Hollywood intimacy coordinators unanimously vote to unionize under SAG-AFTRA

Hollywood intimacy coordinators unanimously vote to unionize under SAG-AFTRA

As a seasoned viewer who has witnessed the evolution of the entertainment industry, I must say, I’m thrilled to see such a positive step forward. Intimacy coordinators have been a game-changer, ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for actors navigating sensitive scenes. It’s heartening to see them unionize under SAG-AFTRA, especially in these trying times when the need for protection and fair treatment is paramount.


The group of intimacy coordinators has made a decision to join together as a union, under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that we, the movie-loving community, unanimously cast our votes in favor of unionizing in a formal election supervised by the National Labor Relations Board. This exciting news was announced just yesterday!

Special advisors, known as intimacy coordinators, assist actors in handling situations that include nudity, simulated sexual acts, or other delicate scenes while filming.

In these challenging times as we face potential dangers to our environment and women’s rights, it is uplifting to observe the entertainment industry acknowledging the vital role of intimacy coordinators and their significant impact on film and theater productions, as well as actors participating in intimate scenes,” SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher expressed in a statement.

At SAG-AFTRA, we’re thrilled to welcome this distinguished team of skilled individuals into our membership family. We hope that their inclusion will help pave the way for greater regard towards the wellbeing of both people and our environment.

In response to the #MeToo movement, SAG-AFTRA petitioned for a union election in September, which marked approximately four years since they established rules concerning intimacy coordinators on set. This was an extension of their broader initiative aimed at minimizing sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry by implementing these guidelines for intimacy coordinators.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed an intriguing trend in the world of movies and television – the growing prevalence of intimacy coordinators. This role has certainly grabbed headlines and sparked quite a buzz within our industry.

Performing acts of nudity or intimate physical interactions are among the most exposed and vulnerable roles an actor may encounter,” Drescher stated back in September.

Intimacy coordinators serve as guides in handling intimate scenes, offering assistance while also establishing a protective barrier for actors, ensuring consent and safety throughout production. This task involves addressing an age-old power imbalance, which is difficult yet crucial work. This work can be carried out even more effectively with the support of a union.

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2024-11-13 02:31

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