Focus: Joshua Okpala

Touchy Subject

Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You (2020) was revolutionary in its exploration of sex and consent. But, as recent allegations against Noel Clarke demonstrate, behind the scenes, consent remains an issue. Step in Intimacy Coordinators like Joshua Okpala (This Is Going To Hurt, Anatomy of a Scandal) who nurture and facilitate the creation of intimate scenes…

How did you get involved in intimacy coordination?

I had a conversation with my acting agent at New Wonder Management, who also represented Lizzy Talbot, the Director of the Intimacy for Stage and Screen organisation. I trained directly under Lizzy and became an ISS certified Intimacy Coordinator.

Why is the role of an Intimacy Coordinator so important?

In light of the many horrific incidents that have recently occurred in the industry, it’s important that we have a role to advocate, protect and safeguard performers by enforcing boundaries and consent. In fight scenes, actors aren’t actually being punched, but in scenes containing intimacy that physical action is real – in the words of Tonia Sina, “the emotions are real, but the situation is fake.’’ If this is not managed correctly, the experience may cause trauma both during and after the scene is finished.

Do you think that the industry embraces Intimacy Coordinators?

I've worked with some lovely directors who agreed that we wanted the space to be a safe environment for the performers where consent and boundaries are adhered to. However, I think some directors may feel our presence might be imposing on ‘their’ space, especially if they’ve been doing the work for years. I envision that in the near future (hopefully) the role of an Intimacy Coordinator becomes mandatory for scenes pertaining to intimacy.

The majority of Intimacy Coordinators are white women – do you think it’s particularly important to have Black men like yourself working as Intimacy Coordinators?

It's important not just for Black men but also all genders and identities to work as Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. There are many different stories of intimacy to be told and, whilst I strive to depict and cultivate authentic scenes of intimacy, I’m not blind to the fact that there may be someone else better suited to nurture the creation of a particular intimate scene. It’s important that this role isn't gatekept and is instead made more accessible and diverse. Hopefully with that we’ll begin to see greater diversity in the depiction of intimate scenes on both stage and TV/film.

What next steps should readers interested in becoming Intimacy Coordinators take?

You can get in touch with Intimacy for Stage and Screen via their website. Other routes include taking the accredited courses, but a focus on movement training as well as courses for mental health, first aid, conflict resolution and psychological first aid is also useful. Hannah Shury-Smith n

Joshua Okpala Opposite: I May Destroy You

Directors UK is delighted to support S.O.U.L. Fest 2021

Directors UK is the professional association for screen directors working in the UK.

As well as negotiating rights deals and collecting and distributing royalties to our members, we promote excellence in the craft of directing and campaign for change to the current landscape to ensure the creative industries are a fair and safe place for everyone to work.