Cynthia Erivo defends importance of intimacy coordinators

During a screen talk at the London Film Festival, actor and singer Cynthia Erivo advocated for the vital role of intimacy coordinators in the film and television industry. Erivo noted that these professionals often do not receive sufficient credit and can face criticism for their presence on set, despite their essential work in ensuring performer safety and consent.

Discussing her new film, Prima Facie, Erivo highlighted how intimacy coordinator Lizzy Talbot helped create a safe environment for filming intense and emotionally harrowing sequences. Erivo explained that the role extends beyond managing intimate scenes to helping actors navigate the psychological difficulty of returning to themselves after filming traumatic material.

Prima Facie, adapted from Suzie Miller’s stage play, follows a defense lawyer whose life is upended by sexual assault. Erivo, who also produced the film, described the process of filming the assault scene as particularly difficult, emphasizing the importance of collaborative communication between actors to maintain personal safety during production.