Ever wonder how someone becomes an intimacy coordinator, what they do on set, and if they limit a director's vision during filming? In this interview, Jana, who's been in the role for three years, spills all the details.
Jana Neustupová works as an intimacy coordinator on film sets. In the Czech Republic, there are only three, and probably none in Slovakia. They focus on ensuring that actors feel safe and comfortable with shooting intimate scenes. But their job is much more complicated.
In an interview, Jana told us how she prepares actors for shooting simulated sex, how she creates choreography for sexual scenes, how realistic movie sex is, and which positions actors and actresses like or dislike the most.
What’s this job really about?
We’re the link between filmmakers and actors. We make sure that even before actors start filming, they know what they’re getting into, how it will proceed, how much nudity will be involved, and so on. We work with the directors to create a final vision and try to make actors feel like they're part of the whole process.
Why is it necessary?
I think mainly abroad, it was created for the protection of studios. Of course, also to protect actors, but the likelihood of actors or creators suing studios over set conditions was higher. With us, they get bulletproof contracts.
Isn't it limiting for creators and actors themselves?
It's more of a myth. There’s nothing written down about how each movement should look. The contracts are mostly about the amount of nudity, to prevent a scene from going topless to suddenly wanting the actor to show their genitalia. If I do my job right, I’m inconspicuous on set and ideally don’t need to intervene at all.
Is the work different in the Czech Republic and Slovakia compared to abroad?
There’s less paperwork here, and neither studios nor actors are as covered by contracts. I still try to have some agreement between all parties, at least through email communication.
What exactly is your job, and what does your typical workday look like on and off set?
I handle a lot of paperwork. Ideally, it starts when producers come to me with a finished script and ask which scenes actors might need my support for. It involves communicating with the creators and actors about which scenes I should be present for and which can be discussed in advance with the actors.
Do actors and creators watch what they say, joke about, etc., more around you?
They sometimes, unfortunately, confuse me with HR. It doesn’t make me happy, but as soon as I’m on set, they tease me, saying “Oh, Jana's here, we can’t even joke properly.” That’s not what my job is about, but everyone around me is careful anyway.
Do you advise actors and directors on movements, or is it more about control and support from you?
In certification, we're taught the choreography of intimate and simulated sex scenes, so it's definitely a creative process from our side. Sometimes the script just says two people are in bed making love. That’s where the script ends and my job begins, suggesting with the actors and directors what exactly will happen and how long it will last. Before our profession existed, it was a problem because if a scene wasn’t detailed in the script, actors didn’t know what the director wanted from them on set.
Which positions do actors and actresses like the most and least, and why?
It’s really individual. There’s no standard, and actors focus more on safety.
When creating a scene, do you try to include “real” sex or the “movie” kind, which looks a bit unreal, amazing, and clean but not real?
(laughs) The best is a realistic-looking simulated sex, but directors tend to want the cinematic kind.
What bothers people about your work?
There’s another myth that rehearsing intimate scenes extends and thus increases the cost of filming. It’s quite the opposite. When we properly rehearse these scenes, actors are ready, more comfortable, and know exactly what to do, so it goes faster with the director. Once, someone from the crew complained loudly, and the actors heard it. They weren’t pleased, and one even explained how much it helps them.
Have you encountered projects where the crew or creators didn’t realize they were crossing lines?
It’s more about stereotypes, like thinking that undressing is just part of an actress’s job, and what’s the fuss about. Some people still downplay it.
Have some older school actors or those who didn’t want to disrupt the “flow” of scenes ever turned you down? I know even in Hollywood, a few A-listers don’t want to work with intimacy coordinators, including women.
It’s their right, and I respect that. I haven’t personally been turned down by actors yet.
Are male erections a problem? Do you talk to actors and especially actresses about expecting it and trying to ignore it, or is it handled differently?
It’s normal for this to happen to actors. That’s why it’s important to talk about it between acting partners and explain it. Sometimes they talk about it themselves without me. It's a natural human reaction, so it can’t be labeled a problem.
So you’ve never encountered a situation where actresses had a problem with it?
It rarely happens. But no, I haven’t had actresses have problems with it. If it obstructs work, we do breathing exercises or cover it up.
Is it common for actors to get aroused on set, or do you notice them doing extra in the scene because they feel good together?
(laughs) When they feel good together, there's some body response. But I’ve always dealt with professional actors.
In scenes where, for example, a woman in bed looks at a naked man and viewers see only the back and buttocks of the man, do you cover his private parts?
Yes, it’s always done that way. There are various tools to cover intimate parts so they're not visible on camera, whether in undressing scenes or simulated oral sex. That’s why rehearsals are good because they help set the scene, camera angle, etc. These rehearsals are not just about physical touch but also about building trust between actors so that their sex appears more natural on camera.
Do you put protective patches on intimate parts to prevent direct contact?
We use what are called modesty garments, and they’re given to all actors in a scene. We also provide various barriers to prevent unnecessary contact during "thrusting".
Do you know of any Hollywood or local films or series from the past where actual sex occurred on set? You can find articles about several of them online, but few know what really happened.
I know of one Czechoslovak project often mentioned loudly as a bad example but won’t name it.
Are women more often pressured to “endure” because it’s their first big role?
Unfortunately, we’re still not at the point where this doesn’t happen anymore. Scripts are still mostly written so that women are the ones usually nude. It changes when the script and direction are led by a woman.
There’s a lot of talk about protecting women on set. But what about men? Do you take steps to reassure men that it’s okay if they don't feel good about intimate scenes?
True, men are a bit sidelined in these matters, but I don’t do anything special to focus more on one gender. Everyone gets the necessary help. As for men going shirtless, I agree that many see it as normal, and that’s not okay. These cases are all individual. Recently, I worked with a man who refused scenes where his legs were visible.
Do men have a hard time opening up and refusing to do certain things?
Lately, I've seen men become more open, and it’s easier to collaborate with them. They also talk to their female colleagues to see if they’re okay with certain scenes.
How can someone become an intimacy coordinator? Do you need a school or some film courses?
You can get trained in Germany if you speak German or in English-speaking countries. In the USA, there are three, in Canada one, and in England maybe two courses. To do this job, you should have some experience in audiovisual production and save up about 10,000 euros.
Can they talk to you about kissing scenes, but where’s the boundary? Could an actor feel uncomfortable even holding hands with someone?
I see what you’re getting at. Personally, I don’t think I’m needed on set for simple kissing scenes. It shouldn’t get to a point where an actor needs an intimacy coordinator for hugging and soft kisses. However, it’s important to have a conversation with the director and actors about these kinds of intimacy to ensure no personal boundaries are crossed.
How much does an intimacy coordinator earn?
It really depends on the project, whether it’s international or local. I have different daily rates because I want to be available to student projects that need support. They couldn’t afford the amounts paid on international productions. Generally, the daily rate ranges from 200-400 euros. Some months, I work 15 days, and other months, just one.
You’ve worked on big projects like Extraction 2, The Gray Man, and Small Light. Is getting these jobs partly because they were shot in the Czech Republic? Have you worked on other big projects?
I also worked on Spaceman and Nosferatu but in the “health and safety” department. I’ve worked with several Hollywood stars, but I don’t want to discuss them. I can’t talk about my future projects either, but I hope to work in Slovakia again. I enjoy working there.
