Behind the Scenes of Intimacy

From film and TV to live performance, the Intimacy Coordinator’s (IC) role has become essential in shaping authentic, character-driven intimacy — all while fostering trust and creativity on set. Just as stunt coordinators craft action with precision and care, IC’s bring structure, artistry, and safety to intimate scenes of physical and emotional vulnerability.

As a Head of Department, the IC plays a vital role throughout the production process, helping to create a collaborative environment where those involved feel included, heard, and inspired. By choreographing intimate scenes and facilitating clear communication between actors and production teams, intimacy coordinators ensure that consent and boundaries are respected, and that storytelling remains at the heart of every moment.

In this session, Finnish-British Intimacy Coordinator Pia Rickman takes us inside this evolving field — exploring its origins, rapid development since 2017, and its growing impact on screen narratives in Europe. From more inclusive and representative storytelling to changes in actor and director training, Pia shares key insights into how the industry is reshaping its approach to creating intimate content.
The conversation is moderated, with an open Q&A to follow.

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on how consent-forward practices are not only redefining on-screen intimacy — but also unlocking deeper creative possibilities across the industry.