{"id":6544,"date":"2024-08-30T13:55:48","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T13:55:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/?p=6544"},"modified":"2025-06-02T16:26:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T16:26:24","slug":"joshua-okpala-intimacy-coordinator-interview-supacell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spotlight.com\/news-and-advice\/the-industry\/joshua-okpala-intimacy-coordinator-interview-supacell\/","title":{"rendered":"An Intimacy Coordinator’s Insight with Joshua Okpala"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018<\/span>Supacell<\/span>\u200b<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u200b\u200b\u200b \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bcoordinator Joshua Okpala discusses his training, working on popular shows like \u2018\u200b<\/span>Topboy<\/span>\u200b<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u200b, \u200b\u2018\u200b<\/span>Spent<\/span>\u200b<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u200b and \u200b\u2018\u200b<\/span>EastEnders<\/span>\u200b<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u200b<\/span>, <\/span>and \u200b\u200bhis unique insight for performers working on intimate scenes.<\/span><\/h2>\n

Joshua Okpala is a certified \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bcoordinator and a trained actor. There\u2019s a very good chance that you\u200b’ve seen some of the popular television shows and films he has worked on in the last five years, including <\/span>Chivalry <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Channel 4)\u200b<\/span>, Gangs of London <\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>(<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>S<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>eason <\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>3<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>)<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span> \u200b(Sky)\u200b<\/span>, A Thousand Blows <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Disney+)\u200b<\/span>, The Decameron <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Netflix)\u200b<\/span>, Grime Kids <\/span><\/i>\u200b(BBC)\u200b<\/span>, The Brutalist <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Lionsgate)\u200b\u200b<\/span>, The Weekend Away <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Netflix)\u200b<\/span>, Eric <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Netflix)\u200b<\/span>, The Witcher <\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>(<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>S<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>eason <\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>3<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>) <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b(Netflix)\u200b<\/span>, I <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>C<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>ame <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b<\/span>B<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span>y <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Netflix)\u200b<\/span>, Great Expectations <\/span><\/i>\u200b(BBC, FX, Hulu)\u200b<\/span>, Sanditon <\/span><\/i>\u200b(ITV)<\/span>\u00a0and<\/span> Somewhere Boy <\/span><\/i>\u200b(Channel 4)\u200b<\/span>.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bAn alumnus of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York\u200b,\u200b\u200b Joshua completed his training with \u200b\u200b<\/span>Intimacy for Stage and Screen<\/span><\/a>\u00a0under the guidance of the highly regarded <\/span>intimacy <\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/a>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>c<\/span><\/a>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>oordinator, Lizzy Talbot<\/span><\/a>\u200b. He \u200bhas an incredible roster of projects under his belt, \u200bis a firm believer in advocating for the actors he works with\u200b and has\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b worked internationally, travelling to Hungary, Senegal, Italy, Greece and Croatia. \u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bAs a proud member of BAFTA and Bectu, he has also led workshops at drama schools and film festivals\u200b and was\u200b\u200b\u200b one of the first Black \u200bintimacy \u200bcoordinators in the UK\u200b.<\/span> We had the privilege to speak to Joshua about his experience as an \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bcoordinator, how to navigate discussions around intimate scenes, his tips for performers working with intimacy coordinators for the first time\u200b and how important it is to build a confidential and safe environment for the actors he works with.\u200b Here\u2019s what he shared:\u200b\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hi Josh! \u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>W\u200b<\/span>hat made you decide to become an intimacy coordinator?<\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200b<\/span>Coming from an acting and movement background, I always anticipated encountering scenes with some level of intimacy, and eventually, I did. At that time, there were no intimacy coordinators or anyone to consult before stepping into these scenes. As I continued in my career, I actively sought information about who facilitates the creation of intimate scenes, who advocates for the actors, and who ensures that boundaries are respected.<\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

