When Freedom Isn’t Free: The Hidden Cost of Nevada’s Sex Industry
21/03/2025
Top 12 Questions with director Stewart Campbell on his documentary "At What Cost"
by Sharon Grace Badia
You’re walking down a bustling street, surrounded by the hum of everyday life—cars passing, people chatting, the glow of neon lights. To the world, you’re just another face in the crowd. But beneath the surface, there’s a story no one sees, a reality no one speaks of. For some, this is the only world they know—a world where freedom is a distant dream.
In the quiet moments before the camera rolls, there’s a weight that hangs in the air. For Stewart Campbell, director of At What Cost, the journey to expose Nevada’s sex trafficking crisis began with a question: What does it mean to truly see?
In the documentary At What Cost, director Stewart Campbell pulls back the curtain on Nevada’s hidden crisis: sex trafficking. Through the eyes of four courageous women, the film reveals the harrowing truth of modern-day slavery, a reality that thrives in the shadows of a state known for its glittering façade.
His wife, Jen, co-founder of the nonprofit Awaken, brought him face-to-face with the raw, unvarnished truths of survivors—women whose lives had been fractured by a system that too often looks the other way.
As you read, you’ll step into a world that demands to be seen.
Stewart & Jen Campbell
The Idea of "Choice"
12. Q. How has working on this documentary changed your perspective on the sex industry and the people involved in it?
A. Before making At What Cost, I had misconceptions like many people do. I believed in the idea of "choice" when it came to the sex industry. But after hearing so many survivor stories, I saw how coercion, addiction, poverty, and abuse strip that choice away. Many of the women I interviewed never had a real choice to begin with. They were manipulated, groomed, and trapped. This film has completely reshaped my understanding of the industry and reinforced that trafficking isn’t just about criminals—it’s about a system that enables it.
The Inspiration
11. Q. What inspired you to create "At What Cost"?
A. Living in Nevada, I’ve seen firsthand how the state’s legal prostitution framework creates a dangerous environment where trafficking flourishes in the shadows. My wife co-founded Awaken, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women escape the life, and through her work, I heard countless heartbreaking stories of exploitation. I realized that many people, even in our own community, don’t understand the extent of this crisis. I wanted to create a film that forces viewers to confront the reality of trafficking and challenge the narratives that keep it hidden.
Shocking Stats
10. Q. What specific statistics or findings about sex trafficking in Nevada surprised you during your research?
A. One of the most shocking facts is that Nevada consistently ranks among the worst states for trafficking per capita. Many people assume that because prostitution is legal in some counties, trafficking isn’t an issue. But the opposite is true—the demand created by legal brothels fuels a massive underground industry of illegal exploitation.
The Legal Framework
9. Q. How does Nevada's legal framework regarding prostitution contribute to Sex Trafficking?
A. Nevada’s legal prostitution model creates a gray area where traffickers can operate more easily. It gives cover to illegal operations, making it harder for law enforcement to distinguish between consensual sex work and trafficking. The brothel system also legitimizes the idea that buying human beings for sex is acceptable, which increases demand and, in turn, fuels trafficking.
Choosing the Women
8. Q. Can you describe the process of selecting the four women in the documentary? What criteria did you use?
A. The most important factor was ensuring that their stories would be told in a way that was empowering, not exploitative. Melissa Holland, one of the executive producers of this film and co-founder of Awaken was instrumental in identifying survivors who were willing to share their experiences and had reached a place in their healing journey where telling their story wouldn’t cause harm. Each woman brought a different perspective—different backgrounds, different ways they were trafficked, and different paths to freedom. We wanted the film to reflect the complexity of trafficking, not just one single narrative.
Dealing With Intensity
7. Q. What challenges did you face during the filming and production?
A. One of the biggest challenges was making sure we honored the safety and emotional well-being of the survivors. Some of them still had active threats against them. We had to be mindful about how we filmed, how we protected their identities when necessary, and how we structured interviews to avoid re-traumatization. On a technical level, getting access to certain locations and interviews with law enforcement was difficult. But the most emotionally challenging part was simply hearing these stories and knowing how widespread the issue is.
Who’s to Blame?
6 Q. In your view, what are some systemic failures that perpetuate exploitation within the sex industry?
A. Lack of enforcement, failure to see victims as victims instead of criminals, and societal attitudes that normalize the commodification of women. Too often, survivors are arrested while their traffickers walk free. And many escape one exploitative situation only to fall into another because there aren’t enough support systems to help them rebuild their lives. .
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A scene that captures the essence
5. Q. Can you tell us the scene from this documentary you’re most proud of?
A. There’s a moment when one of the survivors reflects on the first time she felt safe after escaping. It’s raw, emotional, and powerful. That scene captures the essence of why this film was made. .
How can I contribute?
4. Q. How can people contribute to raising awareness and fighting against sex trafficking?
A. Educate yourself. Challenge the narratives that glamorize prostitution. Support organizations like Awaken that are actively rescuing and supporting survivors. And most importantly, recognize that this isn’t just a distant issue—it’s happening in your city, in your neighborhood.
A Loud Silence
3. Q. Was there a memorable moment on the set?
A. Yes—after one particularly tough interview, we all just sat in silence. Then, the survivor looked at over at us and said, "Thank you for letting me tell my story." That moment meant everything.
Taking Action
2. Q. What actions do you believe should be taken at a community or legislative level to combat sex trafficking more effectively?
A. Stronger laws against buyers as they fuel the demand for sex. I would also like to see our country adopt the Equality Model, formally the Nordic Model, which criminalizes the buying and selling of people's bodies while offering protection and resources for those being bought and sold..
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But Why?
1. Q. What drives you to continue advocating for change beyond just making films?
A. Because once you see the reality of trafficking, you can’t unsee it. If we don’t speak out, who will?
Looking back at the journey of creating At What Cost, there’s a pride that runs deep—both in the quiet, intimate moments and in the tangible achievements that finally came to life.
"Personally, I’m proud that survivors trusted our production team with their stories. Professionally, I’m proud that this film exists and is part of the conversation that can lead to real change. This was a true team effort with incredible work from our DOP Chris Stanton and our 1st AD and editor Nick Stanon, that really made this film possible". Says Stewart, in conclusion.
- Sharon Grace Badia
