Bridgerton Revisited: SNL Spoofs the Intimacy Coordinators Behind the Scenes and Beneath the Corsets of Netflix’s Hit Series

Bridgerton Revisited: SNL Spoofs the Intimacy Coordinators Behind the Scenes and Beneath the Corsets of Netflix’s Hit Series

Fans of Bridgerton, Shonda Rhimes’ progressive take on the lives and loves of London’s high society, tuned into SNL this weekend to get their fix of the steamy Regency romp.

Guest host Rene-Jean Page donned his signature black waistcoat and green brooch to reprise his role as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. The British actor starred opposite SNL’s Chloe Fineman, who portrayed Phoebe Dynevor, the actress who plays Daphne.

“I burn for you, Daphne”, Page said, referencing one of the most iconic lines of the series. Director Kate McKinnon interrupted the bodice ripping and introduced an inept pair of intimacy coordinators, played by actors Pete Davidson (Randy) and Mikey Day (Richie).

The duo has not read the script because “it seemed like a girl’s show” and rely on the bullet points they learned when they “took a zoom and got certified to do all the sex stuff.” Though they cannot vouch for the cleanliness of the modesty garments, the newly minted team soldiers on, climbing atop the couple’s bed and crudely choreographing the shellshocked actors.

All jokes aside, the SNL sketch underscores the rising demand for qualified Intimacy Coordinators to realistically craft intimate content while communicating actors’ boundaries. Unlike Randy and Richie’s self-appointed online titles and certifications, Intimacy Coordinators are highly trained professionals entrusted to carefully map out racy scenes before and during filming.

IC’s first read the script and meet with directors to get a feel for their storytelling vision. Intimacy riders, documents which spell out exactly which simulated acts actors have agreed to portray, are discussed and amended if necessary. Scenes that look like spontaneous acts of passion are carefully choreographed using non-sexualized language and props to preserve modesty and minimize skin to skin contact. Advanced planning gives the actors the sense of safety and freedom to authentically simulate intimacy.

SNL’s spoof introduced Bridgerton’s audiences to the skewered version of the real coaches who make the Duke of Hastings and Daphne’s chemistry sizzle on the small screen. Their presence on set is quickly becoming the industry standard.

“SNL just legitimized intimacy coordination in the most effective way possible—through laughter,” Intimacy Coordinator Nedra Gallegos, says. “It looks like our job is going mainstream and becoming part of film industry culture-yay!”

 

 

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