The role of intimacy coordinators has recently transformed Hollywood, providing both choreography for intimate scenes and ensuring performers feel secure and respected during production. This emerging profession has sparked much conversation about consent and safety on set. In this climate, Lena Dunham and Jeremy O. Harris, two creative figures known for pushing boundaries, have teamed up to produce a new series that examines this provocative and timely subject.
The upcoming show, titled Sex Act, is written by Raffi Donatich, whose debut feature Poetic License premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Donatich has collaborated with Harris on works such as Slave Play and Daddy. Dunham’s production company, Good Thing Going, alongside Harris’ bb2, have enlisted Sarah Paulson to star as an intimacy coordinator who, ironically, has never experienced a kiss herself. Netflix is currently developing the project, with Dunham expected to direct.
The Rising Importance of Intimacy Coordination in Film and Television
Discussion surrounding intimacy coordinators continues to grow, reflecting broader cultural shifts around consent and representation. Recent debates included a Best Actress Oscar winner’s choice to decline an intimacy coordinator while portraying a sex worker and veteran actress Kate Winslet expressing regret for not having access to such support earlier in her career. Dunham’s former Girls co-star Allison Williams commented that having an intimacy coordinator would have been
“so helpful to have someone who’s like department head of sex scenes”
on their show.
More recently, Olivia Cooke from House of the Dragon praised the role of intimacy coordinators for aiding performers, especially newcomers, by helping them articulate boundaries in a professional environment. She highlighted the challenge that women face in speaking up about discomfort, often being unfairly labeled as “difficult” or “a bitch.” Cooke emphasized the integral nature of portraying intimacy within storytelling, while also noting the emotional toll these scenes can take on actors who often feel
“a chunk of yourself has been taken”
during such work. She reflected on how, before the existence of intimacy coordinators, performers had to navigate these scenes without proper guidance or support.
The Impact and Future Influence of Dunham’s Series
By centering a narrative on intimacy coordinators, Sex Act is poised to engage with an ongoing cultural conversation and bring wider visibility to a profession that supports the emotional and physical well-being of performers. As debates about intimacy coordination persist in Hollywood, this series could play a significant role in educating audiences about the complexities and necessities of this behind-the-scenes work.
With the involvement of Lena Dunham, Jeremy O. Harris, Raffi Donatich, and Sarah Paulson, the project carries serious creative weight and may influence how intimacy and consent are portrayed on screen going forward. It also reflects a growing recognition within the entertainment industry of the importance of safety, respect, and professional care in filming intimate content.
