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SAG-AFTRA’s push for intimacy coordinators’ rights gains momentum
A new chapter in the fight for fair representation
In a significant move, SAG-AFTRA has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to represent intimacy coordinators in negotiations with major studios. This step marks a pivotal moment in the union’s five-year campaign to professionalize the role of intimacy coordinators, who serve as crucial intermediaries between performers and production teams during the filming of intimate scenes.
The importance of NLRB recognition
Securing recognition from the NLRB would empower SAG-AFTRA to negotiate for minimum pay and working conditions for intimacy coordinators. Marci Liroff, an experienced intimacy coordinator in film and TV, highlighted the current lack of protections: “We have no protections, no health insurance, and no pension.”
Industry standards and current practices
While HBO mandates the presence of intimacy coordinators for sex scenes, this requirement is not yet industry-wide. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA contract includes a clause urging producers to make “best efforts” to hire an intimacy coordinator for scenes involving nudity or sex acts. Additionally, if a performer requests an intimacy coordinator, the producer must consider the request in “good faith” and avoid retaliation.
The role of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing the studios in bargaining, has not yet agreed to voluntarily recognize intimacy coordinators. Following the petition’s submission to the NLRB, a vote will be held within the potential bargaining unit to approve SAG-AFTRA representation.
A statement from SAG-AFTRA’s president
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher emphasized the critical role of intimacy coordinators in ensuring performers’ safety: “Shifting the power imbalance that has been ingrained over a century is challenging but important work. Work that can be done even more effectively with the backing of a union. Intimacy coordinators have our backs on set, and now it’s our turn to have theirs.”
Progress and future steps
In 2020, SAG-AFTRA issued guidelines for intimacy coordinators, followed by the establishment of an accreditation program and an official registry in 2021. This registry now includes around 70 members from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and other countries. In 2022, SAG-AFTRA extended an invitation to intimacy coordinators to join the union.
The technical expertise of intimacy coordinators
Intimacy coordinators bring a wealth of technical expertise to film and TV productions. They are trained to choreograph intimate scenes in a way that respects the boundaries and comfort levels of all performers involved. This includes understanding the nuances of body language, consent, and the psychological impact of intimate scenes. Their role is not just about ensuring physical safety but also about maintaining the emotional well-being of the cast.
The broader impact on the industry
The push for formal recognition and better working conditions for intimacy coordinators is part of a broader trend towards improving workplace standards in the entertainment industry. This movement aligns with ongoing efforts to address issues such as harassment, discrimination, and unequal pay. By advocating for the rights of intimacy coordinators, SAG-AFTRA is contributing to a more equitable and respectful working environment for all industry professionals.
Looking ahead
As the petition progresses through the NLRB, the potential for significant changes in the industry looms large. The formal recognition of intimacy coordinators could set a precedent for other roles within the entertainment sector, further professionalizing the industry and ensuring that all workers receive the protections and benefits they deserve.
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