I’m an intimacy coordinator for adult films… here’s what a day at work is REALLY like

There’s been a lot of recent discussion about intimacy coordinators on set and whether actors choose to use them or not. 

But when you’re trying to make sex-positive pornography, they’re essential.

That’s why progressive adult-film companies like ERIKALUST rely on the knowledge and experience of intimacy coordinator Anarella Martinez. 

Martinez has been working for ERIKALUST since 2017 – before ‘intimacy coordinators’ even formally existed.

She started off studying the arts, while always taking an interest in sexual expression.

After moving to Berlin and eventually finding a sex-positive community, Martinez felt more sure of her path.  

‘I immersed myself in workshops on consent and communication within sexual spaces, actively participating and eventually leading these workshops myself,’ Martinez told the DailyMail.com. 

‘This led me to establish my own company focused on sex education and consultancy.

Anarella Martinez was working to help adult filmmakers establish ethical practices in production, long before ‘intimacy coordinators’ formally existed

‘Long before the #MeToo movement, I was already working with professionals like Erika Lust, helping to establish ethical practices in film production – ensuring boundaries were understood and respected, and creating safer, more empowering work environments.’

Since then, Martinez has been working primarily in pornography and explicit content, but also in sex education.

She explained that an intimacy coordinator’s job is essentially broken up into three parts: pre-production, on-set work, and post production. 

Pre-production includes working with the director to figure out overall tone of the scenes, casting potential performers and making sure they feel comfortable with the project, and a ton of paperwork including contracts and agreements.  

‘We handle documentation such as the “Bill of Rights,” a consent-based agreement that clearly states performers’ rights, including the ability to stop filming at any time,’ she said. 

On-set work typically entails performer support and live coordination.

It’s up to Martinez to bridge the gap between performers and directors, and ensure that everyone’s needs are being met.

And of course, this may sometimes involve crisis management which involves addressing any concerns the performers may have. 

On-set work for Martinez typically entails performer support and live coordination, making sure everyone’s needs are being met

Finally, post-production is all about reviewing the content that was filmed and making sure it aligns with whatever agreements the performers made about their comfort level.

‘I follow up with performers to ensure they feel good about their experience and have not faced any unexpected emotional or professional repercussions,’ she said. 

Martinez is also responsible for picking and dropping off performers, organizing logistics for the day, supporting the well-being of performers, and making sure overall communication on-set is flowing.

She said that oftentimes, work lasts from 6am to 6pm. 

Martinez explained that while discussions about intimacy coordinators are becoming more mainstream, there’s still more room to grow when it comes to the general public understanding the importance of them being on set. 

She said that people often underestimate how crucial the role is.  

‘As an intimacy coordinator, I am responsible for ensuring that performers feel safe – not just in the moment, but in a way that protects their long-term mental well-being,’ Martinez said. 

‘This job requires deep experience in communication, boundary-setting, and emotional intelligence.’

She explained that it’s not as simple as following a checklist and filling out paperwork.  

‘It’s about fostering trust, creating a respectful work environment, and ultimately, ensuring that everyone involved can do their best work while feeling secure and valued,’ she said. 

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk