In the wake of the #MeToo movement, where the film industry has been compelled to re-evaluate its approach to on-screen intimacy, Kate Blackmore’s debut feature documentary, Make It Look Real, emerges as a timely and necessary exploration. Premiering at SXSW 2025 to critical acclaim, this 78-minute documentary delves into the nuanced role of intimacy coordinators on film sets, focusing on Claire Warden’s work during the production of the film Tightrope.
Blackmore, known for her work with the artist collective Barbara Cleveland, brings a discerning eye to the complexities of choreographing sex scenes in cinema. Claire Warden is brilliant as the intimacy oo-ordinator, allowing her to reveal the meticulous process of ensuring actors’ comfort and consent, balancing the director’s vision with the performers’ psychological and physical well-being.
The film offers unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes dynamics, highlighting the importance of communication, trust, and professionalism in creating authentic and respectful portrayals of intimacy on screen.
Written and Directed by Kate Blackmore
Produced by Bethany Bruce, Daniel Joyce
Director of Photography Justine Kerrigan Acs
Editor Elliott Magen
Composer Benjamin Speed
Executive Produced by Bridget Ikin, Emma Cooper, Michael Agar, Elliott Magen, Stevie Ray
Screening at Sydney Film Festival 2025
World Premiered at SXSW Austin 2025
Starring Claire Warden, Sarah Roberts, Albert Mwangi, Kieran Darcy-Smith, Tom Davis
Most striking is that the actors had never been previously asked about their boundaries and comfort levels. Throughout, Blackmore intersperses quotes from veteran actors about some of their difficult experiences on set. Those from Nicole Kidman, Jodie Foster and others are both revealing and surprising.
The documentary underscores the significance of having dedicated professionals like Warden to navigate the often-overlooked intricacies of filming intimate scenes, advocating for a culture of care and respect within the industry.
There’s plenty of screentime with the Australian director Kieran Darcy-Smith, who is a typical creative – a middle- aged man skateboarding down a corridor with his cap on – who despite his initial reservations about the script being tampered with, was open- minded to being challenged. Warden balances the needs of the creative process while keeping the actors safe. As she explains in the film, the focus has always been on physical danger, like stunts or violent scenes, and managing that to ensure actors are safe is now considered routine.
Cinematographer Justine Kerrigan captures the delicate interplay between vulnerability and performance, while editor Elliott Magen weaves together interviews, rehearsal footage, and candid moments to create a cohesive and engaging narrative . Composer Benjamin Speed’s subtle score complements the film’s tone, enhancing the emotional resonance without overshadowing the subject matter.
Make It Look Real challenges traditional norms, and encourages filmmakers, actors, and audiences to reconsider the ethics and responsibilities involved in depicting intimacy. Blackmore’s documentary is both informative and thought-provoking, offering a compelling case for the integration of intimacy coordination as a standard practice in the industry. While the film could benefit from exploring a wider array of productions and perspectives, its focused narrative provides a solid foundation for ongoing conversations about consent, representation, and the future of sex on screen.
