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 Gallagher is a BECTU IC Registry Level 1 Intimacy Coordinator who trained at the National Film and Television School in Leeds.

Michele works consistently across TV, Film and Theatre and is the in-house Intimacy Coordinator on BBC Scotland’s continuing drama, River City

Michele came to Intimacy Coordination from an acting background having trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Her experience has taught her the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment when approaching scenes of an intimate nature. She’s passionate about collaborating with actors and directors to craft authentic stories, ensuring every scene serves the narrative, and fulfils the creative vision of the production.

Two women in a room observing a screen, one pointing at it, while the other holds a cup. The setting is cozy with a bed and framed art on the walls.

‘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

A man and woman in an intense moment, standing close and looking into each other's eyes, with the man wearing a jacket and the woman in a sleeveless top.

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.

BECTU Guidance on Shooting Intimacy

‘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

Woman with red hair wearing a green blazer and white shirt, seated on a chair, smiling.

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:

The Creative Industries Safety Passport
Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England
Bullying and Harassment for Employees
Sexual Harassment Awareness
LGBTQ+ Awareness
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Conflict Resolution
Bystander Intervention
Disability Awareness Training
Full PVG Certificate

Learn more

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

HOGMANAY

A story with Scottish heritage at it’s heart, and the effects of one person's alcoholism on three generations of women.
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 VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

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.
RIVER CITY

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.
TRAINSPOTTING LIVE

A punchy stage production recapturing the passion and the controversy of Irvine Welsh’s famous novel and globally successful film, repackaging it into an immersive stage production.
Directed by Ben Anderson and Greg Esplin for Seabright Productions as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
BOYS

Five bedrooms, five chairs and four boys. The Class of 2011 are about to graduate. Stepping into a world that doesn’t want them, these boys start to wonder whether there’s any point in getting any older.
A play by Ella Hickson, directed by Alexander Artis for Northern Assignment.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?

Charlotte’s Tinder hook-up goes awry when her date forgets to mention that his son is staying over. Turning a promising booty call into a night of panic, police searches, and potentially lethal chicken sandwiches.
A short comedy drama written and directed by Stuart Elliot, starring Katie Hart as Charlotte and James Rottger as Kevin.
SUMMERWATER

In a remote Scottish holiday park, residents try to escape life’s problems. But simmering tensions among families intertwine in a devastating climax.
Thrilling drama based on Sarah Moss’s bestseller. Produced by Freedom Scripted for Channel 4.
PREMATURE

After an impulsive one-night stand leads to an unexpected pregnancy, two flatmates must confront who they are, and who they want to be, before the baby arrives.
A rom-com written and directed by Kevin Walls, produced by Sonorous Films and starring James Rottger and Elle Watson.