How ‘Euphoria’ Keeps Actors Safe While Filming Intimate 18+ Scenes

The use of intimacy coordinators on modern TV sets has become a key part of how productions handle sensitive or 18+ scenes, and the HBO series Euphoria is one of the shows where this system has been widely used.

This topic was discussed on In the Envelope: The Actor’s Podcast, hosted by senior editor Vinnie Mancuso. The episode featured Mam Smith, an intimacy coordinator who has worked on several major projects, including Euphoria, Westworld, Landman, and Lioness. She also worked with Zendaya on multiple productions, helping guide scenes that require close physical interaction between actors.

Smith explained that when she first moved into intimacy coordination after working in stunts, people in the industry were unsure what her job involved. She said, “It was 2019, and nobody knew what [intimacy coordination] was. They thought I was like HR and they were all in trouble. You know, the word police, the thought police, the action police. I was like, no, I’m here to facilitate. I’m here to help. I’m here to create communication.”

She described how the role has changed over time and become more accepted on sets. Instead of limiting creativity, she said it helps actors feel more comfortable and focused during difficult scenes.

One of the main tools she uses is something called body mapping. This is a process where actors clearly set physical boundaries before filming begins. Smith explained it like this, “We do what we call body mapping. You talk to an actress or an actor [and ask], ‘Where is safe to touch and where isn’t?’ You go through it. ‘OK, not my bum. I don’t want you to touch my side fat. This will pull me out of the scene. This is good. My ears are sensitive.’”

She added that once these boundaries are agreed on, the actors can perform more freely because they already know what is allowed and what is not. According to her, this helps reduce stress and confusion during filming, especially in emotionally or physically intense scenes.

Smith also spoke about her ongoing work with Zendaya, saying that trust is a major part of the process. She explained, “Like any relationship dynamic, the more you can build trust and create a shorthand, [the easier it gets]. She’ll see me and know, ‘OK, Mam’s got this.’ She knows what I’m capable of. She knows I have her back. She knows I’m going to protect her.”

She added that actors like Zendaya often carry heavy responsibility on set, especially in high-profile projects, so having someone focused on safety and communication is important.

According to Smith, intimacy coordination is not about limiting performance but about creating a safe structure so actors can focus on their roles without worrying about crossing personal boundaries.

Her comments on the podcast highlight how shows like Euphoria approach 18+ scenes in a more structured and careful way than in the past. Instead of leaving actors to navigate these moments alone, productions now use trained professionals to guide planning, communication, and choreography.

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