Intimacy coordinator programme fosters a safer workplace

Having qualified Intimacy Coordinators on productions with intimate scenes is fast becoming mandatory around the world and, in some countries, is a condition for securing funding — something the NFVF is considering introducing.

Thanks to a training programme driven by our former co-chair, Thandi Davids, co-funded by Netflix and the NFVF, facilitated by Safe Sets and administered by the IPO, South Africa now has its first cohort of locally-trained and qualified Intimacy Coordinators (ICs): Thembela Madliki, Loren Loubser, Mpolokeng Chabane, Keneilwe Matidze, Maude Helen Sandham and Sondos Shabayek.

The comprehensive course included online training over three months followed by a one week in-person intensive workshop and subsequent mentorship.

Importantly — in order to receive their international accreditation these ICs are required to complete 30 days on set experience at HOD level, during which the Safe Sets team provides ongoing support. We are reaching out to you to please employ these new ICs, assisting them to qualify as internationally accredited.

As the IPO, we are very proud to have played a role in enabling safer working environments on South African productions. Please read the full report about this excellent programme.