IDC Choreography for Stage & Screen 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the role of an 'intimacy captain' on a large production?
- A trained performer designated to assist with on-set intimacy logistics and peer support when the coordinator cannot be physically present (Correct answer)
- The lead performer in the most intimate scene of the production
- An alternate title for the intimacy coordinator role itself
- A union representative who approves intimacy scenes before filming
Correct answer: A trained performer designated to assist with on-set intimacy logistics and peer support when the coordinator cannot be physically present
An intimacy captain is a performer trained to serve as a liaison and on-set support when the primary coordinator is working simultaneously in another location.
Question 2: When choreographing a physically demanding intimacy sequence, how should an intimacy coordinator address the risk of accidental injury?
- Design the choreography with clear pathways, slow build-up of movement, and defined stopping points to prevent collision or overextension (Correct answer)
- Assign a stunt coordinator to handle all physical risk without intimacy coordinator input
- Instruct performers to stop only if they feel pain, not discomfort
- Film in a single unrehearsed take to avoid fatigue-related errors from repeated rehearsal
Correct answer: Design the choreography with clear pathways, slow build-up of movement, and defined stopping points to prevent collision or overextension
Structured movement pathways, gradual progression, and predetermined stopping cues reduce the risk of physical injury during intimate scene rehearsal.
Question 3: A performer becomes emotionally activated mid-rehearsal and begins crying. The intimacy coordinator should first:
- Pause the rehearsal, create space for the performer, and ask if they want to continue, take a break, or stop entirely (Correct answer)
- Continue the rehearsal to help the performer 'push through' the emotional block
- Immediately notify the production's psychological support team and remove the performer
- Document the incident and carry on to avoid disrupting the schedule
Correct answer: Pause the rehearsal, create space for the performer, and ask if they want to continue, take a break, or stop entirely
The immediate priority is to halt the work, give the performer agency over what happens next, and ensure they feel supported rather than pressured.
Question 4: In screen choreography, the technique where performers press foreheads together to simulate a kiss for camera is called:
- The forehead press or third-eye substitute (Correct answer)
- Lip sync replacement
- Camera trap technique
- Reverse projection method
Correct answer: The forehead press or third-eye substitute
Pressing foreheads together creates a visual impression of intimate closeness on camera without requiring lip contact, honoring performer boundaries.
Question 5: Which organization is currently considered the primary professional body for intimacy coordinators in the United States?
- Intimacy Directors International (IDI) (Correct answer)
- Screen Actors Guild Intimacy Division (SAG-ID)
- National Association of Intimacy Choreographers (NAIC)
- American Theatre and Film Safety Board (ATFSB)
Correct answer: Intimacy Directors International (IDI)
Intimacy Directors International (IDI) established the field's foundational training standards and certification pathways in the United States.
Question 6: When a production asks an intimacy coordinator to also serve as an acting coach for intimate scenes, the coordinator should:
- Decline the dual role to preserve clear professional boundaries and the coordinator's neutral advocacy position (Correct answer)
- Accept if they have acting training, since the roles are complementary
- Take on both roles to save the production budget
- Agree only if all performers consent in writing to the dual arrangement
Correct answer: Decline the dual role to preserve clear professional boundaries and the coordinator's neutral advocacy position
Combining advocacy and coaching roles creates a conflict of interest that can compromise the coordinator's ability to impartially protect performer wellbeing.
Question 7: The concept of 'modular choreography' in intimacy work means:
- Breaking an intimate sequence into small, separately rehearsed and consented units that can be assembled in different ways (Correct answer)
- Using modular set pieces to physically separate performers
- Creating separate versions of a scene for different audience ratings (e.g., R vs. PG-13)
- Assigning different choreographers to each section of the scene
Correct answer: Breaking an intimate sequence into small, separately rehearsed and consented units that can be assembled in different ways
Modular choreography allows each component to be rehearsed and consented individually, giving performers fine-grained control over what they agree to in each moment.
IDC Choreography for Stage & Screen 4
Which of the following best describes the role of an 'intimacy captain' on a large production?