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 & crew

Raphael BarkerRob

Lindsay BeamishSeverin

Justin Vivian BondHimself

Jay BrannanCeth

Jonathan CaouetteHimself

Shanti CarsonLeah

Miek Coccia

Miek CocciaHimself

Paul DawsonJames / Himself

PJ DeBoyJamie

Howard Gertler

Howard GertlerHimself

Maya Hardinge

Maya HardingeHerself

Timothy Heber

Timothy HeberHimself