The smash-hit gay ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry has captivated audiences since its debut in November 2025, not least for its intensely realistic and passionate intimate scenes. As fans marvelled at the chemistry between stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, questions arose about the practicalities of filming such sequences. Now, the show's intimacy coordinator, Chala Hunter, has provided a candid and professional insight into one of the most asked-about aspects: what happens if an actor experiences arousal on set.
Normalising Natural Reactions
In an interview with Elle magazine, Chala Hunter explained that such physical reactions are a normal part of the human experience, even in a simulated environment. She addresses this directly with actors from the outset to remove any stigma or anxiety. "I make that a part of my introductory conversations," Hunter stated. "It’s important to say that the body sometimes doesn’t know the difference. We’re also just human beings who are made up of muscle tissue and nerve endings."
Her approach is rooted in transparency and safety, ensuring performers understand that an involuntary physical response is not a professional failing. This foundational conversation is a key part of creating a secure and respectful workspace for the cast of Heated Rivalry and other productions.
The Power of the Pause
So, what is the protocol if this situation occurs? Hunter's guidance is clear and empowers the actors. "I always break it down like that and say, if you need to call a pause for any reason, including if you become unintentionally aroused, or you just need to adjust something because the placement isn’t working for you, or because you have to pee, do it," she elaborated.
This permission is crucial because, as Hunter notes, actors are often hyper-vigilant about their co-stars' comfort. "Actors are so afraid of doing the wrong thing, or of hurting their fellow actor, or of crossing a boundary. Everyone is so deeply concerned about everyone else’s well-being," she said. By explicitly naming the possibility, she prevents actors from feeling they have "done something horribly wrong." The policy is mutual, allowing either partner to call for a break if they sense discomfort.
Technical Precision Behind Emotional Scenes
Despite the raw emotion viewers see on screen, Hunter emphasised that filming intimate scenes is a highly technical process. This meticulous preparation actually minimises the likelihood of unexpected reactions. "It happens a lot less [often] than one might think," she revealed regarding arousal on set. "What people have seen in Heated Rivalry doesn’t look technical, I hope. It certainly doesn’t look technical to me. It looks emotional and free. But, when we’re setting these scenes up, it’s incredibly technical."
This technical framework, involving precise choreography, barriers, and constant communication, allows the actors to deliver powerful performances while feeling protected. Connor Storrie himself has echoed this sentiment, reportedly stating that the process is "not ultimately that sexy" and can be "quite challenging sometimes for you to do it correctly."
The revelations from Chala Hunter highlight the evolving and essential role of intimacy coordination in modern filmmaking. By implementing clear, compassionate, and professional protocols, coordinators like Hunter ensure that shows like Heated Rivalry can portray intimacy convincingly while prioritising the absolute safety and well-being of the performers above all else.
