There are many factors to consider when working in film, and one of the biggest factors is mental health. When you’re working for 16+ hour days and keeping yourself busy, or working on a movie that has subject matter that just might remind you of your own shady past, things can really get to you. Fortunately, there are some solutions to keeping mental health in check. One way is by having mental health coordinators on set. A while back, I spoke to the very first certified mental health coordinator in Canada, Aryn Mott. They are a very gentle soul who knows just what to do.
Aryn knows for a fact that there are different entryways into a scene, and they know how to coordinate them with actors so things don’t get too repetitive. When it comes to telling thematic stories, the chance of living that experience will be there on set and usually it’s 1 in 4 if it’s something about disordered eating, or substance abuse. When it comes to telling a story, it’s important to have additional resources on set. It’s not something we should just explain at a production meeting, but also in the schools. Luckily, that’s a possibility to learn too because Aryn teaches the Empowered Actor Course which explores mental health among other subjects. Anybody could benefit from such important topics, not just actors.
Aryn has all the resources when it comes to helping people out, and I got a lot of resourceful information on what these resources are. Now it’s your turn to learn, so read through my interview, with Aryn Mott.
HNMAG: You’re Canada’s first certified mental health coordinator for film and TV. How did you get such a status?
Aryn Mott: I started my journey in 2021, training with the Association of Mental Health Coordinators in the U.S., where I initially earned my certification as a Mental Health Practitioner. Applying what I learned to the industry, I worked on projects like Shogun—the 19 Emmy Award-winning series—and The Ornament and Death and Other Details, as an Intimacy Coordinator with a mental health informed lens. In 2023, I undertook their inaugural Mental Health Coordinator certification, a 10-week program culminating in 30 hours of on-set experience. After completing the project and submitting all final documentation, I officially became Canada’s first certified mental health coordinator for film and television.
HNMAG: You’ve also worked as an intimacy coordinator. Is it similar, or are there distinct differences?
Aryn Mott: Intimacy coordinating was my initial entry point into this field within the film industry. Before that, my mental health work was mostly outside of entertainment. These two roles are distinct yet complementary. As an intimacy coordinator, I primarily advocate for performers, prioritizing their boundaries and comfort, especially when choreographing intimate scenes. Collaborating with directors and actors, we focus on maintaining authenticity in storytelling while protecting the well-being of everyone involved.
Intimacy coordinators are often trained in mental health first aid, where the overlap with mental health coordination begins. If a performer or crew member becomes emotionally dysregulated during a scene, some of us can step in and offer support. Many of the skills with Mental health brought to my work on Shogun and other projects has reinforced the idea that these two roles differ, required specified training and a scope of pracrtice but they can work beautifully together to ensure the emotional and psychological safety of those on set.
HNMAG: What are your prime responsibilities as a mental health coordinator?
Aryn Mott: Mental health coordinators are trained professionals with diverse backgrounds. I come from a foundation in counselling and psychology, and a background in neurological and childhood development. I’m also an artist with a BFA in acting, with 22 years of experience in film and television. This blend allows me to support productions and performers with the portrayal of mental health challenges, challenging/difficult content, productions involving minors and babies and but also in maintain emotional and psychological safety.
Mental Health Coordinators ensure the psychological welfare of everyone on set—performers, directors, and crew members—by providing resources to manage stress, burnout, and lived experiences that resonate with the themes being portrayed. One of our roles is serve as emotional first aid, offering immediate support and guiding individuals to additional resources when needed. It’s sometimes helpful to explain this spexfic aspect of this role in comparison to physical first aid: you always have a first-aid kit on set, not because someone is necessarily injured, but to be prepared in case they are. Similarly, mental health support is there when needed, allowing directors to direct, producers to produce, and ensuring there’s a specialist available to support the storytelling process and the individuals involved in it.
Aryn also explained that they contributed to the authentic terms of mental health issues by helping shape narratives that depict the interesting themes discussed in the movies and align these themes with what society has learned in terms of mental health. However, the realism can also have an effect on performers and crew, so coordinators make sure to keep everything in check.
HNMAG: What is the most extreme coordination you’ve had to do?
Aryn Mott: Two moments come to mind. On Shogun, particularly Episode 8, we had challenging scenes involving seppuku, an act of honourable suicide. I was on set during these intense moments, helping both performers and crew manage the emotional toll of repeatedly capturing such a graphic and powerful scene. Watching someone portray such heightened emotions can trigger dysregulation, so I supported the cast and crew through those responses, ensuring they stayed grounded.
Another recent project involved working with an autistic character, portrayed by an actor who is also autistic. It was crucial to represent autistic stimming behaviours authentically without pushing the performer into a state of overwhelm. My job was to help navigate that balance, ensuring the emotional depth of the scene while protecting the performer’s well-being.
HNMAG: Have you ever encountered a production that felt too overwhelming to manage?
Aryn Mott: No, and that’s the beauty of the mental health coordination community. We have lifelines, even while on set. I can call or text another coordinator to get support or bounce ideas around. It’s a humbling reminder that while I may be the only person in that role on set, there’s a network behind me. Having that support system is essential, especially when unexpected challenges arise. Since we had this conversation two others from my cohort have finished their certification process in Canada, strengthening this community to three.
Maintaining a firm balance in my own mental health practices has been crucial in navigating the demands of my work. I have non-negotiables in my daily routine, especially morning and night rituals, which help me stay grounded. A closure practice at the end of each workday, even if it’s just small rituals, is vital for my mental wellness. Ensuring I see a therapist regularly and having a network of trusted individuals to connect with and discuss challenges is essential to keeping myself aligned.
