IDC Industry Standards & Best Practices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which professional organization created the first widely adopted Code of Ethics specifically for intimacy coordinators in the US?
- SAG-AFTRA
- IDC (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators) (Correct answer)
- The Actors' Equity Association
- The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Correct answer: IDC (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators)
IDC developed an early and influential Code of Ethics that has shaped professional standards for intimacy coordinators in the US film and television industry.
Question 2: An intimacy coordinator notices that the production's shooting schedule has allocated only 15 minutes for a scene requiring complex intimate choreography. Best practice is to:
- Adapt the choreography to fit the allotted time without raising concerns
- Communicate to the AD and producer that insufficient time has been allocated and advocate for adequate scheduling (Correct answer)
- Conduct all rehearsals outside of shooting hours to compensate for the tight schedule
- Allow the director to manage the schedule and intervene only if safety issues arise on the day
Correct answer: Communicate to the AD and producer that insufficient time has been allocated and advocate for adequate scheduling
Advocating for adequate time to execute intimate scenes safely is a core responsibility of the intimacy coordinator during pre-production.
Question 3: The concept of 'choreographic specificity' in intimacy work means:
- The IC selects specific camera angles for intimate scenes
- Each movement and point of physical contact is explicitly defined, practiced, and agreed upon in advance (Correct answer)
- The director specifies the emotional tone the actors must convey during intimate scenes
- Only choreography derived from specific theatrical traditions may be used
Correct answer: Each movement and point of physical contact is explicitly defined, practiced, and agreed upon in advance
Choreographic specificity means leaving nothing ambiguous — every touch, position, and movement is pre-negotiated and rehearsed so there are no surprises on set.
Question 4: When an actor discloses a personal trauma history that may be relevant to an upcoming intimate scene, the intimacy coordinator should:
- Document the disclosure and share it with the director to inform their approach
- Treat the disclosure with strict confidentiality and use it only to inform scene adjustments that protect the actor (Correct answer)
- Refer the actor to a licensed therapist and withdraw from further involvement with the scene
- Inform the producer so the production can assess whether the actor is suitable for the role
Correct answer: Treat the disclosure with strict confidentiality and use it only to inform scene adjustments that protect the actor
Disclosures are held in strict confidence and used solely to inform how the IC can better support and protect the performer in their work.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of a 'simulation' technique used to reduce performer risk during intimate scenes?
- Using body doubles for all scenes involving nudity
- Employing camera angles, editing, and strategic staging to create the appearance of contact without actual contact (Correct answer)
- Requiring actors to sign additional waivers for any skin-to-skin contact
- Replacing live filming with CGI enhancements in post-production
Correct answer: Employing camera angles, editing, and strategic staging to create the appearance of contact without actual contact
Strategic use of camera angles, editing, and staging can simulate intimate contact convincingly while minimizing or eliminating actual physical contact between performers.
Question 6: How should an intimacy coordinator handle a situation where two performers have a pre-existing romantic relationship off-set?
- Assume consent is established and reduce coordination involvement for their scenes
- Apply the same protocols as with any other performers, as professional and personal relationships are separate (Correct answer)
- Consult with the producer about whether the relationship creates a conflict of interest
- Have the performers self-coordinate their scenes given their existing familiarity
Correct answer: Apply the same protocols as with any other performers, as professional and personal relationships are separate
Off-set relationships do not transfer consent to on-set professional contexts, and full protocols must be applied equally to all performers.
Question 7: According to best practices, when should an intimacy coordinator be first introduced to a production?
- During final pre-production when the shooting schedule is locked
- As early as possible in pre-production, ideally during script development or casting (Correct answer)
- At the first table read so they can observe actor chemistry
- One week before principal photography begins to allow adequate preparation time
Correct answer: As early as possible in pre-production, ideally during script development or casting
Early involvement allows the IC to influence script language, casting conversations, contract riders, and production planning before decisions become difficult to change.
IDC Industry Standards & Best Practices 5
Which professional organization created the first widely adopted Code of Ethics specifically for intimacy coordinators in the US?