Hollywood has officially entered a new era of safety and professional recognition. The SAG-AFTRA national board unanimously ratified the first union contract for intimacy coordinators on Thursday. This landmark deal establishes crucial protections for the experts who choreograph simulated sex and nudity on screen. It transforms a once unregulated role into a solidified career path within the entertainment industry.
This agreement marks a massive shift in how vulnerable moments are handled on set.
Standardizing Safety and Pay
The days of ambiguous rates and undefined working conditions for these professionals are over. This new agreement was reached with major studios and streamers in early December following intense negotiations.
The contract brings structure to a field that has grown rapidly in recent years. It officially takes effect for new scripted films and television series starting production on February 22, 2026.
While the start date is in the future, the impact is immediate. The deal sets minimum wage rates for both daily and weekly work. This ensures that professionals are paid fairly for their expertise.
Intimacy coordinators will now be inducted into the union health and pension plans. This provides them with the same security net enjoyed by the actors they protect.
The agreement aligns their wage increases and benefit contributions with the “Basic Agreement” used for performers. This alignment signals that the industry now views these coordinators as essential crew members rather than optional consultants.
“This first contract recognizes [intimacy coordinators’] professionalism, expertise, and indispensable role in creating respectful and safe working environments,” said Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, SAG-AFTRA national executive director and chief negotiator.
Key Provisions of the New Deal:
- Minimum Wages: Establishes a floor for daily and weekly rates.
- Benefits: Access to union health insurance and pension plans.
- Work Rules: Codifies meal breaks, overtime, and travel provisions.
- Damages: penalties for studios that are late with wage payments.
Protecting Vulnerable Moments
The scope of this contract goes far beyond just a paycheck. It fundamentally changes the workflow on set during sensitive scenes. The agreement guarantees that intimacy coordinators have access to necessary materials well in advance.
They will now have the right to review performers’ nudity riders. These riders are legal documents outlining exactly what an actor consents to show on camera. Access to this information is vital for ensuring boundaries are respected.
The deal also grants access to simulated sex riders. This allows the coordinator to choreograph movements that align strictly with legal contracts.
One of the most practical wins is the guarantee of visibility. Intimacy coordinators are now guaranteed the ability to watch performances of intimate scenes. This ensures they can monitor safety in real time without obstruction.
Alicia Rodis served as the chair of the intimacy coordinator negotiating committee. She described the ratification as a “transformative step” for the profession.
Rodis noted that the agreement helps ensure long-term careers in a supportive environment. This contract validates the belief that safety and artistic expression can coexist.
A Long Road to Recognition
This victory did not happen overnight. The ratification comes a little over a year after intimacy coordinators voted to join SAG-AFTRA. That vote was unanimous and signaled a desperate need for standardization.
Before this, the role was often misunderstood. Some producers viewed it as a hindrance to the creative process. Others hired unqualified individuals to simply hold robes.
The rise of the profession coincided with the #MeToo movement. As stories of on-set abuse surfaced, the industry realized the need for third-party advocates.
Shows like The Deuce and Bridgerton showcased how effective these coordinators could be. They proved that safe sets lead to better performances. Actors felt more comfortable taking risks when they knew their boundaries were secure.
Organizing members wanted to stabilize their financial futures. They also wanted to ensure that the title of “Intimacy Coordinator” carried weight and required specific expertise.
Timeline of the Movement:
- 2017-2018: Rise of demand post-#MeToo movement.
- 2022: Intimacy Coordinators vote unanimously to join SAG-AFTRA.
- December 2023: Tentative deal reached with studios.
- February 2024: SAG-AFTRA National Board ratifies the contract.
Industry Leaders React
The reaction from the industry has been largely positive. It suggests a collaborative future between the union and the studios.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) negotiated the deal on behalf of the studios. They praised the union for being a “true partner” during the talks.
The group stated that the agreement supports career sustainability. This acknowledgment from the employers is a significant cultural milestone. It admits that this role is here to stay.
Duncan Crabtree-Ireland emphasized the visibility of the work. He noted that this labor has too often been invisible to the public eye. Now it takes its rightful place on the industry stage.
With this contract, the path is clear for the next generation of coordinators. They will enter a field with established rules, fair pay, and professional respect.
The unanimous ratification sends a powerful message to Hollywood. Safety is not a luxury. It is a standard requirement for production.
The contract for intimacy coordinators represents a maturing of the entertainment industry. It proves that Hollywood can adapt to protect its workers while still telling bold stories. As the new rules take effect in 2026, sets around the world will become safer places for artists to work.
What are your thoughts on this new union protection for intimacy coordinators? Do you think this will change the quality of scenes we see on TV? Share your opinion in the comments below. If you support safer sets, join the conversation on social media using #SAGAFTRA and #IntimacyCoordinators.
