Richard McIver - Intimacy Coordinator

Hello you lovely human!

 

My name is Richard McIver. I'm a mixed-race actor, born and bred in the U.S., living in London. I want to ask you for your help.

 

I've been offered the exceptional opportunity to be part of the Intimacy Professionals Association Class of 2022. One of the first organisations to engage with the work of intimacy coaching and coordination for film and TV, they were one of seven intimacy coordinator training programs accredited by SAG-AFTRA in March of 2022. At the forefront of this burgeoning part of the industry, their certified ICs have worked on programs ranging from Carnival Row and Sex Education to Euphoria and The White Lotus. They are doing some incredible work, but you don't have to take my word for it, have a look for yourself if you fancy it: Intimacy Professionals Association

 

Although acting is still my lifeblood, I'm exhilarated by the opportunity to be part of necessary, positive change within the industry through Intimacy Coordination. I'm inspired by this newfound (overdue) essential responsibility to performers' safety and mental health, and to telling authentic, lived-in stories. Even as a barely hatched professional actor, I've already had brushes with potentially traumatic mishandled intimate moments. It was partially due to these past brushes that my first experience working with an Intimacy Director on my last acting job proved so freeing, safe, and impactful. I want to give that back to other performers: that same sense of assurance and safety, the right to advocate for oneself without fear, and the power to set boundaries and say no (and the creative freedom that comes with that).

While I've thankfully been able to secure a needs-based reduction in tuition through work-study, and a payment plan to alleviate the immediate cost, it is not enough. Despite this assistance, between the course fee, materials, and the final workshop in Europe this autumn, it will cost in excess of £6000.
 
Currently, I have enough to cover the initial 50% payment through personal and familial contributions. However, the staggering rise in cost-of-living in London, and the sharp turnaround between my acceptance and the beginning of classes at the end of the month, make the prospect of saving enough to make the subsequent looming payment deadlines insurmountable. This turnaround also makes the ongoing search for funding through grants and foundations difficult, as many would not pay out in time to meet my next deadlines.

 

I would be immensely grateful for any support you may be able to offer. Completing this training would allow me to contribute to creating a better future for the industry. One with safer on-set practices, better mental health support and security, and, hopefully, the eventual eradication of exploitation and misconduct in the entertainment industry. All in the service of helping and protecting artists and performers while authentically telling diverse stories for all to engage with and enjoy.

 

Thank you for your time and generosity.

 

All the best,

Richard