Watching a steamy romance or an intense dramatic moment on screen can be gripping, but behind the cameras, filming those vulnerable scenes can get incredibly awkward and tense. Following recent industry discussions in South Africa (SA) surrounding productions like Bomb Productions, the conversation around safety on television sets has taken center stage. To unpack how these sensitive moments are actually managed behind the scenes, Dr \u00c9mil Haarhoff, an Intimacy Coordinator and Young Performer Support Specialist with Safe Sets, shared how the industry keeps things safe and professional.<\/p>\n
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This specialised work kicks off long before anyone shouts “action.” Haarhoff explained that his job begins in pre-production with a complete breakdown of the script to flag any intimate content. After chatting with the director about their creative vision, he sits down for mandatory, one-on-one calls with the actors to ask the direct questions.<\/p>\n
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“What are you willing to do? What are you not willing to do? If we have scenes of nudity, what is the amount of nudity that you’re willing to show or not willing to show?” Haarhoff noted. By mapping out boundaries regarding physical positions and comfort zones early on, the team ensures there are absolutely no surprises on the day of the shoot, removing the tension so performers can focus purely on their craft.<\/p>\n
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Having a neutral third party on set is essential because film sets come with intense power dynamics. Actors often want to throw themselves into their work, or they might face subtle pressure to please a director or producer. Haarhoff emphasised that the industry needs someone who stands outside the emotion, outside of the power dynamic, and outside of the financial situation of the productions, who can draw a line when they see non-consent, hear non-consent, or feel that boundaries are being crossed.<\/p>\n
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This protective framework is especially vital when tackling tough storylines in a region marked by high rates of sexual abuse and gender-based violence. Haarhoff firmly believes these difficult narratives must still be told onscreen to serve as tools for advocacy and education, but they have to be done safely. He observed that when local production houses implement these protocols correctly, South Africa actually functions as a global leader in safe storytelling.<\/p>\n
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The trickiest part of the job is managing consent, which isn’t always a simple yes or no. A performer might verbally agree to a scene during a meeting, but when the bright lights are on, their body might experience a stress response and freeze entirely. In those high-pressure moments, actors often find it difficult to speak up for themselves. Haarhoff explained that his role requires keeping a close eye on the performers for physical indicators, such as sudden shifts in energy or muscle tension, allowing him to step in, pause the cameras, and protect the actors’ boundaries.<\/p>\n
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