Intimacy Coordinator Rules Tightened By SAG-AFTRA After Off-Set Indiscretions

EXCLUSIVE: SAG-AFTRA warns that intimacy coordinators could risk losing their job if they breach the confidentiality of the filmmakers they collaborate with.

In light of recent revelations surrounding the filming of “Miller’s Girl” starring Jenna Ortega and Martin Freeman, SAG-AFTRA has implemented stricter Standards and Protocols for Intimacy Coordinators, particularly in terms of maintaining confidentiality. As part of these enhanced measures, any intimacy coordinator found to be in violation of the standards could potentially be removed from SAG-AFTRA’s registry following an investigation by the Guild.

“Intimacy coordinators play a vital role on set to ensure the safety of our members during intimate scenes,” a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson stated regarding the new regulations. While there may be circumstances where an intimacy coordinator needs to discuss on-set intimate situations off-set, they can only do so with the involvement of law enforcement or with explicit consent from the actors and production team.

“Intimacy coordinators must maintain the confidentiality of an actor’s work and experience in performing sensitive scenes unless they have the actor’s permission to disclose this information publicly,” the Guild representative added, echoing the updated S&P requirements. “Unauthorized release of details about an actor’s scene work or private information entrusted to the intimacy coordinator without the actor’s approval is unacceptable.”

Both Lionsgate and Ortega’s representatives declined to comment on the matter concerning “Miller’s Girl” or SAG-AFTRA’s heightened confidentiality measures.

Currently, there are approximately 77 individuals on the SAG-AFTRA IC pre-registry and registry, established in 2022. In response to the #MeToo movement and various scandals in Hollywood, the Guild’s Sexual Harassment Work Group began developing protocols for on-set nudity and simulated sex scenes in 2019. In March 2022, SAG-AFTRA accredited seven intimacy-coordinator training programs to expand the pool of qualified professionals.

The Guild’s registry does not independently certify intimacy coordinators.

“Members must feel safe, comfortable, and confident when working with intimacy coordinators,” a Guild source emphasized the importance of reinforcing the requirements. This reinforcement came swiftly after an intimacy coordinator for “Miller’s Girl” spoke to the Daily Mail without authorization following the film’s release.

Kristina Ariona reportedly signed a confidentiality agreement and NDA with Lionsgate as part of her role in the film.

Despite these agreements, Arjona shared details with the media about Jenna Ortega’s involvement in planning the sex scenes in the film, which have faced criticism along with the film’s premise. The film depicts an affair between Ortega’s 18-year-old character and Freeman’s 52-year-old teacher/mentor.

Intimacy coordinators have been a significant part of SAG-AFTRA’s membership since 2022, with the latest contract including provisions for their involvement.

While some industry figures like Michael Caine and Sean Bean may question the necessity of intimacy coordinators on sets, others such as Lena Waithe, Emma Thompson, and HBO see them as a positive step forward in Hollywood. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA contract with the AMPTP includes a non-retaliation clause for actors who request an intimacy coordinator, reflecting the growing acceptance of their role in the industry.

“This helps protect our members,” said former SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White in 2020 when introducing guidelines for intimacy coordinators. “We wanted to keep it simple and make it easy for the industry to adopt.”

Fast forward four years, and the landscape has become more complex.