Nicholas Hoult, known for his versatile acting career, recently opened up about the lack of intimacy coordinators during the filming of the British series Skins. Discussing his time on the show, which aired from 2007 to 2013 and followed the tumultuous lives of teenagers in Bristol, South West England, Hoult highlighted how the absence of such coordinators impacted both storytelling and on-set comfort.
Nicholas Hoult on intimacy coordinators in Skins has become a focus after he compared his current experiences in Hollywood with those early days. At the time of filming Skins, Hoult, who played Tony Stonem, was only 17. The series became famous for its candid depiction of themes such as adolescent sexuality, substance abuse, mental health struggles, and family dysfunction—topics that often required cast members to perform in vulnerable situations.
How Film Sets Have Changed Since ‘Skins’
Growing up in the entertainment industry, Hoult has seen considerable changes in film and television production, particularly regarding the support provided to actors during challenging scenes. Skins, while groundbreaking in its raw approach to adolescence, did not have dedicated professionals to oversee and choreograph intimate moments, leaving young actors to navigate these situations largely on their own.
During a recent interview, Hoult commented on the valuable presence of intimacy coordinators—specialists who ensure that actors feel safe, respected, and fully consenting when shooting sensitive content. He described how recent productions have benefited from their involvement, reflecting on how different his early career experiences might have been if this support had existed.
Oh yeah, I’ve been working with intimacy coordinators now for the past two or three productions I’ve been on and it’s a brilliant addition to the crew. It’s someone who can really help the storytelling through those inmate scenes and be additive to it. So it’s been a big aid.
—Nicholas Hoult, Actor
Hoult noted that the explicit nature of Skins, with frequent depictions of sex and nudity, made the lack of intimacy coordinators acutely felt among the cast and crew. He emphasized the role these professionals now play in enhancing narrative depth while safeguarding actor well-being.
Revisiting Vulnerability on Set as a Young Actor
Looking back, Hoult acknowledged that shooting intimate scenes as a teenager without the guidance of intimacy coordinators was challenging. At 17, he and his fellow cast members had to handle sensitive material without structured support, something he found increasingly “weird” in retrospect as the industry’s approach has shifted.
Actors working on Skins confronted controversial content, which included navigating both physical and emotional vulnerability on screen. The introduction of intimacy coordinators in more recent productions represents a broader industry commitment to ensuring safety and comfort in these situations.
The Lasting Impact and Changing Industry Standards
The conversation around Nicholas Hoult on intimacy coordinators in Skins underscores broader changes in television and film, where safeguarding actor welfare has become a growing priority. As a now well-established figure in Hollywood, Hoult’s reflections add weight to conversations about industry standards, particularly for young performers dealing with adult themes.
The absence of such coordinators during Skins’ run is now seen in contrast to current best practices, with professionals routinely present to guide and protect actors during intimate scenes. Hoult’s openness about his experience serves as a powerful reminder of how crucial these changes are for the well-being of performers and the authenticity of storytelling in modern productions.
As more industry figures discuss the benefits of intimacy coordinators, it is likely that their presence will become not only standard but expected—helping to create both safer sets and stronger performances across television and film.
