Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Davis.
Hi Leigh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to all things arty and Austin. A lifelong lover of film and television, I’m endlessly inspired by the magic of visual storytelling, especially the kind that comes out of our fiercely creative Austin film community. Movies like Blood Simple, Dazed and Confused, and Idiocracy remind me why I fell in love with this world in the first place: scrappy innovation, local flavor, and a deep appreciation for the craft.
After earning my BA in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, I wasn’t quite sure what came next. Then a friend offered me a shot at my first film job on a made-for-TV movie called Tornado! (Think Twister, but with fewer special effects and more mud.) I knew absolutely nothing about costumes, but I jumped in anyway. My glamorous first task? Returning unworn clothes to the mall and scraping mud off the costume boots after long, rainy days on a ranch set. It wasn’t Hollywood, but it was exhilarating. Watching a crew come together to bring even a small, stormy story to life lit something in me, and I was hooked!
That gig launched a 15-year career as a freelance production coordinator in Austin’s vibrant film scene. Along the way, I wore a lot of hats, including working in locations, art, accounting, and production offices, and earned credits on more than 35 Texas-made films and TV shows, including Office Space, Friday Night Lights, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Eventually, my love for both fine art and film led me to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where I helped oversee the fabrication of the Wiess Energy Hall exhibit. From there, I joined the Texas Film Commission as a production incentives specialist, helping filmmakers bring their projects and their stories to life right here in Texas.
Then, during a film commission conference in Bogotá, Colombia, I attended a panel on intimacy coordination. The conversation around safety, consent, and creativity on set resonated deeply. I knew immediately I wanted to be part of that movement. After completing training and certification with the Intimacy Professionals Association, I began a new chapter in my career as a freelance intimacy coordinator, still based in Austin, and still in love with the art of storytelling and collaboration, in the creative heartbeat of Texas.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I face as a freelance Intimacy Coordinator is that I’m often a department of one. In the gig economy, that can feel a little like being adrift between projects, it’s entirely up to me to network, build relationships, and line up the next opportunity. But along the way, I’ve found an incredible sense of community through local organizations like Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Austin and Southwest Intimacy Professionals (SWIP). These groups remind me that even in a freelance world, we’re never truly working alone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The world of film and television has changed dramatically in recent years, and with it, the role of the Intimacy Coordinator has become an essential part of modern storytelling. As a certified professional, I bring not only technical expertise but also empathy, clear communication, and a deep commitment to safety and respect on set.
Actors are often asked to perform scenes that are vulnerable, intimate, or emotionally charged moments that require sensitivity and trust. My role is to serve as both advocate and collaborator: supporting the actors while ensuring the director’s creative vision shines through. I work closely with directors, performers, and key departments like costumes, makeup, and production to plan, choreograph, and execute intimate scenes in ways that feel authentic, professional, and safe.
What I’m most proud of is creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported, where artists can do their best work without fear or discomfort. What sets me apart is my blend of production experience, artistic background, and genuine care for people. I see intimacy coordination not just as a technical job, but as an opportunity to foster trust, elevate storytelling, and make the filmmaking process a more compassionate collaboration.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re looking to break into film or television, you don’t have to go it alone. There are incredible (and free!) resources right here in Texas. Both the Texas Film Commission and the Austin Film Commission offer production directories, job postings, internship listings, casting calls, and details about local industry events. Their websites are treasure troves for anyone eager to learn and connect. My best advice? Sign up for their newsletters, show up to networking events, and start introducing yourself. In this business, every conversation has the potential to open a door.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ldintimacycoordinator.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighdavis_ic/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-davis-932b32180/
Image Credits
Janelle Lee Austin, Pexels, Intimacy Professionals Association
