Frequently Asked Questions
About the podcast
What is FAKING IT about?
FAKING IT is a bi-weekly podcast where certified Intimacy Coordinators Ariel Leigh Cohen and Morgan Smith break down intimate scenes from film and TV. Each episode combines on-set stories (with identifying details changed for privacy) with a live reaction and rating of a chosen scene using their signature "Spice Scale." The show gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how intimate scenes are actually made, from planning through filming.
Who are the hosts of Faking It?
The hosts are Ariel Leigh Cohen and Morgan Smith, both working Intimacy Coordinators based in Los Angeles. Their combined credits span feature films, television, shorts, vertical dramas, new media, student films, and theater. Full bios and credentials are available on the About Page.
Why did two intimacy coordinators make a podcast?
Ariel and Morgan created FAKING IT to demystify intimacy coordination, an emerging role in film and TV production, by discussing the storytelling craft behind intimate scenes. The podcast answers common audience questions about why certain scenes exist, how they're made safely, and what an Intimacy Coordinator actually does on set.
When do new episodes drop?
New episodes are released every other Wednesday.
Where can I listen?
FAKING IT is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and anywhere else you get podcasts.
How can I support the podcast?
Listeners can support the show for free by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. They can also leave a rating and review on any of these platforms. Finally, they can join the show's Patreon for bonus content and the ability to suggest future episode topics.
About intimacy work
What is an Intimacy Coordinator?
An Intimacy Coordinator is a trained on-set professional who acts as an advocate for actors and a liaison between talent and production during scenes involving nudity, simulated sex, or other intimate physical content. They also choreograph these scenes, functioning similarly to a stunt coordinator for intimate content.
What does an Intimacy Coordinator do?
An Intimacy Coordinator works in two main phases: during pre-production, they liaise between the director and actors to plan scenes that achieve the creative vision while respecting the performers' boundaries; on set, they oversee execution of that plan, advocating for the actors in real time and, in some cases, continuing support through post-production. Individual approaches vary, but this pre-production-to-set structure is standard across the field.
Why is the role of an Intimacy Coordinator important?
Intimacy Coordinators reduce production time and cost by ensuring intimate scenes are planned and executed efficiently, while also creating a consent-based environment that allows actors to do their best work.