The Red Light Rules
We're Reviewing Sex Work Representation in Film.
The Bechdel Test is a way to measure how women are portrayed in media. At ECC, we created 'The Red Light Rules' to asses portrayals of sex work in film. There are 4 questions in The Red Light Rules:
- Does the film show an understanding of choice, circumstance, or coercion?
- Does the SWer interact with another person in a positive manner, unrelated to SW?
- Does the SWer have a storyline, hobby or interest outside of SW
- Does the film have a happy and/or non-traumatic ending for the SWer?
As part of a new series exploring sex worker representation in film, we will be sharing which films pass and which films fail! Be sure to follow along on our blog, or social media: Instagram, Threads, Bluesky.
Looking for a Sensitivity Viewer?
Book us to review your film, series, book, etc. Just reach out via email at [email protected]
What Each Question is Assessing:
Does the film show an understanding of choice, circumstance, or coercion?
Does the SWer interact with another person in a positive manner, unrelated to SW?
Does the SWer have a storyline, hobby or interest outside of SW
Does the film have a happy and/or non-traumatic ending for the SWer?
