PIP’s Launchpad Training Program
For folks looking to train as an Intimacy Professional
PIPs’ Launchpad Training Program is a four-phase program designed for individuals looking to become an intimacy professional.
Our intimacy professionals have 30+ years of collective experience + training in intimacy alone. On top of their other professional pursuits and skill sets, we have served Canada’s performing industries for over five years. We support Canadian and international productions. We believe safety should not be a privilege but a standard.
Program Requirements
When applying for Phase One, applicants will submit a CV/resume demonstrating they have training within the past five years with the following:
Mental Health First Aid certification
Non-violent communication
Anti-harassment and bystander intervention
Mediation and conflict resolution
Anti-racism/EDI practices
Gender identity + sexual orientation training
Each Phase is a prerequisite for the next Phase in the program
Check out this resource for training programs you can take to satisfy SAG-AFTRA’s IC Registry re-requisites. This is not an exhaustive resource.
Investment Information
Applicants will be invited to offer a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making for each phase of training ; please pitch something that is sustainable for you.
Interested individuals can reach out to us to be placed on a waiting list ahead of applications opening.
Have questions? Check out our FAQ page!
The Program
Phase 1: Launchpad Training Program
16 online sessions 1-2 times a week plus home study, totalling 65 hours
Cohorts begin in January and June, respectively
Phase 2: Launchpad In-Person Intensive
In-person workshop over the course of a weekend covering choreography, modesty garment application, case studies & scenarios, totalling 24 hours of in-person instruction
Workshops scheduled for the end of Phase One
Phase 3: PIP’s Mentorship Program
In-person shadowing + mentorship for a minimum of 30 days of practical on-set work, approximately 6 months
Dependent on contract and mentor availability
For international students, mentorship will be designed to support them within their local community
Phase 4: Lift Off!
Review and certification
Phase One: Launchpad Training Program Online Course
Phase One of the Launchpad is a 16-week online course for folks interested in becoming an Intimacy Professional for film, television, and/or theatre. Phase One is a prerequisite for Phases Two, Three, and Four.
Topics Phase One covers:
Union policies and best practices for film and theatre
Power dynamics, production roles, and communication on set
Choreography* *introductory; choreo is the primary focus of Phase Two
Kit preparation, modesty wear overview
Paperwork, prep, contracts, and riders
Mental Health First Aid applications
Sex education basics
Unique protocols
Case studies
and more!
Investment:
Applicants will be invited to pitch a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making
Bursaries available for folks in need
Our program is accredited by SAG-AFTRA, meaning our curriculum has been reviewed and approved based on SAG-AFTRA’s accreditation requirements. A syllabus will be shared with all participants before their Phase One cohort launches.
Applications for June 2024 now closed.
Phase Two: Launchpad In-Person Intensive
Phase Two of the Launchpad is a 3 day (24 hours) in-person intensive that digs deeper into intimacy choreography and kit practices. Phase One is a prerequisite.
Topics Phase Two covers:
Physical positions and vocals/breathwork for stage and screen
Students will be rotating as directors, Intimacy Professionals, and actors for choreography work within their respective boundaries
Modesty wear review and application (on dummies)
Roleplaying conversations with actors/directors/producers
Mental Health First Aid applications
and more!
Investment:
Applicants will be invited to pitch a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making
Bursaries available for folks in need
Locations:
Locations are selected based on the needs of the group. Past locations include:
Vancouver, BC
Toronto, ON
Berlin, Germany
Paris, France
Our program is accredited by SAG-AFTRA, meaning our curriculum has been reviewed and approved based on SAG-AFTRA’s accreditation requirements. A syllabus will be shared with all participants before their Phase Two cohort starts.
Applications open for Vancouver, BC in May 2024!
Phase Three: PIP’s Mentorship Program
Phase Three of the Launchpad is an ongoing bespoke mentorship program for students who have completed both Phase One and Two of the Launchpad. Students will be invited to join working PIPs on set, or can assist PIP in finding contract work in their local area to collaborate on. Phase One and Two are prerequisites.
Topics Phase Three covers:
A minimum of 30 days on set over an average 6 months
Baseline for folks with minimal IP set experience; this may look different for folks already working as an IP
Shadowing, assisting, and seconding on PIP projects with PIP team members
Mentees may collaborate with multiple mentors based on their goals
Networking with many levels of productions
Investment:
Applicants will be invited to pitch a financial investment and an energy exchange they feel confident making, taking into account potential travel expenses for themselves or their mentor
Billeting available subject to availability
Mentees work two days on set for free to assess the fit between mentor and mentee; follow up gigs will be split payments
A mentor/mentee agreement and NDA will be shared with each mentee before their Phase Three begins.
Note: Phases 3 and 4 are still in their final development stages, and their structure is subject to change.
Applications open to 2021-2023 students who have completed Phases One and Two!