Steven lives for the school holidays, touring the swimming pools with his best friend Michael, talking about the music he loves and enjoying the attention as he pauses on the highest diving platform. Growing up surrounded by the images on pop videos and teen magazines, Steven soon learnt that a look can be provocative, that a smile can be a comeon. But when did he learn to respond, to act the part of a sixteen year old? Carl understands the lure of the image. As a consultant in the music industry, he creates the boy bands that dominate the charts and fill the record shops. When he meets Steven at the local swimming pool, it is inevitable that his svengali side comes to the fore. But even he does not know what he really wants: is his interest personal, could it be professional? And how far is he prepared to exploit the appeal of a sixteen year old?