In a significant move to bolster on-set safety and ensure performer consent, SAG-AFTRA unveiled its updated Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators this February 2024. These guidelines establish a formal framework for managing scenes that involve nudity, simulated sex, or other forms of "hyper-exposed" work, marking a pivotal moment in the union's post-#MeToo reforms.

The introduction of these protocols aims to balance creative freedom with strict, enforceable standards that promote safety, consent, and professionalism within the industry. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities actors face in such scenarios, SAG-AFTRA emphasizes the critical role of intimacy coordinators in providing a safe and supportive environment for performers.

An intimacy coordinator acts as an advocate and liaison between actors and production teams, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and helping to realize a director’s vision without compromising the well-being of the cast. Their responsibilities are extensive, ranging from serving as a movement coach to maintaining the continual consent of actors throughout the filming process.

SAG-AFTRA advocates for the employment of intimacy coordinators in all scenes involving nudity or simulated sex and in other sensitive scenarios upon request. This role not only protects performers by enforcing boundaries but also benefits production companies by mitigating risks associated with insurance, marketability, and potential legal issues.

The protocols detail the involvement of intimacy coordinators at every stage of production—from pre-production meetings discussing script details to on-set management of scenes and post-production follow-ups. This comprehensive approach ensures that all parties are clear on the expectations and consent is continuously managed and respected.

Key training for intimacy coordinators includes consent and anti-harassment courses, movement coaching, conflict resolution, and sensitivity training regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, and racial equity. These qualifications are crucial for them to effectively safeguard actors and guide the production process.

With these updated standards, SAG-AFTRA sets a new legal and ethical benchmark in entertainment production. Informed, ongoing consent has transitioned from a courtesy to a contractual necessity, reducing litigation risks and fostering a trustful atmosphere on sets. As the boundaries of artistic expression and personal safety continue to be tested in courts, these guidelines will serve as a vital reference.

For more information on these protocols or for guidance on implementation and enforcement, actors and producers are encouraged to consult SAG-AFTRA's official resources or contact their union representative. This significant update not only reflects changing labor expectations in Hollywood but also sets a precedent for safer, more respectful work environments across the industry.