Films by Ronna Gradus
Hot Girls Wanted is an up-close and personal view into the lives of several 18 to 25 year-old girls who are lured into the world of amateur pornography on the Internet. The film sets out to illustrate just some of the many ways the industry really works as opposed to how it appears, as well as providing an insight into the modern recruitment process—the pundits on the inside call it ‘The Game.’ And there are many tricks. According to the teens themselves, many come to porn by the promise of rich extravagant lifestyles, as well as fame and visibility. And while the money can be good for some, at least for a little while, that’s only a small part of the picture. The myths are many and there is a brutal reality of life in the industry, causing high turnovers of girls—once they cotton-on to The Game…
An ex-pornstar, a 12 year old girl, and a 22 year old who yearns for the ‘normal’ genitals as seen in porn movies, are just some of whom are chronicled in Sexy Baby to draw together how the current relentless culture of pornography, social media and popular culture are deeply and profoundly affecting the lives women and girls. Based on intimate and candid conversations with kids in middle school classrooms, suburban shopping malls, nightclubs, college dorms, and high school house parties, the film chronicles trends among small town and big city kids—the pervasive culture affects everyone, everywhere. Most youngsters know someone who has emailed or texted a naked photo of themselves. Many kids have accidentally or intentionally had their first introduction to sex be via hardcore pornography online. Facebook has created an arena where kids compete to be “liked” and constantly worry about what image to portray. Much of what was once private is now made public. The list goes on. Sexy Baby is a powerful indictment of the Internet age and the hyper-sexualised culture affecting women and girls everywhere, as well as an insight into the struggle of parents navigating this new culture, wanting what is best for their kids and the generations to come.