PAYBOYS
THE STORY.
Male prostitution is a major problem in the Netherlands. Vulnerable and often underage boys who are looking for love, attention and money end up in a world of abuse, violence and addiction. In this world it seems the younger the better. Some are as young as fourteen. Victims face a triple taboo on homosexuality, sex work and male victimization. In many cases they do not seek or accept help and remain under the radar.
Payboys gives an insight into their lives. How do they end up in this world as young boys? And why is it so difficult to get out? In this film Tristan, Giovanni, Deniz en Gino open up about the dark sides of male prostitution in the Netherlands, from systematic abuse to the exploitation of underaged boys in large underground networks that remain off the radar to police and society to this day.
THE PRODUCTION.
During the research phase we spoke to many different boys. Also guys who seemed to do sex work with love or who have not experienced anything harmful. But as we delved deeper we discovered that there is so much wrong in the world of male sex workers that I decided that the documentary should have that angle. With the film I wanted to show how easy it is to make abuse of boys who are in vulnerable situations.
The most complicated aspect about making Payboys was finding the boys and gaining their trust. I came into contact with them through aid organizations and chat- and escort sites. Together with a researcher I started talking to many of them. Almost everyone only wanted to cooperate anonymously. Ultimately, two boys wanted to be recognizable in the film. The interviews with the other boys were done by means of reconstructions with actors.
My role
Researcher, director, second camera, editor
Release
November 2022
Length
45 minutes
Shooting location
the Netherlands
Years of production
2021-2022
Streamer
Videoland by RTL
Production house
Mediawan Skyhigh
More info on
www.videoland.com
I was surprised at how big this hidden world is. It made me cynical. Many of these guys’ clients had children at home. Every time I saw a child seat in the back of a car, I thought: could this guy have something on his record?
THE STILLS.
