Cassius Matthias's first film, TRENT2RENT, tells the story about how one man's life changes irreversibly when he is introduced to the little known world of male sex work. Inspired by excerpts from pioneering research into the issue of London's male prostitution scene that appeared in the Big Issue in January 2005, Matthias began extensive research on his original script with the help of a new study commissioned by Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Primary Care Trust. This in turn lead to a meeting with SW5, part of the Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity that works with male and transgender sex workers, offering support on a broad range of issues.
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"At SW5 we recognize that there is no one type of person typically involved in sex work. People come to it from all sorts of different backgrounds, cultures, age groups, genders and sexualities and for all sorts of different reasons. Many see it as work of choice in which case we encourage them to empower themselves while working, to work safely and within the law. We also recognize that many want to exit sex work and we will support them in building up their lives so they are in a better position to cope with the considerable change in lifestyle and earning power. Comments from our service users have varied from 'I love sex, so why not get paid for it?' to 'This job is destroying my soul - get me out quick!' Typical clients of male escorts would include married men, (many of whom have children), men who define their sexuality as straight in their everyday lives, men from countries or cultures where homosexuality is not recognized, and men who are sexually inexperienced. It also includes gay men who simply have a lot of money and want some fun!
"TRENT2RENT is a progressive film as it is about a young heterosexual man choosing sex work as a career move. A growing and significant number of males who identify as straight feel able to sell sex to men. They often use a pseudonym to create a second identity for themselves. Some male sex workers even advertise themselves in the press and on the Internet as straight to gain more clients. Others cross dress recognizing a strong demand in the market to do so. Being young and good looking is not usually enough to remain successful in the business. Developing good social skills is very desirable. Specializing in a certain type of sex could be a good idea. Some complain that the problem with selling sex is that it is not really a good career choice - you don't end up being offered promotion or gain a certificate. Some might invest their money wisely in property, education and other types of work. Others see it as 'dirty money' and find they have little to show for it but for the good times. 'I made a grand at the weekend, but have just had my electricity cut off as I couldn't pay the bill.'"
"When the Metropolitan Police asked us to attend TRENT2RENT screenings with various police units as part of their training and awareness, the film provoked much discussion about many of its themes - particularly the legalities around selling sex. In the UK the law is complex, and is currently under review. For example, although it is legal to work for yourself, you cannot work from the streets as this is seen as soliciting; you cannot work with others as this is seen as running a brothel; you can advertise, but not in phone boxes and the fines for doing so are often hefty. We work well with the local police to encourage our guys to report any violent incidences they might have with punters, or even non-payment for their services. Our advice is: Remember, someone who attacks you may kill someone else. TRENT2RENT is probably the first film ever made that highlights the need, in other parts of the UK, for more organizations such as SW5 which is unique in the way that it works with sex workers who might otherwise be very vulnerable and isolated."
SW5 is part of the Terrence Higgins Trust, 314-320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP. Contact Del Campbell on 020 7812 1809 for more details.
a ZOOM FILMS presentation
in association with EVERYMAN MEDIA