IMDb Adds Credits for Intimacy Coordination, Choreography, Dubbing and 9 More Professional Categories
In a landmark move, IMDb (Internet Movie Database) has expanded its credit categories to include 12 new roles, such as intimacy coordination, choreography, and dubbing. Rolled out on June 5, 2024, this update celebrates the often-overlooked professionals who shape the entertainment industry.
A Step Toward Inclusive Film & TV Credits
IMDb, the leading platform for film and TV credits, has historically prioritized traditional roles like directors and actors. However, modern productions demand recognition for more specialized contributors. The new categories include:
- Intimacy Coordination – Ensures safety and consent in sensitive scenes.
- Choreography – Recognizes dance and fight coordinators.
- Dubbing – Highlights voice artists localizing content globally.
- Color Grading – Credits artists shaping a project’s visual tone.
- VFX Supervision – Acknowledges digital effects creators.
- Dialect Coaching – Celebrates accent trainers for actors.
- Animal Handling – Recognizes ethical animal trainers.
- Stunt Coordination – Credits high-risk action specialists.
- Accessibility Coordination – Ensures inclusive sets for disabled talent.
- Crowd Coordination – Manages extras in large-scale scenes.
- Script Supervision – Maintains narrative continuity.
- Sustainability Supervision – Reduces productions’ carbon footprints.
Why IMDb’s Credit Expansion Matters
Many of these roles have long operated behind the scenes. Intimacy coordinators, for example, became essential post-#MeToo but were rarely credited. Similarly, dubbing artists and dialect coaches play crucial roles without mainstream acknowledgment.
“This is a game-changer,” says Priya Menon, a Mumbai-based intimacy coordinator. “Now audiences will know our work exists.”
Industry Reactions to IMDb’s Update
The move has drawn praise:
– Producers Guild of India (PGI): “A progressive step toward equitable recognition.”
– Netflix India: “Every role counts—glad IMDb reflects that.”
However, some veterans worry about credit inflation. Director Rajiv Mehta commented, “While inclusivity is important, credits must stay meaningful.”
Global Trend Toward Fairer Credits
IMDb’s update aligns with industry shifts:
– The Oscars added a Best Casting category.
– Streaming platforms like Amazon Prime now list intimacy coordinators in credits.
What’s Next for IMDb?
The platform plans to:
✔ Backdate credits for past projects.
✔ Explore AI-assisted role credits in the future.
The Bottom Line
IMDb’s expansion isn’t just about names—it’s about valuing the unseen work behind great storytelling. As filmmaking evolves, this sets a precedent for fair recognition industry-wide.
Stay tuned for more entertainment industry updates!
