Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus'

A look at the unusual process used in the making of the film Shortbus (2006) featuring interviews, behind the scenes footage and clips from the feature film. Director John Cameron Mitchell starts with the concept of using real sex in a film with a positive message. The cast of unknowns is selected from homemade audition tapes and then a callback audition workshop. More acting workshops are used to develop the characters and script. The project overcomes a number of obstacles and the rest of the film's development is followed up until its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

Cast

Raphael Barker

Rob

Lindsay Beamish

Severin

Justin Vivian Bond

Himself

Jay Brannan

Ceth

Jonathan Caouette

Himself

Shanti Carson

Leah

Miek Coccia

Himself

Paul Dawson

James / Himself

PJ DeBoy

Jamie

Howard Gertler

Himself