SAG-AFTRA Begins Talks to Develop Protocols for Intimacy Coordinators

LOS ANGELES – The SAG-AFTRA Sexual Harassment Work Group today hosted some of the entertainment industry’s top intimacy coordinators in a discussion of the next phase of their initiative to develop, standardize and codify appropriate protocols for intimacy coordination on sets.

“Engaging directly with our member leaders and the community of trained and experienced intimacy coordinators is a milestone in developing the necessary road map for advocacy and safety on set,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. “This collaboration helps ensure that all voices in the industry are heard and will be reflected in the protocols.”  

Today’s meeting showcased the extraordinary expertise of the intimacy coordinator community and provided a collaborative setting for discussion about the development of appropriate protocols to cover highly exposed work, including nudity, simulated sex and other intimate situations. Lively discussions and real-life examples were highlighted to better underscore the needs and define the roles intimacy coordinators have on set.

The initiatives discussed will help define the new policies for exposed work; provide clear descriptions of the duties of intimacy coordinators and others involved in exposed work on productions; and will begin to lay the groundwork for a larger conversation regarding vetting, qualification and training of intimacy coordinators.  

The recent attention on sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and across many sectors exposed abuses of power that pervade workplaces across the country and beyond. In response, SAG-AFTRA established the Four Pillars of Change initiative and issued a Code of Conduct and Guideline No. 1, the first of several industry guidelines to uphold professional standards and address the potential toxic culture and power imbalances that contribute to workplace harassment.

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.