Journalist and former escort Amanda Goff – previously known as a Samantha X – has had her story optioned by Mondo Studio Films, who is developing it into an eight-part dramedy.
An “unapologetically feminist” tale of love, sex and empowerment, the series aims to look at escorting through the female gaze. The story will be largely fictionalised, but borrow from Goff’s life and experiences.
Goff is one of the co-creators of the project, now in advanced development, alongside writer/director Ruth Borgobello and writer, author and researcher Lisa Portolan. The trio first met via the Slow Love podcast series that Borgobello and Portolan produced, which focused on telling stories of love during lockdown.
Portolan said Goff sees the world of sex and love in such an interesting way.
“The first time we recorded with Amanda, there was an instant connection, she was witty, charming and there was so much warmth. It was obvious from day one, there was a story here,” she said.
“The sex industry has always been described through the male lens, and yet it’s predominately a female industry. There’s so much shame associated with sex work, and yet for many women it’s a form of empowerment. Women aren’t here exclusively for male pleasure, the moment has come to reclaim this narrative and talk about female desire.”
Goff shed her alter-ego Samantha X in July this year, leaving sex work after receiving a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder.
“For a decade I was known for being Australia’s most well-known, high-end escort,” she says.
“It was only after going sober and being diagnosed with bi-polar that I started to rediscover who I really was. This is an opportunity to tell my story in a powerful and unapologetic way. I don’t have any regrets, but I do want people to know who I really am.”
The Melbourne-based Mondo Studio Films is best known for producting Australia’s first official international co-production with Italy, feature film The Space Between, directed by Borgobello and starring Flavio Parenti and Maeve Dermody. The film was Australia’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 Academy Awards.
“Mondo Studio Films is a boutique production company, we tell stories that make an impact,” said Borgobello.
“When I first met Amanda I was taken in by her charisma, intelligence, and warmth. She is the type of woman that others are drawn to. I’m proud to be telling such a compelling story of identity, love, and human potential”.