Emily Osment asked for intimacy coordinator for Montana Cooper “He was a baby”
The Evolution of Set Practices: How a Television Production Shaped Intimacy Coordination
The landscape of television production has undergone a significant transformation, moving from traditional storytelling to a more nuanced focus on authenticity and consent. While the narrative of a show is paramount, the environments in which those stories are created are also evolving, particularly concerning the safety and comfort of the performers on set.
At the forefront of this evolution was the rise of intimacy coordination—a practice that addresses the sensitive and complex dynamics inherent in on-screen relationships. Long before it became a widely recognized industry standard, key figures were pioneering these methods to ensure that scenes involving physical intimacy were handled with professionalism, consent, and respect.
One notable figure who embraced this approach early on was Emily Osment, the actress known for her role on Young Sheldon. While Osment herself did not require an intimacy coordinator for her own work, she championed the concept for her co-star, Montana Jordan.
The production of the series called for a specific romantic dynamic between the characters, which required careful planning to ensure that the sensitive scenes were approached thoughtfully. This situation provided a practical impetus for exploring how modern production standards could be applied to on-screen relationships.
The work done by Osment and Jordan on the set of the show served as an early case study, highlighting the importance of establishing clear boundaries and consent before filming began. This initiative helped set a precedent for recognizing the need for specialized consultation in complex romantic storylines.
This early adoption by established actors helped pave the way for broader industry conversations, demonstrating that the quality of the performance extends beyond the script to encompass the well-being of everyone involved. It signaled a shift where the focus moved toward prioritizing performer comfort and ethical production practices as essential elements of storytelling.
As the industry matured, intimacy coordination transitioned from a niche practice to an expected element in large-scale productions, reflecting a wider commitment to creating spaces where performers feel safe, respected, and fully empowered throughout the creation process.
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