Louis Theroux is back with a new documentary on the sex industry in the UK.
The BAFTA award winning filmmaker’s upcoming BBC Two project ‘Selling Sex’ will focus on women providing legal services from hotels or their own home, and he’s keen to delve into the "ethical wrinkles" of the subject.
He said: "I’m always drawn to stories that involve ethical wrinkles – issues that are deeply felt, but are also divisive, and in which goodhearted people can come to opposite conclusions. The debate around selling sex is exactly that kind of story."
The women featured in the one hour special use the ease of technology to share photos, make bookings and vet potential clients.
Louis, 49, added: "It is one of the most straightforward, yet complex interactions that can take place between two people. On the one hand, none of the activities taking place here are illegal; everything is above board and both parties have mutually agreed on the arrangement.
"On the other, it’s impossible to deny that for many – maybe most – people, there is something unsavoury in the idea of accepting money for an act that is so intimate. They have a problem with those who do it and see it as a symptom of a society that is controlled and dominated by men."
Prostitution on the streets or owning a brothel is illegal in England, but exchanging sexual services is not, and so people are finding new ways – thanks to technology – to feel secure and in control during the exchanges.
The broadcaster explained: "I thought it would be revealing to speak to the women involved in the business of selling sex. Once we started looking we discovered that the sexual economy seems to have been turbo-charged by the prevalence of new websites and social media that allow users to meet up more easily, to write reviews of each other, and swap information."
According to Louis, viewers will get a very "intimate look" at the lives of three woman which will help people understand how someone goes down this path.
Sex work has always been controversial, with many believing it to be exploitative and damaging, but the documentary aims to "broaden" people’s minds on the sensitive topic.
Patrick Holland – Controller for BBC Two – added: "This is a challenging and complex film about the modern face of one of the oldest taboos. The contributors let us into their lives with exceptional candour. I’d like to thank Louis and his team for another exceptional documentary."
Louis Theroux explores sex work in new documentary
