Intimacy Coordination for Stage & Screen
'Working with Michele was a revelation, she was communicative, creative and thorough. The intimate scene we worked on has moments of tenderness and humour. Working closely with the actors, Michele helped them create a genuine physicality with honest emotions; the humour and tenderness ring true. I would work with her again in a heartbeat.'
- Martin Clark, Director, Raving
Michele is the in-house Intimacy Coordinator on BBC Scotland’s continuing drama, River City. She recently worked on Summerwater, a six-part drama by Freedom Scripted for Channel 4 and is currently the Intimacy Coordinator on the feature film, Premature by Sonorous Films.
Michele trained at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and worked as an actor and voice-over artist for over twenty years. She retraining as an Intimacy Coordinator at the National Film and Television School in Leeds and has worked consistently across TV, Film and Theatre.
Michele’s background and studies have taught her the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment when approaching scenes of an intimate nature. She’s passionate about working closely with actors and production teams to help tell stories that are both compelling and authentic.
‘Michele brought a real confidence to the space, which allowed us as actors to relax and feel we were in a safe space. I felt Michele’s presence massively, which is what most actors need.’
- Natalie Yates, Actor
Photo Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan - A View From The Bridge, Tron Theatre 2025
What is Intimacy Coordination?
Intimacy coordination focuses on the respectful creation of intimate scenes in film, television and theatre. Working closely with directors, actors and production teams, they ensure that any action that requires nudity, partial nudity, kissing, simulated sex, simulated sexual assault, medical scenes, childbirth, bodily functions and any other hyper-exposed moments are approached with sensitivity and care, allowing the creativity to be consensual and safe for all.
The Intimacy Coordinator is a liaison between the relevant departments involved in these scenes, from pre to post-production. They act as an advocate for the performers, addressing their boundaries and expectations. The Intimacy Coordinator can break down scripts, provide choreography, advise on modesty garments and create risk assessments, language for nudity riders and follow-up feedback forms.
Intimacy Coordinators help create an environment where all cast and crew feel empowered to produce their best work.
‘Michele’s insight, suggestions and calming presence are invaluable. What an asset she is to any crew, due to her diverse range of experience both in front and behind the camera. As an exec.you want a happy relaxed cast who feel heard and respected and a director and crew who feel supported.’
- Laura Harvey, Executive Producer, Hogmanay
Michele brings a unique set of skills to the role of Intimacy Coordinator, her previous acting experience means that she is attuned to how vulnerable a performer can feel when approaching intimate scenes and how carefully a crew must approach this type of content.
Her experience working with child and adolescent actors means she understands that each child’s needs differ and should be met. Michele knows the best approach to working with young people who are ASD to ensure the risk factors are managed to make their experience a positive one. Consent based practices, protocols and the latest professional guidelines are always at the forefront of her work.
To support her role as an Intimacy Coordinator, further training includes:
Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England
Bullying and Harassment for Employees
Sexual Harassment Awareness
LGBTQ+ AwarenessEquality, Diversity and Inclusion
Conflict Resolution
Bystander Intervention
Disability Awareness Training
Full PVG Certificate
Physical intimacy should be as creative as any other part of the storytelling.
‘Michele has a natural flair for the role of intimacy coordination and the ability to work with others and make them feel at ease. This was clearly something that came very easily to her. Michele has a deep commitment to the craft’
- Tommy Ross-Williams, Bectu IC Branch Chair
Projects
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![Movie poster for 'Hogmanay' with illuminated windows, silhouette of a person, and fireworks above. Featuring names of cast and crew.]()
A short film written by and starring Laura Harvey, Peter Mullan, Siobhan Redmond and Ann Louise Ross. Produced by The Woven Thread and directed by Kirsty Hines-Mackay.
A story with Scottish heritage at it’s heart, and the effects of one person's alcoholism on three generations of women.
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![Muscular worker carrying a burlap sack on his shoulder, wearing a dirty tank top and cap, in an industrial setting with cranes and fog in the background.]()
Jemima Levick’s directorial debut for Tron Theatre Company with Arthur Miller’s timeless classic about deep-rooted and dangerously illicit desire.
Cast: Nicole Cooper, Holly Howden-Gilchrist, Michael Guest, Mark Colgate, Reuben Joseph and Nicholas Karimi.
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![Text reading "River City" over a dark, blurred background.]()
BBC Scotland’s flagship drama, also known as the Scottish soap, which delivers top class drama that keeps viewers gripped.
A stellar cast and crew create the fictional Shieldinch and it’s larger than life characters, making this one of BBC Scotland’s most popular shows.
Get in touch…
hello@michelegallagher.co.uk
+44 7977 119851
Glasgow, Scotland
