The Truth About Intimacy on Set with Certified Intimacy Coordinator Jocelyn Padilla

What Can you Say No To? Could Setting a Boundary Cost You The Role? Jocelyn takes us inside a part of the industry every actor needs to understand but few are ever taught how to navigate. ___________________________________________________ There’s a whole side of acting that we rarely talk about until an actor finds themselves on set and in the middle of it and will need to make a decision about next steps. That’s exactly why I wanted to sit down with Jocelyn Padilla: actor, director, and certified intimacy coordinator and intimacy director. What makes Jocelyn’s perspective so fascinating is that she understands intimate scenes from every side of the set. She knows what it feels like to be the performer, the director, and now the person helping both sides create something truthful while making sure boundaries, consent, and communication are a huge part of the process. Jocelyn took me inside the process of creating intimate scenes, from the choreography and rehearsal to closed sets, robes, intimacy calls, consent forms, and those little details that audiences will never see but that can completely change an actor’s experience. We talked about why a kiss isn't necessarily “just a kiss,” how physical violence can also fall under the intimacy umbrella, and how you take something that is carefully choreographed and make it feel completely natural to the audience. Sometimes the most important thing an actor can learn isn’t how to say yes. It’s knowing when and how to say no. I loved this conversation because Jocelyn reminded me that protecting yourself and creating great art aren't mutually exclusive. Sometimes the boundaries and trust you establish are exactly what allow an actor to let go, take a breath, and truly disappear into the scene. This episode is full of the rare knowledge every actor should have, but few ever get! A huge thanks to our team: Producer: Devyn Arnold | Intro: Tamika Katon-Donegal Assistant: Ian Butter +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to VersaVision and join us as we bring you shows with the industry's leading casting directors, agents, managers, actors, and filmmakers - sharing the real-world insights, experiences, and advice that can help take your career to the next level. Your support helps us continue creating these conversations.