Prepping for SHŌGUN
Working as Intimacy Coordinators for FX’s award-winning first season of SHŌGUN required extensive research to help make the featured intimacy as immersive as possible.
As a part of the team, Certified PIP IC Amanda Cutting and fellow IC Haruka Kuroda’s preparation aided the cast and crew to not only execute these scenes in a sustainable way, but also with historical accuracy.
Research included, but was not limited to:
Engaged in in-depth discussions with the showrunner about character development and arcs, strategically planning intimate storytelling that supported character goals;
Reviewed each scene from the novel in conjunction with the scripts to enhance details;
Consulted with historians specialising in this era for historical representations;
Researched various positions and techniques popular of the time;
Studied historical garments and collaborated with designers and movement coaches to ensure the details of navigating clothing and physical touch were accurate to movements of the time;
Utilised Shunga dynasty art to portray the dynamics between sexes;
Examined the relationship and power dynamics between individuals of different statuses of the time, focusing on the factors that impact intimacy; and
Discussed the vision of the characters with directors and performers, incorporating details that supported their interpretation of the inner life of the characters.
SHŌGUN is an excellent example of how Intimacy Coordinators can support productions with historical pieces, making the intimacy not only supportive for the cast performing, but also accurate for the era. A huge congratulations to the whole team for their well-deserved accolades!
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“During the filming of SHŌGUN, Amanda cared for me so gently. I have never been treated like that in an intimacy scene. Her work supported me to focus on the scene and my acting. I was able to act dynamically, and felt safe with her support. I would love to recommend working with her.”
