Jennifer Lawrence Reveals Why She Didn't Use an On-Set Intimacy Professional on New Film Her Upcoming Movie
The acclaimed actress has joined the growing list of actors who voice skepticism about the essential need of intimacy coordinators, revealing she chose not to use their assistance while filming her new movie her upcoming film.
Understanding the Purpose of On-Set Intimacy Professionals
On-set intimacy professionals were introduced following the #MeToo movement to guarantee the safety and comfort of performers during scenes involving partial undress and intimate moments. Yet, several prominent performers including Gwyneth Paltrow and other established stars have expressed reservations about their presence, with some claiming they interfere with creative flow.
Jennifer's Personal Experience
Speaking during the Las Culturistas podcast, while promoting her new film where she plays a woman experiencing postpartum disturbance, Lawrence commented: "We chose not to use such a professional, or perhaps we did have one but didn't really utilize them... I felt entirely secure with Rob."
She continued: "He is completely professional and deeply devoted to his partner. Our conversations primarily revolved around our children and relationships. There was never awkward tension or doubts about professional limits."
"Had there been the slightest indication of unease, I definitely would have insisted on an on-set professional. Many male performers get upset if you don't reciprocate their advances, and subsequently the negative treatment starts. He was completely different."
Industry Recognition and Continuing Discussion
Recently, industry platform IMDb formally acknowledged on-set intimacy professionals as a distinct credit, together with multiple additional professional roles including choreography, craft services, and puppetry. Before this, they were grouped under "additional crew" rather than having their specific credit.
Despite this recognition, these professionals still encounter media scrutiny suggesting they might not be required standards, with well-known performers rejecting their participation. Lawrence's perspective echoes that of Jennifer Aniston, who earlier revealed she declined intimacy coordination while working with Jon Hamm on their television series.
Aniston's Experience
"Jon was such a gentleman – truly every move, every cut, 'You comfortable?'" she recalled. "The scenes were additionally very choreographed. That's the benefit of working with talented directors, suitable lighting. So, minimal preparation is needed."
She added, "They offered, 'Having someone check if you're comfortable,' and I responded, 'Honestly, this is awkward enough!' We're experienced professionals – we can handle this. And we had Mimi present."
Other Examples and Industry Reaction
Despite featuring numerous scenes of intimate moments and regular undress, the award-winning film – the director's Oscar-winning project about a sex worker and a Russian oligarch's son – proceeded without an on-set professional.
Mikey Madison explained she and fellow actor her screen partner "decided it would be preferable to maintain privacy."
"My character is a sex worker, and I had studied Sean's films and recognized his commitment to authenticity. I was professionally ready for it. As an performer, I treated it as professional work."
Her comments provoked strong reactions from industry professionals, similar to the response to another actress's recent comments, who earlier this year revealed that filming her new movie Marty Supreme represented her initial experience with the relatively new profession, which she "was unaware of previously."
Paltrow's Perspective
During filming about comfort level with a specific move alongside fellow actor Timothée Chalamet, the actress answered: "I belong to the generation where you get naked, you assume position, the camera's on."
She continued that she and Chalamet then told the coordinator: "We think we're comfortable. You can maintain distance.' I don't know how it is for newer performers, but... if someone is directing, '{OK, then he's going to place his hand here,' I would feel, as an artist, very stifled by that."
Professional Reaction
After these statements, former Channel 4 drama head Caroline Hollick described them as "irresponsible" and pointed out that most of those opposing these professionals have established careers to maintain personal authority and security on production locations.
"Periodically an performer shares opinions about whether they appreciate intimacy coordinators or not," commented the executive. "Gwyneth Paltrow mentioned she came of age in a period when people in Hollywood 'removed clothing and got on with it'. As a powerful woman in Hollywood working with a actor considerably junior than her, although likely he is comfortable, I considered it somewhat concerning statement."
Actor's Viewpoint
The veteran actor, in contrast, shared that he feels the primary responsibility during intimate sequences falls on the male actor, instead of a external professional.
"In my experience, you assume duty as the male actor to make certain the woman is comfortable, you talk through completely," he explained. "You communicate, '{OK, I'm going to make contact there if that's acceptable'. It's very deliberate but seems like it's happening naturally, which is hopefully what convincing acting appears as."