Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus' 17 years old

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.

Credits

Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus' Cast

Name Character
Jay Brannan He was 24, now 41 years old as Ceth
John Cameron Mitchell He was 43, now 60 years old as Himself
Paul Dawson as James / Himself
Jonathan Caouette He was 33, now 50 years old as Himself
Sook-Yin Lee She was 41, now 58 years old as Sofia
Lindsay Beamish as Severin
Raphael Barker as Rob
Shanti Carson as Leah
Peter Stickles He was 30, now 47 years old as Caleb
Susan Shopmaker as Herself
Justin Vivian Bond He was 43, now 60 years old as Himself
Tim Perell as Himself
Jasper James He was 7, now 24 years old as Jasper
Howard Gertler He was 7, now 24 years old as Himself
PJ DeBoy He was 35, now 52 years old as Jamie

Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus' Crew

Name Department
Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus' poster
Gifted and Challenged: The Making of 'Shortbus' (17 years)

  • Release day: Tuesday, March 13, 2007
  • Runtime: 31 minutes