I meditate every day, engage in physical fitness—moving my body is incredibly important for my mental health—and practice my Japanese language homework as a way to keep my mind active and engaged. Being humble and honest about my capabilities and scope of practice has also been essential. I’ve certainly experienced immense growth within projects, and that’s a feeling I hope to always embrace. After all, there is no growth in comfort, and no comfort in growth.
HNMAG: You also teach the Empowered Actor course at VFS, which tackles serious topics. Why is this important?
Aryn Mott: During my formal training, the focus wasn’t on mental health, boundaries, or the ability to view characters through a nuanced lens of mental health and privilege. Now, we emphasize giving students the tools to care for their own well-being while navigating the demands of the industry.
This course prepares actors for the realities of their profession by introducing key soft skills necessary for resilience. It covers the importance of maintaining physical and emotional health, organizing their personal and professional lives, and setting clear boundaries while respecting those of others. The course also highlights the ‘why’ behind professional etiquette, helping students understand how to situate themselves within the creative industry. Students are encouraged to create community agreements that reflect their values and develop personal contracts that empower them to succeed. Ultimately, the course aims to help actors advocate for themselves, navigate different personalities and situations on set, and build sustainable careers while managing their mental health and boundaries.”
HNMAG: What else do you teach in the course?
Aryn Mott: The course focuses on seven key areas essential to a performer’s well-being and professional development. We explore mental health and wellness, incorporating practical exercises like warm-ups and cool-downs to help performers transition in and out of character. Consent and boundaries, especially for intimate scenes, are a significant focus, along with understanding the collaborative process.
We engage in discussions around oppression, anti-oppression, and privilege, emphasizing how equity and empathy can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment. Professionalism and collaboration are also key topics—what skills we can bring to work effectively with others. Additionally, we explore improvisation skills and how they contribute to a performer’s adaptability and creativity on set. Overall, the course equips students with the tools to navigate the industry with integrity, resilience, and a strong sense of self.
HNMAG: Do you mentor other coordinators who are in training?
Aryn Mott: I’m currently mentoring two emerging intimacy coordinators who approach their work with a trauma-informed perspective. Guiding them through their journey is incredibly fulfilling, especially as the field continues to evolve. I’m passionate about mentorship and eagerly anticipate mentoring mental health coordinators as the profession gains traction in Canada. For me, mentorship is a rewarding exchange rooted in mutual respect and professional growth, rather than financial gain.
HNMAG: What do you hope people take away from working with you?
Aryn Mott: I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of the ongoing nature of mental health care. It’s not a one-time thing; it’s an evolving process that requires curiosity and commitment. My goal is to provide performers with the tools to dive deeply into their characters while still being able to step away from the work and return to themselves. For the crew, it’s about recognizing the importance of emotional and psychological safety for everyone on set. More than that, I hope people leave feeling more passionate about performing and the art of storytelling, equipped with a broader lens on tools, best practices, advocacy, and joy.
HNMAG: Mental health is a serious matter. What else do you do to address it?
Aryn Mott: I believe in the power of conversation. I regularly share insights on TikTok about mental health and intimacy coordination, offering regulatory tools and discussing industry trends. I think greater understanding leads to more empathy, and the more we talk about mental health, the closer we get to destigmatizing it. Being open about our experiences and embracing our flaws and strengths is critical.
One of the most critical aspects is addressing access needs. We all navigate unique needs as humans, and when we offer equitable support—whether it’s mental health resources or accommodations for neurodiverse individuals—you’ll find. Science has proven that it leads to better performance all around. The statistics in the film and television industry show that mental health crises, including substance abuse and suicide, affect both performers and crew at an alarming rate. By prioritizing mental health and creating support systems, we can combat these issues, fostering healthier and more sustainable working environments for everyone involved.
I also work with film festivals and participate in panel discussions to bring these conversations to the forefront, advocating for more resources and support across the industry. And in all of this, I believe in the importance of joy, levity, and camaraderie in navigating these challenges together.
Aryn explained how Cannes did one panel this year about discussing mental health and is hoping TIFF will follow suit. The Hollywood Reporter round table had a great conversation on that already, and how neurochemistry can activate with actors portrayal. It always helps that we have these resources in the industry. I’m impressed with how things are working so far. But key is talking about mental health as well as access needs especially for the neurodiverse individuals. Being able to have those things in place so people can show up and do their job authentically while also acknowledging that we are all humans.
HNMAG: What else can we do as a community to destigmatize mental health?
Aryn Mott: We need to continue having open and brave conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable. We must be proactive, creating resources and support systems before crises occur. Mental health, consent, and intimacy coordination are becoming more prominent in our industry, and it’s crucial to keep these discussions going to ensure everyone feels safe and respected on set.
Shortly after this whole interview, we had a light conversation together and I discovered that the film about autism Aryn mentioned was in fact a film that a personal friend of mine had worked on for Crazy8’s. Truly a small world, and we talked about some other interesting facts too. This had to have been one of the most informative and finest interviews I’ve ever had. Not only has Aryn achieved status of being the very first Canadian Mental Health Coordinator, they also made a lot more impacts and accomplishments, and even taught me so much about the importance of mental health. I hope you learned a whole lot too from reading this. There is hope, everyone. That’s the most important lesson I learned while doing this interview with Aryn.