In an industry where the #MeToo movement has sparked conversations about consent and comfort on set, intimacy co-ordinators have become an increasingly common presence in film and television production. These professionals work closely with directors and cast members to ensure that intimate scenes are handled with sensitivity and respect. However, actress Toni Collette recently made waves when she revealed that she had asked intimacy co-ordinators to leave the set of her latest project because they were causing her anxiety. This move has sparked a new conversation about the delicate balance between protecting actors and respecting their autonomy.
Toni Collette, the star of “Hereditary,” has revealed that she asked intimacy co-ordinators to leave the set while staging sex scenes on camera. Intimacy co-ordinators are people hired by productions to ensure the wellbeing and consent of actors filming sex scenes, and are now commonplace on TV and film sets.
In an interview with The Times, Collette claimed that the presence of intimacy co-ordinators on set had made her “anxious.” “I think it’s only been a couple of times where they’ve been brought in, and I have very much trusted and felt at ease with the people I was working with. It just felt like those people who were brought in to make me feel more at ease were actually making me feel more anxious. They weren’t helping, so I asked them to leave,” she said.
With intimacy co-ordinators still a relatively new role on set, Collette was asked whether she would have appreciated their presence earlier in her career. “It depends,” she responded. “Look, every job is different. Every single job is different. Because it’s a bunch of new people, it’s a new energy; everyone brings their whole life with them, and it’s all thrown in the pot. You never know what you’re going to get, and it’s a miracle that a film ever comes together, let alone thrives. I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve only worked with a few arseholes over the several decades that I’ve managed to keep this boat afloat.”
Intimacy coordinators are relatively new roles on TV and film sets. They are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of actors filming sex scenes. They work to establish boundaries between actors and provide actors with comfort during such scenes.
In recent months, a number of other high-profile actors have voiced their opinions on intimacy co-ordinators. Ian McKellen claimed that coordinators ruined the “purity” on set. Emma Thompson, however, has described them as “absolutely essential.”
The role of intimacy co-ordinators is vital to ensure that actors feel comfortable and safe during intimate scenes. In the past, these scenes were often portrayed in a way that could be uncomfortable for the actors involved. However, with the presence of intimacy co-ordinators on set, actors can feel reassured that their boundaries will be respected and that they will be supported through the filming process.
While Toni Collette may have had a negative experience with intimacy co-ordinators, it is important to note that every actor’s experience is unique. As she noted, every job is different, and each set has its own unique energy. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of actors on set, intimacy co-ordinators must always be attentive to the needs of the actors involved. By doing so, they can create a safe and creative environment for all involved.
In conclusion, the role of intimacy co-ordinators is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of actors during intimate scenes. While some actors may have negative experiences with these individuals, it is important to note the overall positive impact they have had on the industry. By supporting actors through intimate scenes, more realistic and considerate portrayals of intimacy can be presented on screen.
In conclusion, the decision by Toni Collette to ask intimacy coordinators to leave the set was a personal one that she believed was necessary to protect her own wellbeing. While the use of intimacy coordinators can provide valuable support and guidance for actors during potentially uncomfortable scenes, it’s important to recognize that every actor has their own unique emotional needs and limits. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, it’s crucial that actors are supported in ways that allow them to create their best work while also feeling safe and respected. We applaud Toni Collette for advocating for herself and hope that her story will encourage more honest conversations about the importance of actors’ mental health on set.
