Dakota Johnson, who many know from her role in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, recently opened up about her first experience working with an intimacy coordinator, and she says it completely transformed her approach.
She shared her thoughts during a recent episode of Amy Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang, as reported by Variety.
Even with her wealth of experience in filming intimate scenes, Johnson admitted this was the first time she had someone dedicated to ensuring her safety and comfort. She described the coordinator as “really good,” noting that their presence made her feel much more relaxed on set.
“Honestly, it made a huge difference,” Johnson remarked. She pointed out that the public often misinterprets the nature of filming sex scenes; rather than being glamorous or erotic, she characterized them as technical, awkward, and emotionally taxing.
Looking back on her time filming Fifty Shades of Grey, Johnson confessed that there was no intimacy coordinator involved, which made those scenes particularly challenging. In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, she referred to the experience as “mentally tough,” highlighting the absence of structure and emotional support during the shoot.
Johnson also shared how she now approaches intimate scenes with a focus on character development. For her, grasping the psychological state of the character she’s portraying is essential. “Is she a sex symbol? A lonely housewife? Is she shy, insecure, or deeply conservative?” These are the questions she considers to shape the tone and purpose of the scene, making her portrayal feel more authentic and grounded.
Her insights highlight the increasing significance of intimacy coordinators in today’s filmmaking landscape, especially as the industry places a greater emphasis on actor welfare and consent in sensitive scenes.
