by First off, let’s define what an intimacy coordinator kit is exactly. An intimacy coordinator kit is a collection of tools an intimacy coordinator uses for their job crafting scenes of intimacy for film and television. Each intimacy coordinator has their own preferences as to the tools they carry, but generally speaking, an intimacy coordinator kit contains items from the following categories:
In this article, I will list all the tools I carry in my intimacy coordinator kit. Because I am always looking for products that are more sustainable made, ethically sourced, and inclusive the exact products I use constantly evolve as I find new ones that meet my values and work best for my clients. This list is meant to give a general idea of the types of tools and products I use.
Adhesives
Adhesives are important to keep intimacy barriers or modesty garments in place, or at times can serve as an intimacy barrier or modesty garment themselves. I carry a variety of products for different purposes, skin colors, and sensitivities.
- Body Tape
- Dress Tape
- Electric Tape
- Medical Tape
- Medipore Soft Cloth Surgical Tape
- Moleskin
- Spirit Gum
- Tegederm Tape
Barriers And Cover-Ups
A variety of barriers and cover-ups are used for scenes of sex and nudity both on- and off-screen. In accordance with the new SAG•AFTRA guidelines, actors should never touch each other’s genitalia when filming scenes of sex, nudity, or intimacy. This is accomplished through a series of staging tricks including intimacy barriers. Modesty garments and other cover-ups are also important to make filming scenes of nudity or partial nudity more comfortable for actors and crew members. They prevent the camera and coworkers from viewing body parts such as genitalia, nipples, and the buttocks region. I carry a large array of products as well as designing my own. However, because a barrier might be unique for the scene depending on the choreography and comfort of the actors and because they are typically single-use/non-transferable products often need to be specially ordered for each production.
- Body Padding
- Camel Toe Concealer
- Exercise Balls
- Intimacy Barriers
- Knee Pads
- Latex Gloves
- Medical Gauze
- Modesty Garments
- Robes
- Rubber Gloves
- Pasties
- Shibue/Hibue
- Yoga Mat
Hygiene
Whether it’s kissing, nudity, or even just a hug, people like to feel and look their best when they are getting up-close and personal on camera. I always like to come prepared with all the products necessary to feel fresh in any situation so that actors are confident in any position. To reduce the risk of transmission and empower actors to use the products they need I typically use travel-size products, compiling them into individual “goody bags” that the actors can put their names on and reuse for the duration of the production.
- Alcohol Wipe
- Baby Oil
- Breath Mints
- Bug Spray
- Coconut Oil
- Deodorant
- Floss
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lip Balm
- Menstrual Products
- Mouth Wash
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Tissues
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Wet Ones
Mental Health
Performing intimate material can trigger any number of responses in an actor including fear, anger, anxiety, emotional distancing, and panic. An intimacy coordinator kit should have tools designed to bring people back to the present moment by appealing to the senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and feel. I also have tools for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to identify emotions and boundaries and to communicate needs efficiently.
- Body Chart
- Chocolate
- Emotion Pillows
- Essential Oils
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Pen & Pencils
- Sour Candy
- Stimming Toy
- Tea
- Weighted Blanket
- Yoga Mat
There is a particular moment I remember prior to a big intimate scene that I shared with Acacia… I was on the verge of tears… They found some essential oils in their Mary Poppin’s like bag and suggested it might help. It did.
– BN
Miscellaneous Tools
There are a variety of tools I carry which I have found essential in various situations on-set and in the rehearsal room.
- Drawing Figures
- Notebook
- Picnic Blanket
- Pop-Up Changing Tent
- Safety Sheers
- Sewing Kit
- Tape Measure
How Much Does An Intimacy Coordinator Kit Cost?
The price for an intimacy coordinator kit will vary depending on the intimacy coordinator, scope of the project, cost of materials, and in some cases, the budget of the film. I generally charge $100 – $300 for my intimacy coordinator kit depending on the project. I use a sliding scale for all of my services including the cost of my intimacy coordinator kit so that my services are as accessible as possible. For most productions, I charge an amount that covers the cost of materials (most of which are single-use and need continually restocked) but for student films and low budget/indie productions, I charge less by using leftover materials from previous projects. To learn more about the price of my intimacy coordinator kit and other services visit my rates page.
It is important to note that most intimacy barriers are not included in the price of an intimacy coordinator kit as they are usually single-use/non-transferable, unique to the scene/production, and have high costs of production/shipping. A single intimacy barrier typically costs between $30 – $60 USD and should be ordered 2 – 6 months in advance due to limited supply.
Do you have questions about my intimacy coordinator kit? Reach out!
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