Make it Look Real: Inside Intimacy Coordination in Screen Production

As storytelling on screen continues to explore complex emotional and physical relationships, the role of intimacy coordinators has become increasingly vital. This screening and panel brings together filmmakers, actors and intimacy coordinators to discuss how intimacy coordination is reshaping production practices—ensuring safer, more respectful environments for cast and crew during scenes involving intimacy. From setting clear boundaries to fostering consent-driven collaboration, the conversation will explore best practices, challenges, and the broader cultural impact of this emerging field within the Australian and global screen industries.

The panel will take place after a screening of the 2025 documentary film, Make It Look Real (M).

Make It Look Real follows intimacy coordinator Claire Warden as she tries to change attitudes, working with three actors on the set of Tightrope. As Claire helps the actors negotiate their boundaries, writer-director Kieran Darcy-Smith shapes the story – and a collaborative, non-exploitative path for bringing sex and intimacy to the screen emerges.

“Blackmore’s film should be essential viewing for anyone in the industry to properly understand the role this vocation plays on set” - Zachary Lee, RogerEbert.com