'Reel sex isn't real sex': Why intimacy coordinators are needed for film and TV

As "an actor's advocate," intimacy coordinators help with intimate scenes on set. They also do so much more, including supporting young performers and babies and answering questions from families.

Before intimacy coordinators were an official title, parts of the work was often done by a combination of the wardrobe department, directors, and even stunt coordinators.

Last month, four B.C.-based intimacy coordinators made SAG-AFTRA's intimacy coordinator registry for film and television.

Short for the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, SAG-AFTRA established the list to provide "as a resource for employers," the organization's website states. 

The registry provides the names of applicants who have met the requirements of work experience and training.

New to the list are Vancouver's Megan Gilron, Karyn Mott, Sam Jeffery and Amanda Cutting.

So what exactly is an intimacy coordinator (IC)? 

Below is an edited version of an interview with the group. It touches on everything from training to why the role is important in a production setting.

Read the full interview here: https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/lifestyle/reel-sex-isnt-real-sex-why-intimacy-coordinators-are-needed-for-film-and-tv-5555078