Channel 4 has brought together a team of bold and determined young journalists for its fresh digital series ‘In Too Deep’. Through a series of standalone films, it will uncover hidden worlds of crime, underground figures, and exploitation, utilizing a blend of footage and discreet camera work.
‘In Too Deep’ will foster relevant and intriguing discussions led by youthful and fervent journalists as they delve deeper than ever before into shadowy and often perilous realms.
The inaugural film in this new series, ‘Selling My Virginity’, is produced by Dare Pictures. In it, Radio Host and Presenter Daisy Maskell dissects the sinister and convoluted realm of online auctions, where men can bid hundreds of thousands of pounds for a young woman’s virginity.
Digital Commissioning Executive Thomas Pullen commented, “In Too Deep presents journalism that one simply cannot look away from, shedding light on stories that are uncomfortable, unyielding, and immensely engaging for our audience. This series is a thrilling cornerstone of our digital commissioning strategy for this year and the next, and we eagerly anticipate everyone delving in as we reveal more shadowy worlds hiding in plain sight.”
Laura Marks, Digital Commissioning Editor and Senior Operations Lead added, “A major objective of ours with this series is to uncover the outstanding journalistic talent that we know is out there. This venture provides us with the opportunity to do just that.”
Daisy Maskell said: “I’m so excited for this film and for the In Too Deep strand. With the incredible support and backing of Channel 4, I was able to make a provocative film that I hope will be a revealing and immersive watch for viewers. I came across virginity auctions at the start of the year and was shocked to discover how many young women in the UK were operating in this trade and just how much money was up for grabs! It’s an entire industry and at its core are some really dangerous people and ideologies. I found this subject to be glamourised on social media, it was positioned as a ‘get rich quick’ scheme that I feared many young people, in particular, could enter into without knowing the consequences. This film is not about shaming those that feel empowered to sell their virginity but to show the dangers and considerations that people should be aware of before listing themselves online.”
‘Selling My Virginity’ was produced by Dare Pictures and executive produced by Ravinder Chahal. It was commissioned by Channel 4 Digital Commissioning Executive Thomas Pullen. Other films in the series will also be commissioned by Catriona White, with the strategy overseen by Laura Marks.
If you have a potential idea for the ‘In Too Deep’ series, please contact Thomas Pullen at TPullen@Channel4.co.uk, or Catriona White at CWhite@channel4.co.uk in the first instance.
‘Selling My Virginity’ will be available on Monday 9th October at 5pm on the Channel 4 Documentaries YouTube page.
