Sugarbabies
There's only one thing these Queer, unapologetic gold diggers love more than a big fat c**k. A big fat wallet.
Desperate Glenn will do anything to hold on to his only regular Sugar Daddy - but when vengeful Diamond appears on the scene with their sights set on stealing him. How far will Glenn go to keep him from the fierce and petty queen? Meanwhile, battle-axe Simona tackles addiction, motherhood and a struggling influencer career.
Sugarbabies is an outrageously dark comedy parodying the trashy world of reality TV.
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Leo LebeauDirectorBirthday Boy
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Leo LebeauWriterBirthday Boy
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James BellWriterBirthday Boy
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Leo LebeauProducerBirthday Boy
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Jacade SimpsonKey Cast"Glenn"
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James PhoonKey Cast"Diamond"
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Emily CardingKey Cast"Simona"
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Faith KnightKey Cast"Karen"
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Project Type:Experimental, Short, Student, Television
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Genres:LGBTQ, LGBT, COMEDY-DRAMA, COMEDY, pilot, Television
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Runtime:18 minutes 25 seconds
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Completion Date:January 13, 2020
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Country of Origin:United Kingdom
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Country of Filming:United Kingdom
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:1:85:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - National Film and Television School
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UK Seasonal Short Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
September 27, 2020
United Kingdom Premiere
Official Selection -
UK Seasonal Short Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
September 27, 2020
United Kingdom Premiere
Gold Award for Best Comedy -
UK Seasonal Short Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
September 27, 2020
United Kingdom Premiere
Best Direction -
London Rocks Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
October 24, 2020
Official Selection -
Rainbow Umbrella Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
January 7, 2021
Festival Director's Choice Award -
Rainbow Umbrella Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
January 7, 2021
Official Selection -
Lit Laughs International Comedy Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
December 27, 2020
Official Selection -
North London Comedy ShortsLondon
United Kingdom
January 31, 2021
Official Selection -
North London Comedy ShortsLondon
United Kingdom
January 31, 2021
Best Student Short
Leo Lebeau is a British Director, Writer and Producer with a passion for Queer stories.
Leo graduated in 2020 from The National Film and Television School in London UK, where he was awarded both BAFTA and Prince William Scholarships for his studies. As a result, he is currently being mentored by the Emmy winning Executive Producer of Fleabag, Lydia Hampson.
Leo's most recent works include short film Birthday Boy (2020) after raising £13,000 via Kickstarter, as well as the bold comedy-drama Sugarbabies (2020).
A lot of people ask me - what is a Sugar Baby? And how can I become one?
When I was a student at The University of Arts London, the best advice I was given was to network and party. It’s at these parties that I met the Sugar Babies - young individuals that are financially supported by wealthy; often elderly men.
Big, bold and sexually adventurous. Three things I knew this film had to be. As we wrapped in a sex dungeon at the back of a suburban household. I knew I had achieved my goal.
A hook up between Gus Van Sant’s mockumentary To Die For, the humour of John Waters' Pink Flamingos and campy visuals of Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element. Throw in a touch of trashy reality TV and the result is Sugarbabies.
Sugar Baby Glenn strikes gold with an invitation to Brian’s 60th birthday. He’s rich and the rent’s due. Unbeknownst to Glenn, there's competition brewing. Drag icon Diamond (and escort, entrepreneur) has unfinished business with him. The fierce and petty queen has made it their mission to steal Brian away.
The London LGBTQ scene is multicultural and I wanted this film to reflect it. I consciously worked to ensure our outreach was as diverse as possible, and I am proud to have cast two extremely talented people of colour in my leading roles.
It’s really exciting to see diverse Queer characters soaring from strength to strength in recent years. I hope that Sugarbabies can play a part in that.
I am truly blessed to have access to an array of talented filmmakers who helped shape my vision into a reality. Some of these include fellow graduates from The National Film and Television School: Cinematographer Michael Filocamo (Azaar 2019 BAFTA Nominated) and Sound Designer Adam Shuttleworth (November 1st 2019, BAFTA, Student Academy Award Nominated).
Sugarbabies needed to look as facetious as the characters. Utilising beauty and commercial lighting setups we captured a glossy, superficial world. Drugs, alcohol and sex toys were scattered unashamedly to show their normality for these people. Whilst a vibrant colour palette brings a playful feeling to contrast the darker elements of the narrative.
Using quick cuts, I wanted to simulate the fast lives that these characters live. An eclectic score explored the diversity of each character. We added a touch of irony to what is in fact scripted content by referencing Reality TV sound effects.
Sugarbabies is a risqué, lighthearted social commentary on a taboo subject. All told through the eyes of a young gay man.