Filming intimate scenes in Hollywood has long sparked discussions, raising questions about comfort, safety, and professionalism on set. Recently, several actors have shed light on their personal experiences with intimacy coordinators—a role that's become increasingly important—and how these professionals have changed the way such scenes are approached.
Harris Dickinson, the star of the new film Babygirl, opened up about his experiences filming intimate scenes alongside Nicole Kidman. The film, scheduled to hit theaters on December 25, features Kidman as a businesswoman embroiled in an affair with Dickinson's character, her much younger intern. Dickinson shared his process during filming, emphasizing the importance of communication and comfort. "We’d have discussions with the intimacy coordinator, and then Nicole and I kind of did our own thing with it once we set the parameters of what we were both comfortable with," he explained. This approach, he noted, allowed the creative process to flow smoothly.
Kidman herself acknowledged the challenges of portraying such raw vulnerability on camera. She described the emotional toll it took. “At some point, I was like, I don’t want to be touched. I don’t want to do this anymore, but at the same time, I was compelled to do it,” Kidman reflected, highlighting how difficult it can be to balance professional demands with personal emotional boundaries.
Meanwhile, Jackson White, who stars on the Hulu drama Tell Me Lies, shared insights during his recent appearance on the podcast Slice of Pie. He humorously remarked about the show’s filming schedule, where intimacy scenes would often coincide, leading the actors to nickname certain days as “sex weeks.” This repetition and focus can create intimacy among the cast, as White noted. He even revealed he received feedback about his performance, noting, "I was told, 'We have to make it so it’s more realistic,' which made me question my abilities." This candid sharing showcases how actors are pushed toward creating authentic on-screen connections.
Both White and his real-life girlfriend, Grace Van Patten, who plays his on-screen love interest, have noted the benefits of working together on such heartfelt scenes. Van Patten mentioned feeling safe and comfortable due to their established relationship, stating, "I had this fear of, 'You're going to know when I'm acting,' but I felt the opposite on set." Their shared experiences offer insight on how relationships can lend depth to performances and mitigate nervousness during filming.
Laura Dern, another powerhouse actress, praised her Lonely Planet co-star Liam Hemsworth for his supportive presence during intimate scenes. Dern described Hemsworth as “the safest person” she could work with, emphasizing how strong communication made their performances more organic. The film, which explores the emotional connections between characters with age differences, benefits from both actors’ comfort levels, aided by discussions facilitated by their intimacy coordinator. "By the time we were doing those scenes, there was nothing we couldn’t talk about together and work out creatively," Dern recounted, underscoring the importance of partnerships when handling potentially sensitive material.
While most actors find value in the presence of intimacy coordinators, perspectives can vary. Sayani Gupta, who plays the role of Ruby, an intimacy coordinator herself, expressed ambivalence about their necessity. Although she supports their inclusion for safety, she also suggested they might hinder natural interactions. According to Gupta, "Sometimes, it is great to work with one, but at times, having them on the set can hamper the flow of a scene. I find it can make things awkward, especially if two actors share the same wavelength.” Her experience reflects the balance between industry progressivism and the desire for creativity during emotional scenes.
Reflections from these actors depict the nuanced realities of filming intimate scenes. They highlight the significant growth the industry has made toward creating safe environments for performers, all the way from the appointment of intimacy coordinators to fostering open communication. Actors today are striving to navigate their craft with sensitivity, acknowledging the potential emotional and physical intricacies involved.
