Norway follows Finland, the first country in Europe with intimacy guidelines, and Sweden, with the launch of a common set of clear guidelines for shooting intimate scenes in film and television.

Finland and Sweden have had intimacy guidelines for film and TV for several years, and Norway is now implementing its own. CLICK HERE

The long ongoing discussion about the need for guidelines for filming intimate scenes in Norway has thus come to a conclusion. The guidelines, as well as the work of intimacy coordinators, aim to secure the safety of everyone on set, much like stunt coordinators do. Intimacy coordinators ensure the safety of actors on set when filming scenes that involve nudity, simulated sex, or emotionally demanding situations.

The guidelines were launched in Oslo during a launch-event on Wednesday. Certified intimacy coordinator Caroline Roka worked out the guidelines in collaboration with certified intimacy coordinators Camilla Glaister and Catrin Sagen, and she underscores the need for Norway’s own guidelines:

"Norway needs clear national guidelines for intimacy work in film, TV, and performing arts. Predictable and professional workplaces are essential for both safety and creativity, and consistent standards help ensure that everyone - from performers to producers - knows what is expected. By establishing its own guidelines for intimacy coordination, Norway can align with current international best practices and strengthen trust across the industry.”

The work started in 2024 with research, documentation and shaping Norwegian guidelines, with the goal to secure a safe, professional framework to protect actors without restricting the directors’ artistic freedom. At the end of 2024, in Europe only Finland, Sweden, Poland, and Spain had established guidelines for filming intimate scenes, with Finland being the first, in 2020. The Norwegian guidelines were inspired by Finland’s and Sweden’s, and worked on together with coordinators who were involved in creating the guidelines in their respective countries, and with input from the field.

“Clear frameworks support better communication, stronger consent practices, and more sustainable working conditions. Ultimately, implementing national intimacy guidelines will provide a meaningful boost in competence and confidence across the entire sector, helping Norway remain competitive, responsible, and forward-looking within the global screen and performing arts industries,” Roka concludes.

In Finland, the guidelines are available in Finnish, Swedish and English, and include both general guidelines and specific guidance for actors, directors, producers, production managers, as well as costume and make-up departments. To read the Finnish guidelines in English: CLICK HERE.

The Swedish guidelines have been available since 2022, and include definitions and examples of questions that should be addressed at different stages of the production process. The Swedish guidelines are available in Swedish and English and can be found here: CLICK HERE.