Esther Gabriel
Esther Gabriel
Intimacy Coordinator & Director
 
 

Craft authentic, safe, and cinematic intimacy with Esther Gabriel.

Intimacy coordination rooted in experience, empathy, and clear communication.

Hi, I’m Esther, an intimacy coordinator and director with over 15 years of experience creating intimate scenes on set. I bring a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to storytelling, ensuring every performer feels safe, respected, and empowered from pre-production through post.

With a background in directing and a SAG-AFTRA accredited intimacy training, I choreograph realistic, emotionally truthful scenes that align with your creative vision without ever compromising consent, boundaries, or professionalism. Whether you're telling a love story, exploring vulnerability, or pushing bold narratives, I help your team navigate intimacy with clarity, confidence, and care.

Let’s make something powerful, and make sure everyone has a good experience doing it.

 
 

 What does an Intimacy Coordinator do?

  • It's important to choreograph close movements for effective story telling and the actor's safety. I can collaborate with the director at any level that works in their process. Whether it's developing a scene in fine detail or simply offering suggestions to strengthen their vision.

    We've all seen unrealistic intimacy on camera and I can lend my experienced eye in making your story believable. A second set of eyes can make all the difference.

    A nude scene might be tricky to mask. I come armed with all sorts of tricks to ensure the comfort of actors and maintain the illusion of nudity.

  • I will make sure the actors and crew all are on the same page and that clear consent is given at all stages. ICs are outside the power dynamic so we are better in a better position to obtain informed consent from actors.

    I can work with your production's legal team to write clear, simple language for riders to protect everyone's interests.

    Need help with closed set protocols? I'm here to demystify the process and make sure everything flows quickly and smoothly on the day.

  • Think an intimacy coordinator will slow down your production or stifle creativity? Think again! Having me on hand to establish consent levels with actors, communicate the goals of the director, and be an inter-department liaison will free up valuable creative time.