Charlie Russell explores modern relationships in new documentaries

19 March 2015

Channel 4 has commissioned a series of three documentaries by BAFTA & Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker Charlie Russell. The programmes produced by Minnow Films will see the documentary-maker, whose previous credits include My Granny the Escort and Emmy-winner Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die, go in search of people with extraordinary love lives, examining the extremes of modern relationships and sex in Britain today.

'Webcam Couples' (w/t) is about real British couples who choose to broadcast their sex lives on webcams, for money, thrills or even to strengthen their relationships. 'Gigolos' (w/t) will follow male escorts who service female clients - and sometimes males - both sexually and emotionally. 'I’m in Love With a Trans Girl' (w/t) meets men who have fallen for trans women, and the complications of love, sex and life that such relationships can entail.

All of these films will examine in detail, with warmth and empathy, the reasons why individuals have chosen these paths, the effect it has on their lives and relationships, and the ramifications for their friends and family.

Morgan Matthews, Executive Producer at Minnow Films, comments: “Charlie is one of the most distinctive authorial voices in documentary. Always sensitive to his contributors, he deals with the themes of his films with intelligence, warmth and humour, creating compassionate portraits out of subjects that might otherwise be treated cynically. He also has the rare quality of being a very welcome and enjoyable presence both behind and in front of the camera.”

Emma Cooper, Commissioning Editor for Documentaries at Channel 4, adds: “Channel 4 is here to show the nation lesser-told stories of all aspects of modern life. With these documentaries, Charlie and Minnow Films will offer a revealing and, at times, challenging portrait of sex and relationships in 21st century Britain.”

The 3 x 60’ series will air later in 2015.

ENDS

Production Company: Minnow Films

Director: Charlie Russell

Executive Producer: Morgan Matthews

Commissioning Editor: Emma Cooper