SAG-AFTRA Accredits Intimacy Coordinator Training Programs

As part of SAG-AFTRA’s groundbreaking 2020 introduction of Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators, which created a framework for use and outlined the responsibilities of intimacy coordinators at every stage of production, eight newly accredited international intimacy coordinator training programs have been established that will safely expand the pool of qualified intimacy coordinators on set.

The accreditation system allows interested candidates to identify high-quality training programs and ensures a commitment to equity and inclusion for all applicants. It is the culmination of a yearslong process in which the union and the intimacy coordinator community collaborated to implement the first industrywide standards for training to enter the profession.

Actor and Los Angeles Vice President Michelle Hurd, who is the chair of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee, highlighted the need for the new system and guidelines.

“This new accreditation system is one part of our long-term strategy to ensure safe and equitable workplaces for SAG-AFTRA members and drive real industrywide change. Setting a standard for high-quality training programs that foster equity and inclusion will help protect members and create an environment where they can expect consistent and quality intimacy coordination wherever they perform in the world,” Hurd said.

Hurd was an early advocate of the intimacy coordinator profession and has been dedicated to making sets and audition rooms safer. Her activism earned her SAG-AFTRA’s President’s Award last year.

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher signaled her agreement with the new guidelines.

“Intimacy coordinators set the bar even higher on protections for our members and help raise consciousness on what’s considered appropriate behavior as well as being sensitive to the feelings and comfort zone of performers,” Drescher said. “In an industry that for decades turned a blind eye to ‘the casting couch,’ I’d say this is most definitely a step in the right direction!”

The accreditation program is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA, but rather to confirm that the minimum training standards for the program are being met. Once accredited, a biennial review of the organizations will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with the accreditation program.

SAG-AFTRA will also soon introduce a registry of qualified and experienced intimacy coordinators that have met the minimum standards for training and experience on set, as well as a pre-registry list of intimacy
coordinators entering the field.

This item was originally featured in the SAG-AFTRA magazine spring 2022 issue.