actors when they consider auditioning for this specific role. This helps to ensure the director hires an actor who agrees to and is aware of the role requirements.

An actor can request that an intimacy coordinator be present, but the decision is ultimately up to production.

Again, just as a director wouldn't want to be responsible for the details and choreography of stunt work, creating a realistic shot of an intimate scene should be left up to an intimacy coordinator. 

It's about safety!

Safety, safety, safety! Ellis says, "I would never want for an intimate scene to be the reason that causes an actor or any crewmember trauma. I want them to come in and leave in a more positive way."

A huge thank you to Jazzy Ellis for taking the time to share her insights on the role of intimacy coordinators on a film set. You can contact Ellis on her Instagram page @jazzyellis or @intimacyforfilmtv.

For more information and details on intimacy coordinators and their function on a film or television set, watch the attached video.  

Thanks so much for watching!

Break a leg!

Nancy Nave