TERESA JONES
Intimacy Coordinator for Film and Television based in Albuquerque, New Mexico
When your production involves scenes of simulated sex, nudity and other kinds of intimacy, Teresa (she/her) will provide a safe, efficient production environment that satisfies legal and union obligations while freeing directors and actors to do their best creative work.
WHY HIRE AN INTIMACY COORDINATOR?
If your film or show includes scenes with nudity, simulated sex or other content requiring a heightened degree of sensitivity such as sexual or intimate partner violence, pedophilia, BDSM, birth or kissing involving minors; hiring an intimacy coordinator is a great idea. An intimacy coordinator brings safety, efficiency, realism and peace of mind to your production in the following ways:
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Acts as a liaison between actors and production about the level of nudity and specific intimate content of a scene
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Helps to negotiate nudity/simulated sex riders, if necessary
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Ensures adherence to closed set protocols, nudity riders, laws and union/guild guidelines as they pertain to nudity and simulated sex
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Facilitates communication between actors performing in an intimate scene to address any concerns such as touch boundaries
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Coordinates with other departments to ensure the provision of appropriate materials such as prosthetics and modesty garments
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Assists actors with preparation for emotionally intense scenes and is available after shooting for debriefing or aftercare if desired
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Is knowledgeable about the use of barriers and masking techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of actors
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Can be available during the audition process to ensure any potential cast members or background actors are comfortable with any nudity or simulated sex required for the role
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Serves as an ally to LGBTQIA+ cast
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Is present on set during rehearsals and watches the monitor during shooting to provide support to the director and actors as needed. The presence of an intimacy coordinator on set can also be a powerful deterrent to sexual harrasment, which can mitigate the risk of lawsuits
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Assists with choreography, if requested by the director
ABOUT
Teresa Jones (Better Call Saul, Volatility) is the first IPA trained and certified intimacy coordinator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She qualifies for the New Mexico resident tax credit and is legally authorized to work anywhere in the US or Canada. As a former Army medic, forensic scientist, birth doula and childbirth educator and current Paramedic student; she has accumulated a wealth of experience in occupational health and safety, consent culture promotion, reproductive justice, advocacy, sexual violence and intimate partner violence, expert testimony and confidentiality. Teresa has also served as an advocate in film and television for pregnant and minor actors. Having been involved in reproductive justice and advocacy work since 2014 and being bisexual and polyamorous herself; she has developed a deep awareness of and is committed to continuing education in trauma awareness, LGBTQIA+ issues, ethical non-monogamy and kink. She is a member of New Mexico Women in Film, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and the Intimacy Professionals Association.
SERVICES
WORK WITH TERESA
Contact Teresa for answers to your questions about working together or if you are ready to hire an intimacy coordinator for your production.
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
If your organization would like to learn more about how intimate scenes are made and the growing field of intimacy coordination, Teresa is available for workshops and guest lectures. Recent appearances include NMSU and The Neu Agenda. You can also see her at the next New Mexico Women in Film educational event! Contact her to arrange for her to present at your conference, studio, film school, acting class or non-profit.
CONSULTING
Representation matters. Accurate portrayals of characters across the broad spectrum of human sexuality not only add realism to your story but have a significant positive impact on the communities they represent and society at large. As a former birth worker who has experience working with and belonging to LGBTQIA+, polyamory and BDSM communities, Teresa, is available to consult on content portraying ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, LGBTQIA+ content, kink, pregnancy, birth and babywearing.
