New SAG-AFTRA Contract Update: Are Intimacy Coordinators Now a Requirement?

The picket signs have been taken down, the daily social media updates are quieting, and with a new SAG-AFTRA contract finally ratified, an entire industry is slowly starting to kick back into gear after a historic strike. This also means finally making sense of what this new contract will require for production, and it comes with a lot of new requirements and adjustments.

Most notably in the world of steamy scene creation, this new SAG-AFTRA contract includes the first-ever language around the use of intimacy coordinators on all SAG-AFTRA sets.

In this blog, we’ll cover the finer points of whether intimacy coordinators are now a requirement for productions and what protections this new contract will provide for actors and intimacy coordinators alike.

What is an Intimacy Coordinator?

An intimacy coordinator is a professional responsible for overseeing and facilitating the performance of intimate scenes in film and television production. Their role is crucial in ensuring a safe, respectful, and comfortable environment for actors engaging in scenes depicting physical intimacy or nudity. By providing clear communication and consent protocols, intimacy coordinators play a pivotal role in protecting actors and enhancing the storytelling process.

The New SAG-AFTRA Contract: Key Highlights

The SAG-AFTRA contract sets the standards and working conditions for actors and other professionals in the industry. The latest revision of the contract has introduced several changes, with a notable emphasis on scenes involving intimacy and nudity. These modifications reflect the industry's growing commitment to safety and respect in the workplace and the official acknowledgment of the role of an intimacy coordinator by a major Hollywood labor union.

Are Intimacy Coordinators Required in the SAG-AFTRA Contract?

A central question with the new SAG-AFTRA contract is whether hiring intimacy coordinators is now mandatory. According to the draft memorandum of the new contract, which was provided to members ahead of ratification, the “Producer will use best efforts to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for scenes involving nudity or sex acts. Producer will also consider in good faith any request by a performer or a performer’s representative to engage an Intimacy Coordinator for other scenes. Producer shall not retaliate against a performer for requesting an Intimacy Coordinator.”

This clause indicates that while not explicitly mandatory, producers must use their “best efforts” to procure an intimacy coordinator for their production.

While this may sound less firm than “required,” the term “best efforts” is a legally enforceable bit of contract language that means the people agreeing to the contract will, in good faith, take all reasonable steps to achieve the objective.

This is also a huge win for actors because it means that actors will not have to exclusively self-advocate to ensure they get access to an intimacy coordinator for these scenes, and it explicitly states that if they do decide to advocate for themselves, their job will remain protected.

Impact on the Industry

Beyond just including language around the use of intimacy coordinators, this contract also includes guidelines and protections for another often-overlooked role in these scenes: background actors.

The new contract includes language that requires that background actors be informed ahead of time if any nudity or sex acts are required for the role, which, surprisingly, was not something that they had to do previously. This includes non-speaking actors in the consent conversation and ensures that everyone on set is set up for success to take jobs they are able to give their complete, informed consent to partake in.

This shift in the SAG-AFTRA contract represents a significant step towards creating a more respectful and safe working environment. It acknowledges the complexities involved in filming intimate scenes and the need for specialized professionals to oversee these aspects. Actors and production teams are now more aware of the importance of consent and clear communication, potentially leading to a healthier and more inclusive industry culture.

The Importance of Proper Training and Guidelines

The effectiveness of an intimacy coordinator hinges on their training and understanding of the industry's best practices. It's essential for these professionals to have a deep understanding of the dynamics of filming intimate scenes, along with the ability to navigate the emotional and physical safety of the actors involved. Training programs and certifications are becoming increasingly available, emphasizing the professionalization of this vital role.

If you are looking to hire a qualified intimacy coordinator in the U.S. or Canada, some great resources to start with are:

-SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator Registry

-IDC Intimacy Coordinator Registry

-ICC Intimacy Coordinator Registry

If you are interested in working with me directly or learning more about my qualifications, you can contact me here.

Conclusion

The inclusion of guidelines around intimacy coordinators in the SAG-AFTRA contract marks a progressive step in the industry. It highlights the importance of the role in modern filmmaking and television production, ensuring that intimate scenes are conducted with the utmost respect and care. As the industry continues to evolve, the role of intimacy coordinators will likely become more integral in production settings.