Masterclass David Thackeray: The Role of the Intimacy Coordinator

Internationally acclaimed Intimacy Coordinator David Thackeray (The White Lotus, Sex Education, Adolescence) will give a Masterclass on Intimacy Coordination, explaining how intimacy coordination supports directors, actors and crew throughout the filmmaking process. The masterclass will be moderated by actress Hanna van Vliet.

Let op: de voertaal van dit programma is Engels.

Over the past decade, intimacy coordination has become an established part of professional film and television production, as the industry has placed increasing emphasis on safety, collaboration and professional working practices.

Together with Hanna van Vliet, David Thackeray will explore the role of the Intimacy Coordinator from both a creative and practical perspective. What exactly does an Intimacy Coordinator do? Where do the responsibilities of the role begin and end? When and why are they involved in a production and with whom? What qualifies as an intimate scene, including moments of vulnerability? How do you balance creative ambitions with the wellbeing of cast and crew?

Using case studies from The White Lotus, Adolescence and Sex Education, David takes the audience through the process from script preparation to filming, sharing creative and logistical challenges, best practices, lessons learned, and reflections on what he might approach differently today. The session also looks at collaboration between directors, producers, actors, assistant directors, 1st AD’s and other Heads of Department, and places intimacy coordination in an international context by examining current standards and developments in the UK and the US.

Designed as an interactive conversation, the masterclass leaves plenty of room for participants to ask questions and discuss real-life challenges, from script preparation and interdepartmental communication to safeguarding, closed sets, professional accountability and navigating personal boundaries. Whether you are a producer, director, actor, assistant director, 1st AD or other crew members, you are invited to bring your own questions and experiences into the conversation.

Who is this masterclass for?
This masterclass is for professionals working across film and television production and involved in preparing and filming physical or emotional scenes, including directors, assistant directors, 1st ADs, producers, line producers, cinematographers, members of the sound and costume departments, and other crew members that are interested.

Whether you have already collaborated with an Intimacy Coordinator or are encountering the role for the first time, the session offers practical insight into how intimacy coordination fits within the wider production process. It will be particularly valuable for those interested in strengthening communication between departments and gaining a better understanding of the responsibilities, expectations and workflows surrounding intimate content on set.

Deep Dive
For participants who wish to explore these themes in greater depth, the afternoon programme offers an optional Deep Dive. This smaller, interactive session is intended for actors, Heads of Department and crew members who work closely with Intimacy Coordinators and/or are involved in the preparation and filming of intimate or vulnerable scenes, and whose roles contribute to creating a safe and collaborative working environment. The Deep Dive offers an opportunity to explore professional experiences in greater depth, combining discussion and exchange with practical exercises.

About David Thackeray
David Thackeray trained as an actor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating with a BA in Acting. He later moved into directing for theatre, with one of his productions transferring to London’s West End, before expanding his work into film and television as both a director and producer.

In 2017, at a time when intimacy coordination was still an emerging discipline in the United Kingdom, David became one of the country’s first professional Intimacy Coordinators. Combining his background in performance and directing with specialised training, he has since worked on a wide range of international productions for Netflix, HBO, Disney, BBC and Sky.
Alongside his work on set, David regularly teaches at leading drama schools, where he helps train actors and educators in professional intimacy practices and industry guidelines. His recent screen credits include amongst others The White Lotus, Sex Education and Adolescence.

About Hanna van Vliet
Hanna van Vliet is an award-winning actress and creator, known for her leading role and co-creation of the internationally acclaimed series and film ANNE+, for which she received multiple Golden Calf nominations. In 2022, she was selected as one of the European Shooting Stars.

Her recent work includes Lost Transport, A Small Light, Childhood Dreams and Ik val niet, ik dans. Hanna graduated in Drama and Contemporary Music Theatre from the Amsterdam University of the Arts and is an advocate for broader representation of female leads and queer characters in Dutch film and television.

Practical Information
Date: Monday 28 September
Time: 9:30 – 12:00
Location: To be confirmed
Fee: €25 (excluding VAT / € 30,25 including VAT)
Language: English

For this event the cancellation policy is as follows:

If you cancel more than 14 days before the workshop day, you will receive a full refund of the ticket price.
If you cancel between 7 and 14 days before the workshop, you will receive a 50% refund of the ticket price.
If you cancel within 7 days of the workshop day, you will not receive a refund.

This masterclass is made in collaboration with ACT Acteurs Belangen and the Dutch Directors Guild.