034: Intimacy On Set: A Conversation with Ita O’Brien

“It's really saying that the cast members have the autonomy to go, yes, I'm happy for my character to have this physical storytelling, but I personally have different boundaries.”

Ita O’Brien

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, host Sarah Perry speaks with Ita O’Brien, one of the world’s leading intimacy coordinators and the creator of the Intimacy On Set guidelines. Ita shares her journey through the performing arts and reflects on the evolving role of intimacy coordination across film, television, theatre, and opera.

Together, they explore the essential role of intimacy practitioners in Film and TV, and the importance of preparation, communication, collaboration, and consent in creating intimate scenes, as well as the challenges of implementing clear and supportive guidelines within the industry. Drawing on her experience on productions including Normal People, I May Destroy You, and Sex Education, Ita highlights the collaborative nature of intimacy coordination and the need for trauma-informed, performer-centred environments.

The conversation also touches on training in drama schools, student productions, before concluding with Ita’s book, Intimacy: A Field Guide to Finding Connection and Feeling Your Deep Desires (Penguin, 2025). offering further insights and inspiration for artists and practitioners working with intimacy in the performing arts.

About Ita O’Brien

Ita O’Brien is the UK’s leading Intimacy Coordinator and the founder of Intimacy On Set Ltd, established in 2018 to support film, television, and theatre productions working with intimacy, sexual content, and nudity. A pioneer in the field, O’Brien has been developing best-practice Intimacy On Set Guidelines since 2014, frameworks that are now widely adopted across the industry and championed by organisations including TIME’S UP UK and WFTV, advocating for safe, fair, and dignified working environments for all Her work as an Intimacy Coordinator is underpinned by over 42 years of professional experience as a Musical Theatre Dancer, Actor, and Movement Practitioner, working across Private & Confidential © Intimacy on Set Limited - Ita O’Brien 2026 Registered in England & Wales No. 11289710 live performance, television, and film. As a Movement Director, she gained an MA in Movement Studies from the Central School of Speech and Drama in 2006–7 and has worked continuously in the field since 2007. She has taught extensively in drama schools and within the industry and continues to work as a movement director across theatre, television, and film. O’Brien has worked on numerous high-profile productions, including Normal People (BBC Three/Hulu), I May Destroy You (BBC/HBO), Sex Education (Netflix), It’s A Sin (Channel 4/HBO), We Live in Time (StudioCanal), and The Roses (Searchlight Pictures). She is widely recognised in national and international media as a leading voice in this groundbreaking area of practice.

Chapters

Introduction to Intimacy Coordination
Ita O'Brien's Journey in Movement and Intimacy
Exploring the Dynamics of Performance
The Evolution of Intimacy Guidelines
Current State of Film and Television Industry
The Importance of Preparation and Communication
Challenges in Implementing Intimacy Guidelines
Navigating Pushback in the Industry
The Role of Feedback and Follow-Up
Collaboration Between Movement and Intimacy Coordination
Navigating Consent and Comfort in Intimacy
Collaboration Between Intimacy Coordinators and Movement Coaches
The Role of Intimacy Coordinators in Challenging Scenes
Integrating Wellbeing Practitioners in Intimate Content
Defining the Scope of Intimacy Coordination
Implementing Intimacy Guidelines in Student Productions
Progressive Training in Drama Schools
The Importance of Consent in Intimacy Training
The Release of the Intimacy Book and Its Impact

Website & Social Links
Intimacy On Set Instagram
Intimacy On Set Facebook
Ita O’Brien Instagram
Ita O'Brien Facebook
Intimacy On Set Website
Linked In Ita O’Brien

To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.