Shot by Kynder Capture the Seoul
Zuri Pryor-Graves MSW, MEd (she/her) is an Atlanta based Sexuality Professional and Sexpert. She is certified by SAG-AFTRA and Intimacy Coordinators and Directors International as an Intimacy Coordinator. Furthermore, she is a Sexuality Clinician/Sex Therapist, Sexologist, On-Set Therapist, Sexual Educator, Sexual Cultural Competency Consultant, and Television Personality. Zuri’s expertise in sexuality therapy/education, mental health, and TV/film production allows her to excel in her role as an Intimacy Coordinator. She has worked on various platforms such as HBO, BET, Starz, NBC, Netflix, Lifetime, MTV, FX, Disney, AMC/AMC+, AppleTV, and more.
Apart from her work as an Intimacy Coordinator, Zuri is actively involved in advocating for sexuality, authenticity, and consent in the TV and film industry. She possesses extensive knowledge in on-screen movement and choreography, anti-harassment practices, proper use of modesty garments, and the design of genital prosthetics. Additionally, she is well-versed in mediation and conflict resolution, bystander intervention, trauma work, LGBTQ support, kink/BDSM, and alternative relationship structures. Zuri also holds certifications in gender, sexuality, race, disability competency, and is certified in Mental Health First Aid.
As a therapist, Zuri specializes in individual, couple, and family therapy. She leads groups and workshops on LGBTQ topics, consent culture, kink, sexuality education, and sex positivity. Her experience as a therapist allows her to provide valuable consultation and support to television and film sets. As an actor, stunt performer, and former radio talk show host, she has a unique inside perspective.
Before she was an IC, Zuri:
Before embarking on her career in the mental health field, she gained valuable experience in the television and film industry. She worked for prominent networks such as BET, Discovery Networks, and CBS. Having accumulated more than 300 days on set and corporate television background, she possesses a deep understanding of production requirements.
Simultaneously, she has also established herself as a skilled SAG-AFTRA stunt performer and actor, on–screen relationship sexpert. Prior to this, she proudly became a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She graduated from Howard University, and obtained two master’s degrees from Widener University human sexuality program. Beyond her professional and academic achievements, she has a passion for roller derby and has traveled extensively. She showcases her skills as an athlete and coach. Additionally, she enjoys spending her weekends as a DJ and considers herself a devoted food and puppy enthusiast.
A Few of Zuri’s Recent Atlanta Appearances
Women in Production Summit Panelist 2022
It’s Our Time Couple’s Brunch and Fashion Experience Speaker – 2023
Bronze Lens Festival Speaker – 2022
Intimacy Coordinator Zuri In the Press
A Letter from Intimacy Coordinator Zuri:
Love Making Scenarios. Sex Scenes. Make Out Shots: These are consistent elements in the television and film industry standard.
Enthusiastic Consent. Negotiated Nudity. Prioritized Safety. General Mental Health: These terms have become the new standard in the television and film industry, thanks to the introduction of Intimacy Coordination. This cultural shift has brought about a change in how love making scenarios, sex scenes, and make out shots are approached.
As an Intimacy Coordinator,
I bring a unique blend of professional experience and personal passion to the table. My background in mental health, sex positivity, and clear communication has shaped me into an ideal candidate for this field. Additionally, my education in sexuality, including a MEd and MSW, has allowed me to become a certified sexuality therapist and master level sexuality educator.
Having worked with BET, CBS, and Discovery Networks, I’ve acquired a wide range of skills in set language, etiquette, and general production knowledge. However, I felt the need to further my training in order to combine my love for television and film with my expertise in sexuality. This led me to discover the role of an Intimacy Coordinator, which felt like the perfect fit for me.
Moving to Atlanta has provided me with fresh perspective on the production world, as I find myself in front of the camera. This firsthand experience has allowed me to truly understand the nuances and vulnerabilities that actors face onscreen. It has also made me realize the importance of having a liaison who can effectively communicate and advocate for the needs and limitations of the actors.
I am aware of the alarming statistic that the average lifespan of a First AD is 56 years of age, highlighting the demanding nature of the industry. Whether it is through intimacy coordination or therapy, there is a clear need for professionals who support the mental health productions. I am grateful to be one of those individuals who can contribute to this important work.
In conclusion
I strongly believe in the significance of mental health, sex positivity, and clear communication in the television and film industry. I am committed to promoting enthusiastic consent, negotiated nudity, prioritized safety, and general mental health as the new standard and foundation in production.