
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.
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Top 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
Maya Hardinge
Herself
Timothy Heber
Himself

Jasper James
Jasper
Bel Jordan
Himself

Sook-Yin Lee
Sofia

John Cameron Mitchell
Himself
Tim Perell
Himself
Louis Schwadron
Himself
Susan Shopmaker
Herself

Peter Stickles
Caleb
Crew
Directors
Producers
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