The entertainment industry is undergoing a quiet but significant shift, one that reflects broader societal conversations around consent, safety, and professional boundaries. Dutch television personality Wendy van Dijk recently shared her experiences with this evolving landscape, recalling a past scene that prompted reflection and highlighting the growing presence of intimacy coordinators on set. This change, she suggests, would have been a welcome addition to productions earlier in her career.
Van Dijk’s comments, made during a podcast appearance, come as the film and television industries worldwide grapple with the aftermath of movements like #MeToo and a heightened awareness of power dynamics. The role of the intimacy coordinator – a relatively new profession – is gaining traction as a crucial safeguard for actors navigating potentially sensitive scenes. The increased focus on actor wellbeing is prompting a re-evaluation of established practices and a commitment to creating safer, more respectful work environments.
The Rise of Intimacy Coordinators
An intimacy coordinator is a professional who specializes in facilitating intimate scenes – encompassing everything from kissing to more complex physical interactions – in a way that prioritizes the safety, comfort, and agency of all performers involved. They work with directors, writers, and actors to choreograph these scenes, ensuring clear communication, established boundaries, and a collaborative approach. As Van Dijk explained, their presence on set means a dedicated professional is observing and contributing to the process, offering guidance and support. This is a departure from past practices where such scenes were often handled with less formalized oversight.
The Society of Intimacy Professionals in the Performing Arts (SIPA) defines intimacy coordination as a “specialized skill set that supports performers in safely and ethically navigating intimate content.” SIPA, founded in 2017, provides training and certification for intimacy coordinators, establishing industry standards and promoting best practices. The organization emphasizes the importance of consent, communication, and respect throughout the entire process.
Reflecting on a Past Scene in “Spangen”
Van Dijk’s reflections centered on a scene she filmed early in her career, while working on the popular Dutch television series Spangen, created by Linda de Mol. She described a “heftige zoenscène” (intense kissing scene) that, while part of her role, left her with mixed feelings. “Je bent heel jong en je staat eigenlijk voor het eerst op de set. Je wil ook laten zien dat je dat durft, maar je zit ook een beetje in die rol,” she recalled, acknowledging the pressure to perform and the potential for discomfort when navigating such scenes as a young actress.
The scene involved a passionate kiss, and Van Dijk admitted to feeling unsettled afterward. “Maar toen ik terug naar huis reed, dacht ik wel even: iel. Wat is er eigenlijk allemaal gebeurd?” (But when I drove home, I thought for a moment: wow. What actually happened?). This feeling, she suggests, is precisely why the presence of an intimacy coordinator would have been beneficial at that stage in her career. The coordinator could have provided a safe space for discussion, helped establish clear boundaries, and ensured she felt empowered throughout the process.
“Medisch Centrum West” and Current Practices
More recently, while filming the television series Medisch Centrum West, Van Dijk noted a significant difference: the presence of an intimacy coordinator on set. The series, which premiered in November 2025, sees Van Dijk taking on the role of Marleen, a board member tasked with preparing the hospital for the future. As reported on Instagram, the show’s return marks a new chapter for the long-running medical drama.
Van Dijk expressed a positive view of this development, stating that she believes it’s a valuable addition to the production process. She acknowledged that while she hasn’t personally experienced significant changes in the industry the presence of a dedicated professional overseeing intimate scenes is a welcome step forward. “In Nederland heb je natuurlijk ook best wel pittige bloot- en seksscènes. Dan denk ik dat het echt geen kwaad kan dat er iemand een oogje in het zeil houdt,” (In the Netherlands, there are also quite explicit nude and sex scenes. Then I think it really can’t hurt to have someone keep an eye on things), she stated, highlighting the importance of safeguarding actors in productions that feature such content.
The Broader Context: Industry-Wide Changes
Van Dijk’s experience reflects a broader trend within the entertainment industry. Following high-profile allegations of misconduct and abuse, there has been increased scrutiny of on-set practices and a growing demand for greater accountability. Intimacy coordinators are now becoming increasingly common on both film and television productions, particularly in the United States and Europe.
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the union representing over 160,000 performers, has been a vocal advocate for the use of intimacy coordinators. In 2022, SAG-AFTRA released guidelines for intimate scenes, outlining best practices and emphasizing the importance of consent and safety. These guidelines provide a framework for productions to ensure that actors are protected and empowered during the filming of intimate content.
The implementation of these guidelines and the increasing adoption of intimacy coordination are not without challenges. Some argue that it can add complexity and cost to productions, while others raise concerns about potential overreach or censorship. Whereas, proponents emphasize that the benefits – increased safety, improved communication, and greater respect for actors – far outweigh the drawbacks.
Beyond intimate scenes, the conversation around on-set safety extends to other areas, including stunt work, long working hours, and psychological wellbeing. The industry is increasingly recognizing the need to prioritize the health and safety of all performers, creating a more sustainable and equitable work environment.
Currently, Wendy van Dijk is also presenting the show So You Think You Can Dance, which returned to television after eleven years. The show’s return signals a renewed interest in dance competition programming and provides Van Dijk with another platform to showcase her talents as a presenter.
Key Takeaways:
- The role of the intimacy coordinator is becoming increasingly vital in film and television production.
- Wendy van Dijk’s reflections highlight the potential benefits of having an intimacy coordinator on set, particularly for young actors.
- The entertainment industry is undergoing a broader shift towards prioritizing safety, consent, and respect for performers.
- Industry organizations like SAG-AFTRA and SIPA are playing a key role in establishing standards and promoting best practices.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the presence of intimacy coordinators and a commitment to on-set safety are likely to become standard practice. This shift represents a positive step towards creating a more equitable and respectful work environment for all performers. The next step in this evolution will be to see how these practices are implemented across different genres and productions, and how they contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future for the industry. What are your thoughts on the role of intimacy coordinators? Share your comments below.
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