Working with Intimacy Coordinators with Loop Talent

In this session Intimacy Coordinators Haley Muraleedharan, Rufai Ajala and Abigail Kessel will be sharing will discuss the role of an intimacy coordinator and how it works with departments across production at all stages of a shoot to support artists and crew. 

Hosted by Lucy Price, Founder and Managing Director of Loop Talent, a HOD Agency and Crew Diary Service, the panel will discuss everything from how their backgrounds informs their work as intimacy coordinators to the process on set and adapting working styles to different directors.

This session is for all members working across production and with talent who would like to learn how their departments can work with intimacy coordinators and to gather recommended guidance to create a safer process for shooting scenes with intimacy.

Speakers

Rufai Ajala

Rufai ‘Roo’ Ajala, is a London-based, non-binary certified Intimacy Coordinator. Recently, Roo has collaborated with the BBC on their HETV drama 'Dreaming Whilst Black', feature film 'Silver' directed by Helena Hufnagel for Amazon, and feature films 'One Moonlit Night’ and ‘Sebastian’ which premiered at Sundance 2024. In addition to their work as an Intimacy Coordinator, Rufai regularly participates in industry panels to share their experience as an IC and provide a unique perspective as a queer, non-binary POC. In addition to their work as an Intimacy Coordinator, Rufai is an award-winning DOP and regularly participates in industry panels, to share their broad production experience and provide a unique perspective as a queer, non-binary POC. Whatever storyline they are dealing with Roo is on hand to advise and support actors in any capacity, helping them feel comfortable and, importantly, safe while filming or depicting any scenes requiring intimacy. Their commitment to education about intimacy on set – and beyond – was recognised by the industry when Rufai was named as a ‘Screen Star of Tomorrow’ in 2022.

Haley Muraleedharan

Haley Muraleedharan is a neuro-diverse Intimacy Coordinator based in both London and Leeds. Her impressive portfolio includes a range of HETV, Film, and Commercial projects such as ‘Dead Hot’ for Quay Street and Amazon, ‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ for Paramount+, series 2 of ‘The Lazarus Project’ for Urban Myth Films and Sky, as well as the upcoming series ‘The Jetty’ for Firebird and the BBC. Her further credits include 'Three Little Birds' for Tiger Aspect and ITV and the upcoming ‘Daddy Issues’ for Fudge Park and BBC. Notably, Haley made history as the first-ever IC to safeguard intimate scenes on long-standing serial dramas such as 'Emmerdale', 'Coronation Street', and 'Hollyoaks', including the Home Office-backed 'Long Walk Home' Episode. Haley prioritises the wellbeing of actors during intimate scenes and provides professional safeguards to ensure a comfortable, safe, and creative set. Her excellent reputation has made her a popular choice among production teams and cast members.

Abigail Kessel

Abi is a London-based Intimacy Coordinator with over 25 years of experience in the creative industries including Feature Films & HETV, the arts, movement, and choreography. She has worked with clients including Netflix, Disney+, Film 4, Warner Bros, Sky TV, Sky Arts, and Hulu, and her recent credits include several British features including ‘Pretty Red Dress’ directed by Dionne Edwards, ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, and ‘The Wasp’ directed by Guillem Morales. Television credits include ‘Extraordinary’ series 2 for Disney+ and Sid Gentle Films, Sir Lenny Henry’s drama ‘Three Little Birds’ for Tiger Aspect and ITV, ABC’s mini-series ‘A Small Light’, ‘Tell Me Everything’ for Noho Film & TV and ITV, and Eleven Films’ ‘Red Rose’ for Netflix/BBC3.

Having trained as a dancer and choreographer at one of the most prestigious dance schools globally, Abi possesses an impressive foundation and understanding of movement and intimacy for art.

Lucy Price

As the Founder and Managing Director of Loop Talent, Lucy Price leads a highly sought-after HOD Agency and Crew Diary Service that represents award-winning and skilled talent working in Film, HETV, Commercials, and Music Promos. Lucy’s career began at the BBC, where she worked as a freelance Assistant Director. After gaining extensive experience in the industry, she transitioned to talent management, where she quickly established herself as a dynamic and forward-thinking Agent.  In 2020, Lucy launched Loop Talent, a talent management agency that prioritises developing the long-term careers of its clients. With a focus on nurturing and supporting the growth of the industry’s top HODs and Crew, Loop Talent has quickly become one of the most respected and successful firms in the industry. Lucy’s commitment to her clients and her innovative approach to talent management have set Loop Talent apart as a company that truly values its talent and is dedicated to their success. Since launching Loop Talent Lucy has been selected for Pitch Magazine’s Pitch List, featured in Cinegirl Magazine, the Cinemamas Blog, partnered with WFTV for their exclusive IWD events across the country and been selected as a Mentor for the prestigious WFTV Mentoring scheme. Her comments have been sought in industry press for articles about #METOO, the SAG AFTRA strikes, and the talent agency industry.

This event is for existing WFTV members only.

If you are not a member and would like to join, membership costs just £100 + VAT/yr , please click here or email admin@wftv.org.uk

At WFTV, we want our events to be accessible for everyone. If you have any access requirements, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you. Please contact admin@wftv.org.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.