HOW we tell stories is just as important as WHICH stories we tell.
– Windy Borman, Executive Producer, Director, and Consent-Forward Artist
Have you heard of an Intimacy Coordinator? The position gained popularity in the #MeToo Era to keep actors safe in scenes involving simulated sex, nudity, or hyper-exposure.
Today, films and streaming series hire Intimacy Coordinators (ICs) to advocate for the actors, liaise with the director, and choreograph intimate scenes while respecting the actors’ boundaries.
Currently, SAG/AFTRA requires ICs on all union productions for scenes involving simulated sex and nudity. This is a great addition to keep actors safe in vulnerable situations that were ripe for abuse, harassment, and/or coercion.
However, protection gaps exist.
For example, how do we keep actors safe in “non-simulated sex scenes” or in non-union productions? How do we keep the rest of the crew safe? And what about other creative professionals?
What is a Consent-Forward Artist?
A Consent-Forward Artist (CFA) is an advocate and educator who understands how consent, boundaries, power dynamics, and the role of intimacy professionals contribute to the entertainment industry.
CFAs have foundational understandings of trauma-informed practices and bystander intervention.
They also advocate for the presence of other professionals who support a safer work environment, such as cultural consultants, on-set therapists, fight directors, and stunt coordinators.
What is Consent-Forward Creativity™?
In October 2022, I became a Certified Consent-Forward Artist in film, television, theater, dance, art, and entertainment through IDC Professionals.
Throughout my two-year certification process, I reflected on my 20+ years of producing and directing films, digital content, and live events. I soon realized every organization can benefit from these consent-forward practices, and Consent-Forward Creativity™ was born.
Any profession that involves human bodies can benefit from a consent-forward approach to communication and creativity.
– Windy Borman, Executive Producer, Director, and Consent-Forward Artist
If you’re beginning your journey into Consent-Forward Creativity™, I recommend reading these four articles:
- F.R.I.E.S. vs. C.R.I.S.P.: 2 Ways to Define Consent
- Rethinking the Safety Meeting
- Power Dynamics in Creativity
- Trauma-Informed Practices for Creatives
Is Consent-Forward Creativity™ Right for You?
- Are you committed to creating a safer and more inclusive creative environment?
- Are you interested in making a few adjustments that can increase safety, reduce liability, and boost creativity across your organization?
- Do you share my aim of making the entertainment industry less exploitative?
- Could your production benefit from learning about consent, boundaries, power dynamics, and intimacy professionals?
- Do you believe your script or other written materials could benefit from a “Consent Audit”?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, I invite you to book a free 30-minute discovery session with me. We will discuss how a Consent-Forward Artist could support your creativity or your organization’s efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment.
Together, we can explore ways to increase safety, reduce harm and liability, and promote consent throughout your projects and organization.
