DIRECTING IN THE INTIMATE ZONE - Wellington Workshop

A one-day workshop where directors, producers, casting directors and 1ADs can receive training on considerations and respectful processes when working on a range of ‘intimate scenes’.  These processes help ensure that the work is consensual, engaging and best serves the story, and what information producers and casting should provide early on.

This one-day workshop on October 2 will be led by intimacy coordinator Carrie Thiel. We will start the day with discussion, real world examples and demonstrations. Afterwards, we will practise working with actors on developing intimate scenes in a safe, supportive and creative space.

Please note: this workshop is R18 and there will be no nudity in the workshop.

Who's it for?

All drama directors, producers, 1ADs and casting directors. We welcome professionals and film school graduates. 

About Carrie Thiel

Carrie is a Wellington based intimacy coordinator, performance director and actor whose career has spanned film, theatre, ballet, opera, television, and video games.  They hold a BFA in Acting (UofA, Canada) and an MFA in Directing & Creative Practice (VUW, New Zealand).  She is also a trained and accomplished stunt performer and a certified fight director and instructor.

Carrie began training as an intimacy coordinator in 2018 under Rachel Flesher (Intimacy Directors International, USA) and later with Ita O’Brien (Intimacy on Set, UK).  She has further attended courses with Intimacy Directors & Coordinators (USA), Theatrical Intimacy Educators (USA) and Intimacy Professionals Association (USA).  Carrie has worked as an IC for Netflix, feature films and numerous short films, web series and professional theatre productions.

Breakout Directors

DEGANZ invites directors to also apply to direct a scene as a breakout director. We have four places. Other attendees will get to observe the breakouts. 

Breakout directors will take turns directing pairs of actors on an intimate scene under the tutors’ guidance. If selected, you may submit a short, intimate scene for two characters – either with or without dialogue – for consideration ahead of the workshop. We can also provide you with a scene if preferred.

Breakout directors must have experience directing actors for screen, but don’t need experience with directing intimacy. 

Cost

DEGANZ member – Free
Member of other screen guild/association – $37.50 (on sale)
Non-member – $47.50 (on sale)

Includes tea/coffee and lunch.

Apply on our website by Monday 26 September, 3pm.

Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed it and really felt that I left with some new practical skills. My next directing project does involve awkward and ridiculous intimacy. I think what I learned on the weekend will help me craft that with confidence and ensure it is a fun and positive experience for the actors."

– Mark, Auckland

"The workshop was incredibly valuable not just in the context of intimacy, but also in generally working with actors in a way that is both considerate and productive. I am in awe of what intimacy coordinators do, and being able to glean the broad strokes of their process through this workshop has given me confidence in directing my upcoming projects."

– Pulkit, Auckland

"Directing In the Intimate Zone was interesting, inspiring, enjoyable and moving. This work is so important for these times. It was great to learn new skills as a director, and to understand the role of an Intimacy [Coordinator] and when you might need one. We learnt how to form consent between actors, making everyone feel more comfortable and prepared for the scene. The wonderful result being that the actors can focus more on their acting, without any awkward, mental or bodily reaction to touch or intimacy in the scene."

– Morag, Auckland

Presented by Directors and Editors Guilds of Aotearoa New Zealand (DEGANZ) with the financial support of the New Zealand Film Commission.