Samantha J. McDonald is Atlanta’s and the Southeast region’s first local certified Intimacy Coordinator for film and television
Samantha J. McDonald is affiliated with IDC - Intimacy Directors & Coordinators- the pioneering organization lead by Alicia Rodis, who is credited for founding the area of intimacy coordination for TV and Film along with legitimizing and earning her credit as the first Intimacy Coordinator in TV/Film in America.
“A Certified Intimacy Coordinator with IDC has trained in our methodology specifically for film and television. These distinguished professionals represent the highest standard in intimacy artistry for the screen. A Certified Intimacy Coordinator has extensive movement, sensitivity, and industry training and represent IDC with their professional artistry and integrity.” — IDC
role of an iC
An intimacy coordinator is an advocate, a liaison between actors and production, and a movement coach and/or choreographer in regards to nudity and simulated sex and other intimate and hyper-exposed scenes. They serve as professional skilled artists, with broad industry knowledge, and they work closely with production personnel to realize the director’s vision while promoting adherence to safety related terms and conditions. An intimacy coordinator strives to build an environment in which actors understand what is expected of them in hyper-exposed scenes and to give their informed and continued consent.
Required Training
Awareness of on screen sexual and intimate storytelling.
Communication.
Power dynamics.
Movement coaching and masking techniques.
Knowledge and collaboration regarding the use of modesty garments and barriers for safety, comfort and sexual health.
Consent.
Navigation of on-set culture and understanding of on-set etiquette.
Understanding of Guild and Union Contracts that affect nudity and simulated sex.
Movement and Safety in facilitating the physicality of scenes.
Bystander Intervention.
Anti-Harassment.
Mental Health First Aid/Trauma.
Gender and Sexual Diversity or Sensitivity.
Additional Requirements:
Must have a state and federal background check.
Shadowing or Mentorship experience and an ability to adapt and implement the role’s responsibilities, functions and protocols on a variety of sets.
*Flow chart courtesy of IDCprofessionals.com