An intimacy co-ordinator has explained the simple steps used to prevent awkward moments when filming intimate scenes.
Acting can be an unusual line of work — especially when the job involves portraying emotionally charged or physically intimate moments with co-stars.
In recent years, intimacy co-ordinators have become far more common across film and TV productions.
The role is designed to help everyone involved feel safe and respected, while also supporting performers and directors in staging intimate scenes clearly and effectively.
Even so, these scenes are still filmed on professional sets, surrounded by crew, lighting rigs, microphones and cameras — and unexpected situations can still occur.
Although actors know the moment is choreographed and fictional, their bodies don’t always follow the same logic, which can lead to an uncomfortable situation.
Now, an intimacy co-ordinator has shared what they do if that happens during filming.
Brooke M. Haney, an intimacy co-ordinator who has worked on projects including Elsbeth, Mayor of Kingstown and Harlem, discussed the reality of shooting these scenes on set.
In an interview with US Weekly, Haney explained that the sheer number of people watching — along with the technical environment — makes physical arousal far less likely than many might assume.
“Here’s the thing – this isn’t actually very common. We’re at work, right? With the lights bearing down, microphones, a couple of cameras in your face, director, DP [director of photography] and other necessary crew watching on monitors, it’s just not that sexy.”
Still, Haney noted that bodies can respond unpredictably, regardless of intentions or the setting.
“However, sometimes bodies have physiological responses that are outside of our control,” Haney explained.
So what’s the professional way to handle it — quickly, discreetly, and without derailing production?
As Haney pointed out, it’s not exactly practical for someone to step away for a cold shower mid-shoot.
Because erections are driven by increased blood flow, Haney said the goal is to redirect circulation elsewhere in the body so things settle naturally.
“When that does happen, I tell the actor to do a few push-ups or some jumping jacks,” they said. “That moves the blood to a different location and we’re all good.”
Haney also acknowledged that on-screen chemistry can sometimes turn into real relationships, but stressed that the purpose of their role is to keep the set firmly in “work mode.”
“One of the jobs of an intimacy coordinator is to make sure that we are making everything on set be work, and part of that can be ‘closure practices,’ particularly when I work with younger actors,” they said.