RED LIGHT BOYS
"Pulling back the curtain on New Zealand's male sex workers."
Given the current global cost of living crisis and ever-increasing student debt, it seems more young people are seeing sex work as an easy and time efficient opportunity to make a living. A desirable lifestyle, which often seems out of reach, has become an achievable reality as the rewarding financial independence allows men to become entrepreneurs with complete control over with whom, when, and how much they work. The reasons for entering the industry vary among these men; from an increased sense of self-worth, empowerment, erotic gratification, societal rebellion or simply an exploration of personal sexual expression.
Red Light Boys is an award-winning five-part documentary series that looks into the day-to-day lives of some of New Zealand's young, sexually-diverse male sex workers as they navigate the often misunderstood and complex world of this profession. Their unique stories are interwoven with the perspective of a mature sex worker who has had vast experience working in the industry, both pre and post decriminalisation.
Watch on TVNZ+, Re: News, YouTube
This documentary series was a partnership with New Zealand Sex Worker's Collective and made with the support of NZ on Air for Re: News in New Zealand.
SOL | 23, Wellington
Sex worker, university student and part-time employee.
SAM | 22, Wellington
Ex-sex worker, university student and part-time employee.
ALLAN | 55, Nelson
Sex worker and Mirimiri (massage) practitioner.
NATE | 20, Hamilton
Sex worker, university student and also holding two part-time jobs.
BRAD | 23, Auckland
Sex worker, bodybuilder.
BROWN BANANA | 22, Auckland
Sex worker, bodybuilder.
CAIN | 25, Auckland
Trans male sex worker and also employed elsewhere.
BLAKE | 32, Auckland
Sex worker, stripper and also employed elsewhere.
AZITA AGNEW AND JOHNNY AGNEW | DIRECTORS
AZITA AGNEW AND JOHNNY AGNEW | EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
JAMES ANDERSON | LINE PRODUCER
SIMON DAY | HEAD OF RE: NEWS
SOPHIE MACNICOL | HEAD OF PRODUCTION RE:
NGAWAERO MANIAPOTO | COMMISSIONER
NZPC NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR | ANNAH PICKERING
JOHNNY AGNEW | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
KAREN UGARTE | PRODUCTION MANAGER
VIXEN TEMPLE | KEY RESEARCHER AND ADVISOR
JOHNNY AGNEW | EDITOR
AZITA AGNEW | ASSISTANT EDITOR
MIKEE CARPINTER | COLOURIST
DICK READE | SOUND DESIGN AND MIX
TIPENE ROGERS | SOUND OPERATOR
TRENT WILLIAMS | SOUND OPERATOR
CLAUDIO ESCUTIA | SOUND OPERATOR
MAKOTO TAKAOKA | SOUND OPERATOR
DOMINIC FRYER | NZPC CAMERA OPERATOR
RANIERA HARRISON | CULTURAL CONSULTANT
DAVID GARB | PRODUCTION PSYCHOLOGIST
LENSES | IMAGEZONE