Peeping Tom
FRONTPAGE explores the dangers of hidden cameras and images posted on the Internet.
The Internet is touted as one of the greatest advancements of modern technology. Thanks to its fast delivery, users can gain access to virtually anything with a couple of mouse clicks. However, there’s also concern that strangers can obtain information on one’s personal details without permission.
There have been cases whereby unscrupulous perverts install spy cameras in people’s home for the thrill of invading others’ privacy. It gets worse when pictures or scenes of innocent victims are circulated in cyberspace.
In 2001, Taiwanese TV reporter-turned politician Chu Mei-Feng was videotaped in her home having sex with her married lover.
A few years back, top local model Nasha Aziz found herself being videotaped via a spy camera in her own apartment. Ironically, the model’s story resembled Phillip Noyce’s movie Sliver, in which the unsuspecting tenants of an apartment became victims of a Peeping Tom who had surveillance cameras and microphones installed in every area of the house.
In FRONTPAGE this week, the reporters (played by, from left: Jehan Miskin, Tony Eusoff and Nell Ng) uncover an intricate web of sex, lies, blackmail and murder that is connected to spy cameras and the Internet.
This Sunday’s episode of Ntv7’s drama series FRONTPAGE is about the misuse of hidden cameras. Titled Sex, Lies and the Internet, the episode is about nasyid singer Nurirmani (Athirah Ahmad) who is known for her piousness and innocence.
However, things go awry when a clip of her having sex surfaces on the Internet. She goes on the defence and announces that it is a fake, the work of someone who wants to tarnish her image. But when a second clip surfaces, she has to face the truth.
Lulu Chia (Nell Ng) and Dylan Pereira (Jehan Miskin) are assigned to the case. After a series of investigations, the reporters learn about the intricate web of sex, lies, blackmail and murder – all connected to spy cameras and the Internet.
Director Kabir Bhatia (of Cinta and Sepi fame) explained that the episode was inspired by various stories concerning the private lives of celebrities that were recorded on hidden camera and exposed on the Internet.
“We have read stories about Nasha and how difficult it was for her to cope especially when her private life was recorded on hidden camera in her apartment,” said Kabir in a phone interview.
For budding actress Athirah, working with Kabir and his team has been an eye-opening experience.
“Kabir is a great director who went to great lengths to help me brush up my acting skills. He’s helpful and fun, and I learnt a lot about characterisation,” said Athirah, a first-year theatrical studies undergraduate at UiTM in Shah Alam.
FRONTPAGE airs on Ntv7 every Sunday at 10pm.
