'Heated Rivalry' Intimacy Coordinator Reveals How Hudson Williams & Connor Storrie Built On-Screen Chemistry

The intimacy coordinator behind Heated Rivalry is speaking out about the connection between Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

Chala Hunter got candid in a new interview explaining how an intimacy coordinator works, and what the job entails.

Keep reading to find out more…

During a discussion with IndieWire, Chala addressed what happened behind-the-scenes of the hit Crave / HBO Max LGBTQ+ series, including how she might give instructions to the actors.

“I could say ‘kissing with an open mouth but no tongue.’ Then it’s up to the actors to imbue that with all of their spirit, character interpretation, and physical impulse,” Chala said.

Chala also noted that preparing to film the show involved a full breakdown of every intimate scene.

“Connor [Storrie], Hudson [Williams], and I spoke for hours. We went through all of the actions, scene by scene, in the entire series. I talked through their consent levels, boundaries, and their feelings about the scenes in immense detail,” Chala said.

Other things involved with the job are: a nudity rider, which is an “agreement of the actor’s consent submitted to performers at least 48 hours in advance,” confidential discussions with cast and crew, modesty garments, and addressing extensive closed or sensitive set protocols.

“I had a whole spreadsheet system tracking what episode we’re in and what came before,” she said, explaining that she’s there to serve as a reminder of the preceding moments especially when the scenes are shot out of order, adding that the first intimate scene they shot was the conclusion of Episode 2.

“I was there to track these characters’ journey and their relationship with each other. That’s how intimately, no pun intended, I approach the work,” she said.

Heated Rivalry may be on hiatus between seasons, but the cast has been keeping busy! Find out what projects they’re working on right now.