Anora’s Mikey Madison has become subject to internet debate after the production of her Oscar-winning film due to her decision not to have an intimacy coordinator with her on set during filming. In an interview with Variety, she stated “It was a choice that I made, that the filmmakers offered to me”, and defended her position by adding “I wanted to immerse myself”. While Madison described her experience as incredibly positive, the twenty-five-year-old has still become subjected to the press and public alike describing her mindset as somewhat naive.
The role of an intimacy coordinator is often misunderstood to be someone on set that allows for the scenes to gain more authenticity within the acting alone. While this may be a minor responsibility, the primary reasoning behind having a coordinator on set is to allow for clear communication between the actors and crew alike, and ensure the safety and comfortability for all those involved in the scene.
Intimacy coordinators gained traction in 2018 after the #MeToo movement, where there became an increase of support for women in Hollywood, particularly those who have previous experience with discomfort, during filming.
Actors such as Kate Winslet, Michaela Coel, and Rachel Zegler have all expressed why they believe intimacy coordinators should be a necessity on set, with Winslet adding that they could have helped her in previous projects where she felt as though she had to “stand up for herself”.
On the contrary, one of the most famous actresses to speak against intimacy coordinators is Jennifer Aniston after her filming of The Morning Show. When asked whether or not she required a coordinator on set, she replied “What does that mean?” before adding “We’re seasoned – we can figure this one out”.
The primary source of the negativity faced by intimacy coordinators as a profession is simply a lack of understanding of their predominant role. Madison believed that having one on set wouldn’t allow for full immersion, while Aniston had never come across the concept before.
While it may seem like an individual decision from the key actors, the role of the coordinator is for the benefit and safety of cast and crew alike. It is time directors allow for these roles to not only become commonplace, but mandatory, on set. It’s a small step in the right direction for Hollywood, with a long way to go.
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