Different Productions; Be Prepared #

Big-budget films and major TV productions usually have intimacy coordinators, union protections, and established professional standards.

Smaller independent productions might have fewer formal protections, so you may need to advocate more for yourself.

Student films and very low-budget productions often have less experienced teams who might not know proper procedures. Just be sure to establish your boundaries early.

International productions vary widely depending on country and production company. Research beforehand when possible.

Know what type of production you're working on and adjust expectations accordingly.

Representation  #

Whether your character is straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or any other identity, the same professional principles apply.

If you're portraying a relationship different from your own experience, approach it with respect and do research. Good representation matters to audiences who don't often see their relationships on screen.

Work with intimacy coordinators who understand diverse identities. Listen to feedback from cast and crew who share your character's background.

The Digital Age #

In today's connected world, your work might be seen by more people than expected and stick around longer than previous generations dealt with.

Clips can end up on social media, screenshots can become memes, and intimate scenes might be viewed by family, friends, or future employers.

Consider how intimate scenes fit with long-term career goals and personal comfort. Professional intimate work is legitimate artistic expression, but make sure you're comfortable with potential long-term visibility.

Unsimulated Sex #

Some movies claim to include unsimulated sex, though 99.9% of the time this is marketing hype.

Very occasionally, it does happen with full planning and preparation. If a director asks if you're willing to perform unsimulated sex, the choice is entirely yours. Consider potential consequences for your career — this might provoke backlash in some countries while being a career boost in others.

Many mainstream movies use body doubles (often adult film actors) for explicit moments, with CGI matching them to the main actors.