Episode 33: No Is a Complete Sentence: A conversation with Kristina Arjona about the role of an intimacy coordinator

Acting: Conversations on Craft

Towards the end of my conversation with Kristina Arjona, she said, “Nothing has hit me on the spiritual level that intimacy coordinating has.” And I believed her because I had just spent the last hour and 45 minutes talking to her about her role in the industry. It quickly became clear that she is so very passionate about what she does.

She is on a mission to empower actors and to increase the sense of safety for all on set. As she says, “let’s make sure that everyone can go home feeling empowered by what they’re doing.” When she says everyone, she means it. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you look like, or even how big of a star you are. Kristina is there for all of us.

Honestly her passion is contagious, and I know that with her presence (or the presence of any certified intimacy coordinator) on set we can all breathe a sigh of relief. So, I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Kristina as much as I did.

About Kristina

Kristina Arjona is a certified Intimacy Coordinator through Intimacy Professionals Association. Her latest credits include "George & Tammy" (starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon) and "One True Loves" (starring Simu Liu and Phillipa Soo). Kristina spent 10 years working in the Atlanta film industry as an actor, director, and 1st AD before moving into intimacy coordinating. She graduated with a BFA in Acting and BA in Theatrical Design and Production from Elon University before moving into film and now works in both Atlanta and Wilmington.

Kristina is deeply passionate about protecting and educating actors about their rights in intimate scenes, as well as educating filmmakers and universities on industry standards regarding intimate scenes. She uses her skills on both sides of the lens to increase effective communication and safety for everyone involved. Proudly queer and Latina, Kristina is particularly passionate about working with material involving queer stories, BIPOC characters, and trauma-informed care in sexual violence-related scenes.

Learn more about Kristina Arjona

https://www.kristinaarjona.com

https://www.atlintimacycoordinator.com

https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm6223011/about

Follow her on IG @Kristina.Arjona & @ATLIntimacyCoordinator

Intimacy Coordinator workshops and training

https://www.intimacyprofessionalsassociation.com

https://www.intimacyprofessionalsassociation.com

SAG/AFTRA Resources

https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/SAG-AFTRA_quickguide_intimscenes_F2.pdf

https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/Sex_Nudity_and_You_FINAL.pdf

https://www.sagaftra.org/videos/intimacy-coordinators-update

https://www.sagaftra.org/files/sa_documents/SA_IntimacyCoord.pdf

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