Intimacy and nudity work must always be negotiated with consent. You have the right to request the presence of an Intimacy Coordinator or Intimacy Director for scenes of an intimate nature, and you have the right to have a person of your choice present if nudity is required.
If you have any concerns, would like help negotiating with an employer, or want to report bad practice, contact Equity
Intimate scenes can be a source of stress and vulnerability. To ensure your welfare, Equity has worked closely with Intimacy for Stage and Screen (ISS) and BECTU to develop a set of best practice guidelines and advice for performers and allied technical workers.
Guidelines for engaging intimacy directors for live performance
Find out what to do if you are experiencing bullying or harassment in the workplace here
Legal Support - for information on free legal support
Mental Health Support - For access to mental health support via Equity’s partner BAPAM
No sex act should be requested at any audition. Additionally, a performer should not be requested to undress in whole or in part unless a mutually agreed observer is present.
If you have concerns about an audition, contact Equity confidentially for support.
For more information visit the Casting and Auditions section of this website.
High-risk work and workplaces are those that pose a greater degree of risk of harm to members as a result of the working environment, for example, where you are in an unconventional workplace or space, working alone, or using hazardous equipment with little or no safeguards or training.
High risk work and workplaces include, but are not limited to: where you are lone working, domestic homes, historic or disused buildings, visitor attractions, immersive theatre or street-based performance. They may also include conventional workplaces also, and particularly where there is a high degree of negligence towards health, safety and welfare standards, for example, limited or no security staff.
The risk may also arise from the location of the workplace, for example that it is isolated, with little or no public transport. Additionally, you may have concerns with having to share transport with someone you do not know well as a means to get to a venue. In more general terms also, Equity understands that members can sometimes feel a lack of safety around co-workers in what may be considered a low risk workplace.
If you are unsure of whether a workplace is unsafe, consider these questions:
- Have you been forewarned of hazards posed as a result of your work (e.g. close proximity to the public and/or including their consumption of alcohol) in advance of work commencing?
- Have you received any health, safety or welfare guidance on managing the risk of hazards occurring i.e. reducing the likelihood of being harmed?
One aspect of high-risk work is the possibility of being stalked as a result of your work. This includes being followed when away from home, being under surveillance on social media, and/or being subject to behaviour which is intimidating or induces fear.
Equity has produced guidance for members who believe they are being stalked: Being stalked? Sources of support.
Where members feel unsafe as a result of the work they are contracted to do they should contact Equity for advice before engaging in any potentially high-risk work.
Comedian’s Network - We recognise that comedians are often working in high-risk workplaces, and you can get tailored advice from the Comedian’s Network here
Models’ Network - Tailored advice from the Models’ Network
Your employer has a duty of care for your health and safety — both physical and mental. This is particularly important when considering intimate scenes. Read about what you should expect from your place of work here.
Nudity clauses vary across agreements. If you need information on the agreement you are working on, or have concerns about a non-Equity contract, you can contact Equity for further assistance and support or call us on 020 7379 6000
Remember, even if you have signed a nudity clause, you have the right to change your mind at any point.
If you’ve experienced sexual harassment at work, contact Equity as soon as possible, all conversations are confidential and no action will be taken without your approval.
Additional Resources
BECTU
-Bectu Intimacy Coordinators Branch — Networks of practitioners and guidances not linked to private companies.
-Bectu list of current Intimacy Guidelines (UK and Worldwide)
INTIMACY COMPANIES OFFERING TRAININGS, GUIDANCE, AND WORKSHOPS