Initially, I pursued this knowledge to better equip myself as an actor, but in the process, I found myself drawn to training for the role of an intimacy coordinator. Understanding how vulnerable actors can feel in these situations, I take pride in making the process more comfortable and secure for them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200b<\/span>What sort of <\/b>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>training <\/b>\u200b<\/span>did <\/b>\u200b<\/span>you <\/b>\u200b<\/span>go<\/b>\u200b\u200b<\/span> through to become an intimacy coordinator?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200b<\/span>I trained with Intimacy for Stage and Screen under the guidance of the wonderful<\/span>\u200b<\/span>\u200b<\/span> Lizzy Talbot. After completing the prerequisite training, I embarked on the journey to becoming an<\/span> \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200bcoordinator. The training covered a wide range of topics, including the theory and historical <\/span>origins of intimacy coordination, as well as its practical application in real-world situations.<\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

I also had the privilege of shadowing Lizzy, which was invaluable to my learning process. During this time, I was introduced to the global community of intimacy coordinators, where I engaged with many practitioners, absorbing their knowledge and learning from their experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are also a trained actor. How does this help you to understand the needs of the actors you\u2019re working with?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200b<\/span>Intimacy coordinators come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique experiences to the role. As an actor, I\u2019ve been in those situations where you meet your scene partner for the first time on set, only to discover that you have an intimate scene together.<\/span><\/p>\n

While every actor has different needs, my own experiences give me a deeper insight into how they might be feeling. This background allows me to better navigate discussions about these scenes and ensure that actors feel supported and understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

What sort of problems can intimacy coordinators help performers with, and when should performers go to<\/b> \u200b<\/span>them<\/b>\u200b\u200b<\/span> with their concerns? <\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200b<\/span>As intimacy coordinators, we can assist performers with a wide range of concerns related to intimate scenes. Each performer has a unique relationship with these types of scenes, so the issues that arise can vary widely.<\/span><\/p>\n

My priority is to address each concern thoughtfully and find solutions that enhance the performer\u2019s comfort. We encourage open dialogue and early conversations to discuss the scene, where performers can share their thoughts. However, performers are also welcome to reach out at any point when they feel ready to voice their concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You<\/b>\u200b‘<\/strong><\/span>ve worked all over the world. Are there any differences between working <\/b>\u200b<\/span>as an intimacy coordinator <\/b>\u200b<\/span>abroad compared to the UK<\/b>\u200b<\/span>? <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are differences between productions, whether abroad or in the UK. As intimacy coordinators, we have a standard process and workflow that we introduce to productions early on. However, each production has its own unique way of operating. In some countries, the role of an intimacy coordinator may not be as fully integrated into the production process as it is in others. In these cases, while we can advise on best practices, we may need to adapt our approach to fit the specific production environment whilst ensuring that our role as an<\/span> \u200bintimacy coordinator\u200b is not compromised. <\/span>\u200b\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you typically the only intimacy coordinator involved in a production, or is it a collaborative process?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

You would rarely have more than two on a set at any given time. This is usually where there is a large crowd scene. A show can have different<\/span> \u200bintimacy coordinators\u200b\u200b\u200b w<\/span>orking on different blocks on the same show.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve worked on so many brilliant shows, but a most notable and recent one being the Netflix series <\/b>\u200b<\/span>\u2018<\/b>Supacell<\/b>\u200b<\/span>\u2019<\/i><\/b>\u200b<\/span>. Are there any memorable experiences or moments you\u2019re proud of from that production<\/b>\u200b?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Each show holds a special place in my heart, and I often keep the lanyard from each production as a kind of personal medal. <\/span>\u200b<\/span>Supacell<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span> stands out not just for its compelling story and wonderful cast and crew, but also for the representation both in front of and behind the camera. In many on-set situations, there\u2019s a noticeable lack of diversity, and I often find myself as the only person who looks like me. However, <\/span>\u200b<\/span>Supacell<\/span><\/i>\u200b<\/span> and some of the other shows I\u2019ve worked on made significant efforts to have a diverse crew, which is always encouraging to see in this industry.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Some performers may not feel comfortable raising their concerns about intimate scenes for fear of being a nuisance and not getting work in the future. Is there any advice or reassurance you can offer to performers like this? <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Any concern you have is valued and meaningful. I always reassure actors that I am there to advocate for them. You\u2019re not a nuisance\u200b; you\u2019re a person with valid feelings and thoughts that deserve to be expressed safely, without fear of being vilified or persecuted. We have your back and are here to help you express, mediate, and resolve any concerns with the production. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/b>ith this in mind, what\u2019s a key piece of advice you can give actor<\/b>\u200b<\/span>s about what to expect when working with an intimacy coordinator?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u200b\u200bEvery actor is different and has their own way of working, so it\u2019s important to discuss your preferences with the intimacy coordinator you\u2019re working with. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible, we \u200bneed your cooperation to achieve that.<\/span>\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

