Heated Rivalry Director Responds to Gay Sex Scenes Criticism with Humor and Honesty

As we eagerly await how it all wraps up, Jacob Tierney, who brings us all those intense moments in *Heated Rivalry*, shares what it was like creating those talked-about intimate scenes.

The series, inspired by Rachel Reid's *Game Changers* novels, dives deep with Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams. These two rival hockey players find themselves in a secret and passionate relationship.

In those early episodes, you can't miss that electric chemistry between them, often played out in dimly lit hotel rooms. Getting these intimate moments right was a meticulous task.

Capturing real intimacy: A closer look

In a chat with Vulture, Tierney talked about filming these scenes and how he worked with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter.

Hunter compared crafting these scenes with "stuntwork," noting that it requires "technical and precise" execution. She emphasized, "Authenticity in portraying queer sex, particularly gay male sex, was important, especially out there in front."

Hunter added, "I never assume anyone's been through anything specific."

Laughing in response: Tierney's humorous take on criticism

Tierney faced some feedback over how they showed Shane and Ilya's first sex scene. He responded with humor, quipping, "People want details, like when Shane prepped. It's not a documentary. Do we need a scene where Shane's in a bathroom with an enema? We're skipping that part."

Fostering a supportive set

Tierney shared how he created an on-set atmosphere that allowed actors freedom and comfort. He encouraged honesty and openness.

"I told them: It doesn't matter what you've done before," Tierney explained, ensuring he didn't assume anything about their past experiences. "I'll describe things. Like, in my experience, this might feel a certain kind when it happens."

Tierney continued, "Connor would say, Okay, when I press your thigh this certain kind, it means I'm halfway in. They had this secret language."

Laughter was part and parcel: Bold performances all around

Hunter shared a particular moment from episode six where Storrie's improvisation had everyone cracking up. "I couldn't stop laughing," she said. "These actors were incredibly gutsy, truly becoming their characters."

She added, "We'd often say, Wow, they're really going there," emphasizing their dedication and bravery.

You can catch *Heated Rivalry* streaming on Craven in Canada and HBO in America, with a UK premiere set on Sky and NOW starting January 10.