30th Athens International Film Festival: Intimacy Coordination Workshop with Elle McAlpine

INTIMACY COORDINATION WORKSHOP with Elle McAlpine
Friday 4 Οctober
Giannis Marinos Hall | Megaron Athens Concert Hall  | 11.00 - 17.00 
FREE ADMISSION | WITH PREREGISTRATION

The 30th Athens International Film Festival, the Athens Film Office of the Municipality of Athens,  within the framework of the popular Festival’s competition section GREEK SHORT STORIES, are co-organizing for the first time in Greece, an exciting workshop on Intimacy Coordination with the internationally renowned Intimacy Coordinator, Elle McAlpine, counting numerous major collaborations including Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" and the critically acclaimed TV series "Baby Reindeer".

The workshop will take place on Friday 4 October, from 11 am to 5 pm, at the "Friends of Music Society” hall at the Megaron Athens Concert Hall, with free admission and will be held entirely in English.

The workshop’s agenda includes a theoretical introduction and a role analysis followed by a practical demonstration of the relevance of on-set intimacy coordination, which will be attended by acclaimed members of the Greek film community, such as the established director, Asimina Proedrou and the actors/ actresses Michael Edwards, Maria Maragkou and Romanna Lobach.

For the workshop’s attendance, pre-registration is required by filling in the form HERE.

Intimacy Coordination

BOUNDARIES, CONSENT, SAFETY

How are eroticism, intimacy and corporeality captured in film, ensuring the safety & security of actors? How do two (or more) unfamiliar bodies come together to create images of absolute connection?  How do the performers balance their limits, the vulnerability of their naked bodies in front of an entire production team while serving the erotic tension and dramatic demands of a scene?

These, among others, are the questions the intimacy coordinator attempts to answer and delineate. As a choreographer & dramatist, the intimacy coordinator guides the performers step by step through the scenes where physical and/or sexual contact is required, protecting their boundaries and vulnerability.

Their role does not only concern scenes where females are involved. Both masculinities and non binary actors need to feel protected in their nude scenes, in front of the whole crew. Intimacy coordinators advocate for the actors/actresses, work with detail and efficiency between the production and the performers, and skillfully "choreograph" intimacy scenes. 

A FEW WORDS ABOUT ELLE MCALPINE

Elle McAlpine holds a degree in writing, directing and performing from the University of York and has worked successfully in television, film and theater productions. With collaborations in her portfolio including Yorgos Lanthimos' POOR THINGS and the mini-series BABY REINDEER, ONE DAY, WEDNESDAY, THE FULL MONTY, THE WINTER KING, IT'S A SIN, GENTLEMAN JACK, THE GREAT and more, is now one of the most accomplished intimacy coordinators in the film and television industry, known for her work in creating safe and empowering environments on set.

In fact, her professional experience in acting gives her a unique skill set based on her knowledge of the actor-creator method.  Her curiosity for telling stories of intimacy and her passion for exploring a character's psyche through sexual expression helps facilitate a creatively rich space for actors and production. She offers tools and exercises that allow actors to be empowered when making creative choices during the sculpting of an erotic-sexual scene.

Elle plays a key role in ensuring that intimacy scenes are performed professionally, consensually and sensitively. Her dedication to the well-being and comfort of the actors/actresses has earned her recognition and praise from famous members of the film industry.

Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone said about Elle McAlpine: "I felt really comfortable. I was like, 'I think I'll be fine. I won't have to talk so much to the intimacy coordinator." I couldn't have made a bigger mistake. She was so kind and passionate. She was so helpful. She changed the whole energy of the setting and the feeling of safety."

WORKSHOP INFORMATION:
Date: Friday, 4 October 2024
Location: Athens Concert Hall "The Friends of Music Society", Megaron Athens Concert Hall
Time: 11.00 am - 5.00 pm (welcome coffee and lunch-break included)
Language: English
Participation: Confirmation of attendance will be sent to you via email by Monday 30 September.
An attendance certificate may be provided, if requested.

The full program of the 30th Athens International Film Festival will be announced during the Press Conference on Wednesday, September 25th 2024, at 18:30, at the "Auditorium Theo Angelopoulos" of the French Institute of Greece in Athens.

The Athens International Film Festival, sponsored by Nova, will take place from October 2nd to 14th. The venues that will host this year's event are: DANAOS I & II, CINOBO OPERA I & II, ASTOR, ASTY, AVANA, FRENCH INSTITUTE OF GREECE, ONASSIS STEGI, MEGARON ATHENS CONCERT HALL, MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART and PALLAS.

For constant updates and more information about the Athens International Film Festival tune in to our sites aiff.gr and cinemagazine.gr and our social media pages: Facebook AIFF, AIFF Instagram, Cinemagazine Instagram, TikTok, Twitter.