Remember\u200b:\u200b\u200b\u200b You can request an intimacy coordinator to be involved if one hasn\u2019t been provided by the production from the start.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What about low-budget productions that can\u2019t afford an intimacy coordinator<\/b>\u200b<\/span>? <\/b>\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>H<\/b>\u200b<\/span>ow <\/b>\u200b<\/span>can<\/b>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span> they ensure that safety still exists on set?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

For low-budget productions, it\u2019s still essential to engage an intimacy coordinator or someone in training who can share their expertise with the team. Alternatively, producers, directors, and other key members can attend workshops to learn best practices. Actors can also benefit from these workshops, equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for themselves on set.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve worked extensively in television, film and even on a commercial for Starling Bank. What has been the biggest challenge you\u2019ve faced on a project so far, and how did you overcome it?<\/b><\/h3>\n

It can be a challenge when working on a production where the role of \u200bi\u200bntimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bc\u200boordinator is less familiar, which means that in addition to working with the actors, I also need to facilitate an understanding of the value of what we do to the production as a whole. I am pleased to say that this is becoming less of an issue now that the\u200b role is becoming better known.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally,<\/b>\u200b<\/span> what\u2019s next for you?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u200b\u200bThe sky\u2019s the limit\u200b!\u200b\u200b After five years as an intimacy coordinator, I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to advocate for and support the continual development of best practices on set.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, no one is defined by just one role. Being an intimacy coordinator is just one colour in the spectrum of talents and interests I have to share with the world.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>Thank you Joshua for sharing your advice and expertise<\/span><\/i> as an intimacy <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>coordinator<\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>!<\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

Supacell<\/span><\/i><\/a> \u200b\u200b<\/span>is available to watch on Netflix now<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>.<\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b<\/span>\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/span>Take a look at our website for more <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b<\/span>interviews with casting directors and agents<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u200b\u200b<\/span>, including <\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b<\/span>\u2018Bridgerton\u2019 intimacy coordinator, Lizzy Talbot<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u200b\u200b<\/span>.<\/span><\/i>\u200b\u200b<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u2018Supacell\u200b\u2019\u200b\u200b\u200b \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bcoordinator Joshua Okpala discusses his training, working on popular shows like \u2018\u200bTopboy\u200b\u2019\u200b, \u200b\u2018\u200bSpent\u200b\u2019\u200b and \u200b\u2018\u200bEastEnders\u200b\u2019\u200b, and \u200b\u200bhis unique insight for performers working on intimate scenes. Joshua Okpala is a certified \u200b\u200b\u200bintimacy \u200b\u200b\u200bcoordinator and a trained actor. There\u2019s a very good chance that you\u200b’ve seen some of the popular television shows and films he […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":8013,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[96,95,209,50,47],"class_list":["post-6544","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-industry","tag-diversity-inclusivity","tag-interview","tag-karen-johal","tag-television","tag-wellbeing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAn Intimacy Coordinator's Insight with Joshua Okpala | Spotlight<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2018Supacell\u2019 intimacy coordinator Joshua Okpala shares his advice for actors working with intimacy coordinators how he became one.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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