Intimate scenes need to be planned and choreographed just like fight scenes.

This is where the professional magic happens.

Before the scene shoots, sit down with your scene partner, the director, and the intimacy coordinator (if there is one) to work out exactly what will happen.

Be very specific:

• What parts of the body will be touched and how
• How passionate is the kissing and which way you'll face
• What clothes stay on or come off, and when
• How long each moment lasts
• What signals you can use if someone needs to communicate during filming

This might sound clinical, but it's what makes filming relaxed and enjoyable. When everyone knows what to expect, you can focus on acting instead of worrying about mechanics.

As one actor puts it:

If you plan ahead, no one gets caught off guard. You wouldn't punch someone in a fight scene without choreographing it first, so likewise you shouldn't suddenly lunge at your scene partner without sorting out beforehand.

Improvisation #

Sometimes directors want extensive improvisation in intimate scenes. This can create excellent results, but again, you need ground rules first.

Discuss with your scene partner what's acceptable: “I'm okay if you touch my back and shoulders, but not my chest. You can kiss my neck, but I'm ticklish there, so be gentle.”

You might want signal words you can use during filming without breaking character — agreeing that “honey” means “slow down” or a hand squeeze means “that's perfect.”

The key is making sure everyone is comfortable and prepared before cameras roll.