DOCUMENTARY MINISERIES
CREDITS
CREATED BY
Charlie David
DIRECTED BY
Charlie David
Nickolaos Stagias
I'm a Stripper
This 5-part documentary mini-series explores the lives of men working in a taboo profession interweaving burlesque, webcam modeling, super troupes, gender drag, and Go-Go guys. The stories take place in the sexiest cities in North America - Montréal, Niagara Falls, and Las Vegas.
Each guy has been selected to create a dynamic perspective on the reality of making a living in the buff. Is it about money? Is it a sexual turn-on? How did they get here? What do their families and friends think? Do they take their work home with them? How much do they make? Is it competitive on the floor trying to get private dances? What is life like away from the club? How do they size up a client? How do our straight boys feel about dancing for dudes? And the gay boys dancing for ladies? What gives them wood? What makes it limp?
REVIEWS
The series added a human aspect to these individuals and not just wild problematic people in society. Each show included commentaries and interviews done by a radio DJ psychologist who offers the more social and psychological explanations as to what drives people to participate in the industry. The series comes from the idea that this is a profession and not just some sinful behavior. It is human nature and has been part of society historically, and will not disappear even if there are people who may view it as a sin or a social dysfunction.
What you thought you knew and some of what you didn't know was presented candidly in this documentary. The film making is good quality. Some of the personal stories are fascinating. Involvement of family members and friends provided insight beyond the titillation factor of seeing men undress. The series covered stripping for money, as entertainment, as art, and as a lifestyle. It uncovered the sex, drugs, and the tawdry side of the scene; but also the need to make money, find self expression, and enjoy life. Fetish, vaudeville, performance art, transgender, webcam, and bisexuality are topics also explored.