Check Out Liz La Mura’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz La Mura.

Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I started in New York as a dancer and actress and eventually moved to LA, working as an actor. I am a certified yoga and pre-natal yoga teacher. I met my husband, and we were invited to get our master’s as returning professionals while I was pregnant. We created several classes at the University. We returned to NYC, and I began teaching in a college in Manhattan teaching Movement for Actors and coaching actors. I decided to move back to LA because my daughter was attending USC. I heard about this new position on film and TV sets, which is called Intimacy Coordinator. I did a 6-month training and got certified in 2019. I am currently one of 70 people in the world on the SAG/AFTRA registry. That is how new this position is. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think the biggest challenge to this work are people not fully understanding what an Intimacy Coordinator does. The fundamental functions of an Intimacy Coordinator involve their role as an advocate or liaison between the actors and production, ensuring performers and other production personnel adhere to safety protocols. We are not HR. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Intimacy Coordinator for film, TV, and Theatre. I am an advocate for actors and a liaison between the director, actor, and the production for scenes that involve nudity, simulated sex, intimate physical touch, and hyper-exposed work. This includes discussing with the director their vision, clearly communicating that vision with each actor involved, and getting enthusiastic consent from the actors. Having a one-on-one conversation and seeing if the actors involved have any concerns and communicate them with the director so we can have a plan B ready before the day of the shoot. Sometimes, it can be a simple camera angle adjustment. Once we have that information, the day of the shoot will go smoother. Some people feel uncomfortable about discussing very intimate or hyper exposed scenes and need an IC to facilitate. Part of the job is being an advocate and emotional support for the actor. I am an advocate for the LGBTQAI+cast. I help create a safe and creative environment, choreographing authentic simulated sex scenes so everyone knows exactly what to expect and actors can perform better knowing the boundaries without any surprises. I work with other department heads in costumes and makeup and help with nudity garments and barriers I have in my kit. I work with the legal team to negotiate nudity/simulated riders. I make sure SAG-AFTRA nudity guidelines are followed with a closed set. On the shoot day, I view a monitor during each scene and provide any support to the director or actors as needed as the story unfolds. I do a debriefing after the shoot and check in with everyone. The goal is everyone leaving the set with a positive experience. 

I am most proud of supporting directors and actors when there is an intense physical, emotional and mental scene. I have over 30 years of experience, and I think my background as a performer, choreographer, yoga teacher, and University educator sets me apart from other ICs. 

“I think one substantive change is intimacy coordinators. They make perfect sense. It’s like a fight choreographer. Nobody would ever say, ‘Just take these swords and see what happens; just duel a little and see where the spirit takes you. That’s insane.” 

– Greta Gerwig 

Here are some comments from cast and crew: 

DP # 1 A priority for us was to try something challenging and do that in a way that guaranteed comfort, expression, and great energy. You were such a critical part of making that happen for us all. I truly cannot wait to work with you again Liz! 

Director #1: “I didn’t/t know how much I needed you.” 

Producer #1: “I would hire you on any project I’m doing.” 

Producer #2: “You brought such calming energy to the set.” 

Actor #1: “I wanted to say thank you for all your work and care on the set. You really made what can be a challenging work so much easier for me, and I really appreciate it.” 

Actress #1: “I felt so safe because you were there.” 

Actor #2: “You were right there when I felt a trigger and had to stop shooting for the moment.” “You helped me get calm so I could continue.” 

Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
My contact information: Agent: Amanda Blumenthal at IPA, [email protected]. Email: [email protected], Website: lizlamura.com Phone: 917-679-4399. 

Contact Info:

• Website: lizlamura.com
• Other: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/16/arts/television/minx-hbo-max-male-nudity.html

Image Credits
Susan Sheridan