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If you want to work in film, television, or theater production, there are (many) worse jobs than intimacy coordinator. This relatively new position involves facilitating any scenes that involve physical intimacy—from kissing to sex—working as liaison between the director and producers and actors, making sure everyone consents to everything, and consulting with directors about how to achieved their vision.
Productions with big enough budgets to employ intimacy coordinators take it very seriously: In order to be hired, you must be certified through programs approved by SAG-AFTRA (the actor’s union) and pass a background check, but your biggest hurdle will likely be getting hired in the first place. Hollywood is about who you know, so people skills and a background in production are soft requirements, plus you’ll have to be well-versed in the intricacies of how these kinds of scenes are produced.
Many intimacy coordinators come from acting backgrounds, as actors understand the power dynamics and expectations of the performers. Some make a lateral move from fight choreography, an oddly analgous skillset when you consider the importance of careful choreography. Once you’ve managed to jump through all these hoops, you can expect to be paid between $1,100 and $1,450 per day doing it. Check out the Intimacy Professionals Association for more information.
