By A SHOOT Staff Report

New Mexico: An Intimate Setting
The New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) has launched an intimacy coordinator training program aimed at increasing safety on sets in New Mexico. NMFO is partnering with the Intimacy Professionals Association (IPA) Intimacy Coordinator Training Program, taught by Amanda Blumenthal, to prepare individuals to work as intimacy coordinators in full-length feature film and TV productions upon completion of the training.

Intimacy coordinators are a fairly new category of industry professionals who work to create a safer environment on set for actors performing in scenes involving physical touch, nudity, intimacy, and simulated sex, while also helping the director to achieve his or her creative vision. Intimacy coordinators advocate for the safety and well-being of actors and become involved in the production process during prep, ensuring transparent communication and expectations between the actors and creative team. Intimacy coordinators are also available as a resource to the director and can assist with aspects like choreography and movement coaching, if requested to do so.

Amber Dodson, director of the NMFO, said, “Intimacy coordinators are a critical component creating more safe, inclusive, and collaborative sets. Intimacy coordinators are expert advocates and liaisons working with the performers, director, and producers to ensure a more strategic, transparent, empowered, and respectful dialogue and plan to execute intimate scenes and achieve artistic goals.” 

The program is a 16-week course of online training, as well as a capstone weekend choreography workshop (pending COVID-19 restrictions). Students will learn through a combination of lectures, assigned readings, experiential practices, homework assignments, quizzes, and mentorship. This training may include up to 12 participants, of which, up to three slots in the program will be reserved exclusively for trainees from New Mexico. NMFO, with use of workforce development funds, will cover 60% of tuition for up to three New Mexico residents who are accepted to the training program.

Cherokee Nation Film Office Honored
The Cherokee Nation Film Office has been recognized with the Hamilton Community Leadership Award at the 9th Annual Native American Media Awards. The virtual awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the 14th Annual LA Skins Fest back in November, a Native American film festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal. The award is bestowed upon tribes, organizations and individuals who show true and groundbreaking leadership in film and TV.

Working with state and local film offices, the Cherokee Nation Film Office supports the growth of Oklahoma business by promoting northeast Oklahoma as a destination for filmmakers and serves as a cultural and historical consultant on projects. In addition to creating and promoting an environment that cultivates Native filmmaking and representation, the film office established the first-ever Native talent, crew and business/support services databases. 

The Cherokee Nation Film Office was launched in 2019 to increase the presence of Native Americans in every level of film and TV while also creating opportunities for economic development and jobs in the Cherokee Nation.

“For far too long Native Americans have been underrepresented in film and TV, comprising less than 1% of the industry,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “There’s opportunity here–opportunity for growth, opportunity for change, and opportunity for inclusivity and fair representation. That’s what our film office does. We invest in the future by partnering to attract filmmakers, funding scholarships to develop Native talent, and supporting community events that celebrate the Native American perspective. There’s a place for us in this industry, and not only do we have a story to tell, we have diverse Native talent ready to do so.”

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