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The Fascinating World of an Intimacy Co-Ordinator with Joshua Okpala
In this episode, Caroline is talking to the amazing Joshua Okpala, who after training as an actor has become one of only four male intimacy coordinators in the country. Joshua has worked on several high profile films and TV shows choreographing nude, simulated sex and other types of intimate scenes, in a way that maintains the safety and dignity of the actors and cast.
Caroline and Joshua discuss how the perception of what is acceptable in terms of what actors are expected to do during intimate scenes has shifted over time and Joshua provides a fascinating insight into how actors rights and personal feelings towards intimacy and nudity are managed on set. Joshua describes what drew him to this work and how he helps actors just beginning their journey understand that they have a choice in everything.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- People's perception of what Joshua does is affected by the fact most do not realise that actors are acting. Simulating intimacy rather than physically having sex.
- Actors want to deliver for the director, so there is a real danger of them over-reaching and doing something they end up bitterly regretting.
- Joshua works with actors to establish and maintain their boundaries.
- Intimacy coordinators work on many kinds of scenes, for example childbirth, or interactions between actors who are not related and have to show emotion, for example an adult hugging a child actor.
- Actors are waking up to the fact that they can say no without irreversibly damaging their careers.
- Don't be afraid to go for what you want, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and you will achieve it.
- Everyone suffers knocks. The trick is to keep going regardless, when you do that things fall into place for you.
BEST MOMENTS
‘Because it's not real, and it's simulated, it needs to be choreographed. ´
‘In terms of protecting people in the industry, intimacy coordination, isn't just about sex,’
‘Explore saying no to something and seeing how that feels.’
‘What is meant for us won´t pass us by… but we have to be open to that.’
EPISODE RESOURCES
Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshokpala
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joshua.okpala/
Hire Joshua as an intimacy co-ordinator - https://newwondermanagement.co.uk/intimacy-coordinators
The Heroes Journey by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heros-Journey-Joseph-Campbell-Collected/dp/B07FPVZX44/
ABOUT THE HOST
Bio
Caroline Partridge is a unique and creative individual. She is an actress, puppeteer, educator, and artist with funny bones. She loves a story and is an expert at conveying wit and wisdom with warmth, understanding, and empathy.
CONTACT METHOD
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/partridge_caroline
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
This is a podcast series about discovery, understanding, revelation, and stories.
How we perceive the world is rooted in everything that has influenced us throughout our lives, emotionally and psychologically. We become the sum of our parts and each of us has our own unique view of the world. 'Vision' truly is an act of interpretation.
In this podcast series through fascinating conversations, I set about trying to understand how we form our perceptions, view different perspectives, and examine how perception has influenced, inspired, or hindered the lives of each of my unique guests.
View all episodes
By Caroline PartridgeIn this episode, Caroline is talking to the amazing Joshua Okpala, who after training as an actor has become one of only four male intimacy coordinators in the country. Joshua has worked on several high profile films and TV shows choreographing nude, simulated sex and other types of intimate scenes, in a way that maintains the safety and dignity of the actors and cast.
Caroline and Joshua discuss how the perception of what is acceptable in terms of what actors are expected to do during intimate scenes has shifted over time and Joshua provides a fascinating insight into how actors rights and personal feelings towards intimacy and nudity are managed on set. Joshua describes what drew him to this work and how he helps actors just beginning their journey understand that they have a choice in everything.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- People's perception of what Joshua does is affected by the fact most do not realise that actors are acting. Simulating intimacy rather than physically having sex.
- Actors want to deliver for the director, so there is a real danger of them over-reaching and doing something they end up bitterly regretting.
- Joshua works with actors to establish and maintain their boundaries.
- Intimacy coordinators work on many kinds of scenes, for example childbirth, or interactions between actors who are not related and have to show emotion, for example an adult hugging a child actor.
- Actors are waking up to the fact that they can say no without irreversibly damaging their careers.
- Don't be afraid to go for what you want, surround yourself with people who believe in you, and you will achieve it.
- Everyone suffers knocks. The trick is to keep going regardless, when you do that things fall into place for you.
BEST MOMENTS
‘Because it's not real, and it's simulated, it needs to be choreographed. ´
‘In terms of protecting people in the industry, intimacy coordination, isn't just about sex,’
‘Explore saying no to something and seeing how that feels.’
‘What is meant for us won´t pass us by… but we have to be open to that.’
EPISODE RESOURCES
Twitter - https://twitter.com/joshokpala
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joshua.okpala/
Hire Joshua as an intimacy co-ordinator - https://newwondermanagement.co.uk/intimacy-coordinators
The Heroes Journey by Joseph Campbell - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Heros-Journey-Joseph-Campbell-Collected/dp/B07FPVZX44/
ABOUT THE HOST
Bio
Caroline Partridge is a unique and creative individual. She is an actress, puppeteer, educator, and artist with funny bones. She loves a story and is an expert at conveying wit and wisdom with warmth, understanding, and empathy.
CONTACT METHOD
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/caropartridge
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-partridge-03131520
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/partridge_caroline
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
This is a podcast series about discovery, understanding, revelation, and stories.
How we perceive the world is rooted in everything that has influenced us throughout our lives, emotionally and psychologically. We become the sum of our parts and each of us has our own unique view of the world. 'Vision' truly is an act of interpretation.
In this podcast series through fascinating conversations, I set about trying to understand how we form our perceptions, view different perspectives, and examine how perception has influenced, inspired, or hindered the lives of each of my unique guests.