Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus'

The story

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

R Raphael BarkerRob L Lindsay BeamishSeverin J Justin Vivian BondHimself J Jay BrannanCeth J Jonathan CaouetteHimself S Shanti CarsonLeah M Miek CocciaHimself P Paul DawsonJames / Himself P PJ DeBoyJamie H Howard GertlerHimself M Maya HardingeHerself T Timothy HeberHimself

See more cast

J Jasper JamesJasper B Bel JordanHimself S Sook-Yin LeeSofia J John Cameron MitchellHimself T Tim PerellHimself L Louis SchwadronHimself S Susan ShopmakerHerself P Peter SticklesCaleb