Episode 153: How Movie and TV Sex Scenes are Filmed

Intimacy coordinators carefully choreograph sexual and intimate scenes to ensure respect and safety for the performers. However, what they actually do—the nuts and bolts of it all—is difficult work that oftentimes goes unrecognized (or is taken for granted) by the time a movie or TV show reaches our screens. So what all goes into filming scenes that feature simulated sex or intimacy? What does that process look like, and what happens when things don’t unfold according to plan? Let’s talk about it.

This is the second episode in a two-part series all about what it takes to coordinate sex on screen. I am joined once again by Marci Liroff, who has worked as a casting director, producer, and acting coach for more than 40 years. Her extensive credits span more than 60 films and television series. In 2019, she completed an extensive training course and is now a Certified Intimacy Coordinator.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back to the previous episode (Ep 151) and come back when you’re finished. Today, we’re going to expand our understanding of what an intimacy coordinator actually does. Some of the topics we’ll discuss include: 

• When an intimacy coordinator is hired for a gig, where do they begin? What are all of the things that have to happen before a scene is ever filmed?
• How does consent operate in the context of simulated sex?
• On the day a sex scene is actually filmed, what does that situation look like? And what are the kinds of things intimacy coordinators are monitoring?
• What are the roles of prosthetics and modesty garments in filming a sex scene?
• What are some of the unique considerations surrounding sexual assault and trauma that come up in these situations?
• What happens when an intimate scene involves a minor, such as a teenager having their first kiss?
• How do you make simulated sex seem authentic?

Be sure to check out Marci’s website at marciliroffic.com to learn more about her work, and follow her on Twitter @marciliroff.

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The Kinsey Institute’s (kinseyinstitute.org) 75th anniversary is underway and you are invited to join in the celebration! Follow @kinseyinstitute on social media to learn more about upcoming events. Also, please consider a gift or donation to the Institute to support sex research and education. Click here to donate.

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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest and 123RF/ronstik