Sugarbabies

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.