The BEST episodes directed by Brent Owens
#1 - Hookers & Johns: Trick or Treat
HBO Documentary Film Series - Season 2000 - Episode 1
Verite documentary that takes an up-close and personal look at street prostitution through the eyes of hookers and their customers. With graphic video footage and hidden-microphone audio shot in New York, Newark, Miami and Amsterdam, this special captures illicit activity that offers insights into the "client side" of the business.
#2 - Atlantic City Hookers: It Ain't Easy Being a Ho
HBO Documentary Film Series - Season 2004 - Episode 1
The glitz. The gambling. The girls. The game. One by one, they've made their way to "America's favorite playground," lured by the potential for easy money from high rollers for casual sex. But in the end, the hookers working the Atlantic City "track" wind up staying to support their habits or hang on to a fleeting dream. Produced and directed by Brent Owens (HBO's Hookers at the Point films), this documentary focuses on purveyors of the world's oldest profession in the neon-soaked gambling mecca, Atlantic City. Hidden cameras and microphones capture all the action of hookers as they proposition, bargain and turn tricks with a collection of new and familiar johns.
#3 - Pimps Up, Ho's Down
HBO Documentary Film Series - Season 1998 - Episode 1
This HBO documentary looks at the lifestyle of the modern day pimp, without any condemnation or real depth. These swaggering men (and one woman) discuss how they control their 'hos' as if they were regular businessmen. Although no regular businessman would dress in their flamboyant style which seems a parody of those 'Blaxploitation' characters in the 1970's movies. We see them preparing, with great seriousness of purpose, for 'The Pimp of the Year' competition, while guest star Ice-T tells of how proud he is of his pimp background, which he sees as little different to the record or film industry. Pointedly, violence towards the women is never addressed. All we see is a troupe of apparently adoring (and often skanky looking ) acolytes. As far as we learn from this, the prostitutes need a good pimp to look up to and 'take of them'. These fellows wax philosophical about their calling while seemingly lacking any moral view. Having said all that, the pic is lively and colorful, with a lot of amusing characters on display. Remember---never make eye contact with your pimp.