It’s not simply about closed sets, privacy patches, and ensuring the monitors are clear; Intimacy Coordination in film and television is on the rise and it’s about time! Galvanized by #metoo #aftermetoo, and Times Up, the screen-based industry is waking up to how much normalization there has been around an actor performing intimate scenes, nudity, or simulated sex. This panel will demystify the ‘how’ and ‘why’ to work with Intimacy Coordinators, as well as the evolution of the language of consent on sets in Canada.

Moderator: 

Jess Salgueiro | Actress, The Expanse, Workin’ Moms

Panelists: 

Amir Bageria | Actor, Grand Army

Amir Bageria is a 19 year old actor from Mississauga, Ontario known for Degrassi: Next Class, and is a series lead on the upcoming Netflix original Grand Army. He has spent multiple years studying acting in Toronto with various studios and coaches, and has recently taken his journey to New York City, where he is studying the works of William Shakespeare.

Casey Hudecki | Intimacy Coordinator, Intimacy Coordinators Canada

Casey has worked in front and behind the camera for over twenty years as an Actor, Stunt Performer, and Fight Coordinator and most recently as an Intimacy Coordinator. She is a Fight Master with Fight Directors Canada, working as a movement choreographer and stage combat instructor for over two decades in theatre. She has experience both performing and coordinating stunts and intimacy, and brings compassion and specificity to the work.

Lindsay Somers | Intimacy Coordinator, Founder of Intimacy Coordinators Canada

Lindsay Somers (she | her | hers) is the founder of Intimacy Coordinators Canada, and Canada’s first-ever Intimacy Coordinator certified through the professional association – Intimacy Directors & Coordinators. Lindsay is currently a mentor to those involved in the Apprenticeship program, training future IC’s. ​

Lindsay is at the forefront of the movement of Intimacy Coordinators on our film sets in Canada, being Canada’s first to work with HBO and Amazon studios.

Helping to improve the safety of performers while filming scenes involving intimacy, nudity and/or simulated sex, Lindsay wrote the Closed Set protocols that are being used on film sets across the country.

With over 10 years of on set experience choreographing performers as the lead Medical consultant and owner of Ready Set Medic, Lindsay has also been performing on-camera for 25 years, and is currently an active ACTRA member with numerous on-screen Actor credits.

Lindsay has been awarded two Exemplary Citizen Awards by the City of Toronto for her volunteer work within her community and continues her involvement in local and nationwide initiatives.

Liz Whitmere | Producer, Director, Performer

Whitmere is a producer and director, and seasoned performer. She is currently co-Executive Producer on Late Night in the Studio for CBC Gem.