As an IDC-certified Intimacy Coordinator and Director, I work across film, theatre, and live performance, supporting creative teams in building clear, functional structures for intimate scenes.
While I am usually careful about sharing details from individual projects, there are times when a production offers insights worth reflecting on — particularly when the process itself may be useful to others.
Why Early Communication Matters on Set
In my work as an IDC-certified Intimacy Coordinator and Director,
I am often careful about how much detail I share publicly about specific projects.
However, there are moments when it feels important to speak about what made a production work well — especially when it reflects a process that others may find useful.
This article is one of those moments.
I worked on the short film Sh*t Job as an Intimacy Coordinator.
From an early stage — even before auditions began — I was invited to speak directly with director Yuta Okamura about the intentions of the project, potential concerns, and the overall tone the team wanted to protect.
That early conversation became a strong foundation of trust across the entire production.
Rather than adjusting things once filming had already begun, we were able to clarify, in advance, where creative direction ended and where care and structural design needed to be clearly organised.
Because those boundaries were shared early, decisions on set were faster, clearer, and the workflow never stalled.
The fact that proper time was also allocated for actor check-ins and rehearsals reinforced a strong sense of professionalism throughout the process.
When Everyone Shares the Same Criteria, Work Becomes Easier
On this production, the director, production team, camera, lighting, and hair & makeup departments all worked with aligned decision-making criteria.
Even in moments that required careful confirmation or discussion, communication remained smooth and efficient.
The visual consistency of the film was strongly supported by the set design, lighting, and the perspective of Director of Photography Suyeol Jang JSC.
This made it easier to organise intimate movement in a way that respected the director’s vision while remaining repeatable, precise, and safe for performers.
What stayed with me most was not only the technical clarity, but the atmosphere on set.
Small gestures of consideration — thoughtful communication, quiet coordination, and mutual respect across departments — created an environment where everyone could focus on their work with confidence.
The Value of Being Involved Early — for Film and Stage
In screen productions, I work as an Intimacy Coordinator.
For theatre and live performance, I take on the role of Intimacy Director.
Across both formats, the principle is the same:
addressing structure and shared criteria early does not restrict creativity — it expands it.
Much like action choreography, intimacy work functions best when it is rehearsed, clarified, and designed before problems arise.
The goal is not reaction, but prevention — allowing performers and directors to work freely within a clear and agreed framework.
The set of Sh*t Job was a place where this approach was naturally understood and welcomed.
Because of that shared mindset, my role functioned not as an interruption, but as part of the creative infrastructure.
With Gratitude — and Looking Ahead
I would like to sincerely thank everyone at ALL-IN,
director Yuta Okamura, and the entire cast and crew for the trust and openness they brought to this project.
Working with a team that combines integrity with a contemporary understanding of production culture was a meaningful experience for me.
If you are looking for an Intimacy Coordinator or Director who can be involved from the early stages of development — whether for film, theatre, or live performance — I would be glad to connect and talk.
English Page
If you are developing a film, stage production, or live performance and are considering how to approach intimacy-related scenes with clarity and care, I am always open to early conversations.
I work bilingually in Japanese and English, and have experience collaborating with international and bilingual productions filming, rehearsing, and presenting work in Japan. Being involved from the early stages allows me to support directors, performers, and creative teams in a way that protects the process, maintains momentum on set or in rehearsal, and ultimately serves the work itself.
For projects in film, theatre, or live performance, please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss how intimacy coordination or direction might support your production.
