SAG-AFTRA Accredits Seven Training Programs For Intimacy Coordinators

deadline.com:

SAG-AFTRA has accredited seven intimacy-coordinator training programs to help expand the pool of qualified intimacy coordinators, who serve as advocates and liaisons between actors and production in scenes involving nudity and simulated sex.“Having experienced, qualified intimacy coordinators on set,” the union said, “helps to ensure that SAG-AFTRA members who are filming scenes with nudity or simulated sex are able to work in a manner that maintains their personal and professional dignity while realizing the director’s creative vision.”SAG-AFTRA, which established protocols for intimacy coordinators two years ago, says that the accreditation of the training programs “will allow candidates to identify high-quality training programs and ensures a commitment to equity and inclusion for all applicants.”“Intimacy coordinators set the bar even higher on protections for our members and help raise consciousness on what’s considered appropriate behavior and being sensitive to the feelings and comfort zone of performers,” said SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. “In an industry that for decades turned a blind eye to ‘the casting couch,’ I’d say this is most definitely a step in the right direction.“We hear from actors every day how trained intimacy coordinators make them feel safer on set,” said Alicia Rodis, lead intimacy coordinator at HBO. “The accreditation of these training programs will help members identify high-quality comprehensive programs that are meeting the demands for inclusion and accessibility.

This will help safely expand the role and help create a diverse pipeline for highly qualified intimacy coordinators.”The newly accredited training programs – four in North America and two covering the U.K, Australia and New