Wanting to Hire an Intimacy Coordinator?

My name is Jessica Erin Bennett. I am a Certified Intimacy Coordinator with IDC Professionals. I trained alongside and covered sets for Samantha McDonald, the first Certified IC in the Southeast Region and mentored by HBO's Alicia Rodis and fellow IC Rachel Flesher. I have been a SAG/AFTRA Stunt Professional for over 10 years, and am passionate about physical storytelling. I primarily work in the Southeast Region, but have worked on films and episodics all over the U.S. Other titles I have held are: Intimacy Coordinator, Stunt Performer, Stunt Coordinator, Assistant Stunt Coordinator, Actor, Director, Fight Director, Fight Choreographer, Casting Associate, and Teaching Artist. I proudly have had the opportunity to work globally.

I am proud to be an Certified IC with IDC Professionals to be an advocate for performer safety and to uphold rigorous standards not only of safety, but protocols in which this job is effectively done. I have been a part of active panels for SAG/AFTRA to codify the standards of working Intimacy Coordinators and how we as a unit move forward for better protections and standards for hyper-exposed work and simulated sex scenes.

I have my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. IDC Professionals requires continuing education which I am consistently and actively pursuing. I am a licensed Advanced EMT. For full resume and consistent updates, please visit my IMDB.

Covering Intimacy Coordinator Credits:

Film

Blonde - Netflix for IC Rachel Flesher

TV

Council of Dads - NBC for IC Samantha McDonald

The Chi - Showtime for IC Rachel Flesher

P-Valley* - Starz for IC Samantha McDonald

The Outsider* - HBO for IC Samantha McDonald

Boomerang - BET for IC Samantha McDonald

Contact me: jbennettintimacy@gmail.com

What is an Intimacy coordinator?

(The following information is from SAG-AFTRA’s Recommended Standards and Protocols for the use of Intimacy Coordinators)

Intimacy Coordinators Serve as Professional Skilled Artists, with Broad Industry Knowledge, Skills and Training

As industry professionals, intimacy coordinators work closely with production personnel to realize the director’s vision while promoting adherence to safety related terms and conditions.

The following are key areas of experience, expertise and training required to execute the responsibilities of the position:

Experience, Expertise and Training

• Awareness of on screen sexual and intimate storytelling.

• Communication.

• Power dynamics.

• Movement coaching and masking techniques.

• Knowledge and collaboration regarding the use of modesty garments and barriers for safety, comfort and sexual health.

• Navigation of on-set culture and understanding of on-set etiquette.

• Understanding of Guild and Union Contracts that affect nudity and simulated sex.

• Movement and Safety in facilitating the physicality of scenes.

• Consent.

• Bystander Intervention.

• Anti-Harassment.

• Mental Health First Aid/Trauma.

• Gender and Sexual Diversity or Sensitivity.

Additional Requirements:

• Must have a state and federal background check.

• Shadowing or mentorship experience and an ability to adapt and implement the role’s responsibilities, functions and protocols on a variety of sets.

Protocols for Intimacy Coordinators in the Production Process

The intimacy coordinator:

Pre-Production

• Meets with the executive producer/writer and director at a minimum, to discuss details of script breakdown and intimate scenes to determine: 1) degree of nudity, 2) specifics of simulated sex (as applicable), and 3) any other pertinent details.

• Ensures clear communication with actors regarding any nudity, simulated sex or hyper-exposed situation.

• Meets one-on-one with performers prior to the rehearsal and filming of an intimate scene and confirms consent for the descriptive language to be used in the nudity or simulated sex rider, and any other consideration for the filming of the scene.

• Ensures continued consent during rehearsal process.

• Facilitates resolution of any discrepancies in agreements or expectations between actors and productions.

Communicates and as needed collaborates with departments such as assistant directors, costumes, props and makeup to ensure that the performers are provided with appropriate nudity garments, barriers, and prosthetics to reflect rider details.

On-Set

• Reviews nudity riders, scene content, modesty garments and barriers with performers, directors and assistant directors.

• Ensures the proper implementation of closed-set protocols and SAG-AFTRA Guidelines.

• Serves as a resource for directors and assistant directors (as needed) with any specialized movement or choreography to ensure consent and safety while enhancing believability and director vision.

• Ensures continued consent throughout the filming of scene (both consent to what their likeness is seen performing, and how the action is achieved) while minimizing interference in production flow.

• Protects minors, consistent with SAG-AFTRA Guidelines.
  

Post-Production

• Is available for support post-filming, if performers have questions or concerns.

• May verify that a final cut is consistent with contractual obligations and riders.

What is a certified intimacy coordinator?

(Definition from Intimacy Directors and Coordinators whom I am affiliated with)

A Certified Intimacy Coordinator with IDC has trained in our methodology specifically for film and television. These distinguished professionals represent the highest standard in intimacy artistry for the screen. A Certified Intimacy Coordinator has extensive movement, sensitivity, and industry training and represent IDC with their professional artistry and integrity.

My Colleagues

Needing to hire a qualified IC?

Please check out my amazing colleagues here: IDC Professionals

Samantha J McDonald: https://www.intimacycoordinatoratlanta.com/