intimacy coordinators aotearoa new zealand
Te Kāhui Kairuruku Taupiringa o Aotearoa
Todd Emerson
(he/him)
Tāmaki makau-rau/Auckland
Todd comes to the work of intimacy coordination with over 25 years experience in Aotearoa as a performer on our stages and screens.
He began his training as an intimacy coordinator in 2020 through IDC (Intimacy Directors & Coordinators) and has continued his education with workshops and seminars with TIE (Theatrical Intimacy Education) and IPA (Intimacy Professionals Association) as well as being mentored by Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Tandi Wright.
He holds certificates in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid (St Johns), Fundamentals of safeguarding and protecting children, Supporting transgender People (Gender Minorities Aotearoa) and Sexual harassment and bullying prevention (Safe Stages)
Todd has served as an Intimacy Coordinator on a range of screen productions for companies such as Great Southern Television (n00b), South Pacific Pictures (Shortland Street) and Kevin & Co (Raised by Refugees).
As an intimacy director for theatre he has worked with Auckland Theatre Company, Q Theatre, Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts, and Auckland Arts Festival.
He regularly works on stills shoots for advertising campaigns, as well as music videos and short films.
As a proud queer man, Todd is deeply committed to amplifying queer narratives and supporting LGBTQIA+ creators in bringing their stories to life. His work is informed by a profound understanding of the emotional and psychological dynamics of actors, ensuring that their experiences with intimate scenes are handled with care, dignity, and respect.
Intimacy Coordination Credits
2024 – n00b (TV Series) – Great Southern Television
2024 – Gravity & Grace (Theatre) – Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts
2024 – The Perfect Image (Theatre) – Smoke Labours Productions
2024 – Skittles x Burnett Foundation (Brand Stills) – Loupe Agency
2024 – Burnett Foundation (Brand Stills) – Loupe Agency
2023 – Shortland Street (TV Series) – South Pacific Pictures
2023 – The Long Track (Short Film) – Pigville Productions Ltd
2023 – Losing Face (Theatre) – Punctum Productions
2023 – Shall We? (Short) – A Wave in the Ocean, Netflix
2023 – Rewired (Brand Stills) – Curative NZ
2023 – Lightbeam (Music Video) – Jessica Leigh
2023 – Daddy Ubu (Theatre) – Auckland Theatre Company
2023 – Queens (Short) – A Wave in the Ocean, Netflix
2023 – How Good Was Tonight? (Short) – A Wave in the Ocean, Netflix
2023 – The Mermaid (Short) – A Wave in the Ocean, Netflix
2023 – Raised by Refugees Season 2 (TV Series) – Kevin and Co
2023 – The Boy, The Queen and Everything In Between (TV Series) – Lucky Legs Media
Testimonials
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the brilliant, professional and supportive work that Todd did on our series ‘n00b’. From day one, his enthusiasm for the material and commitment to facilitating cast comfort was clear, and every day since then, he’s been an absolute dream to work with. Todd’s communication and preparation from rehearsals to shoot made the process comfortable and smooth for all, and we so appreciated his sensitive and empathetic check-ins with our young actors. His enthusiasm and warmth is his superpower, and we cannot wait for many more collaborations with him in the future.”
RACHEL FAWCETT (Producer, N00b)
“Todd not only brings forth a wealth of experience as an actor, but a focussed, generous spirit when working as an intimacy coordinator. On Raised by Refugees, Todd was working largely with our young actors facilitating intimacy, and first onscreen romance. What could’ve been a daunting, scary process was made easeful, clear, safely playful. They were held beautifully, and the romance rings true in the storytelling. Todd was instrumental in bringing to life our vision for the story. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
KATE McGILL (Director, Raised by Refugees)
“Todd was outstanding. It’s the most relaxed and comfortable I’ve felt to play in an intimate scene before. He was so able to read the room and provide what was specifically required for us. He enabled us to feel free, safe, and in control.”
JORDAN MOONEY (Actor, Dark City: The Cleaner)
“Todd creates such a safe and robust environment to undertake intimacy work, through our working relationship and his support I’ve felt the confidence to tackle some really challenging material. He is a joy to work with.”
ELEANOR BISHOP (Director, Gravity & Grace)
“Working with Todd on my drama was a dream. He moved with such care, respect and a ton of joy. The way he articulates his mahi is tuned in, calm and present. Making everyone in the room feel good about themselves. He just gets it. And I’m here for it!” Ramon Te Wake
RAMON TE WAKE (Director, The Boy, The Queen and Everything In Between)