Shelter (2007 film)
Encyclopedia
Shelter is a 2007 American film directed and written by Jonah Markowitz. It stars Trevor Wright
, Brad Rowe
, and Tina Holmes
. It was the winner of "Outstanding Film – Limited Release" at the 2009 GLAAD Media Awards
, Best New Director and Favorite Narrative Feature at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and the People's Choice Award for Best Feature at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival
. Shelter represents the feature directorial debut of Markowitz.
) is an aspiring artist living in San Pedro, California, who has put off his dreams of going to art school in order to work and help his older sister Jeanne (Tina Holmes
), his disabled father, and his five-year-old nephew Cody (Jackson Wurth). Working as a short-order cook to make ends meet, Zach escapes during his free time to paint, draw murals, surf, and hang out with his best friend Gabe (Ross Thomas
), as well as with his on-again, off-again girlfriend Tori (Katie Walder).
When Gabe’s older brother Shaun (Brad Rowe
) comes back home from Los Angeles for a few weeks, Zach and Shaun develop a close friendship as they go surfing together. Shaun, who is a published writer, encourages Zach to take control of his life and pursue his ambition of going to CalArts
, a large state university of the arts. One night after surfing Zach and Shaun share a kiss, however Zach is not prepared to give in to his feelings immediately. Nevertheless, their friendship soon develops into a romance, while at the same time Shaun builds a strong bond with Cody.
When Jeanne learns that Zach has been spending time with Shaun, she warns Zach that Shaun is gay and to keep Cody away from him. Though his sister is reluctant to accept that Zach himself might be gay, both Gabe and Tori are supportive. Zach and Shaun's relationship is then strained by his sense of obligation to support his family versus his relationship with Shaun and his desire to pursue his own dreams. Zach is confused to what he really wants.
Shaun secretly submits Zach's art school application, and Zach is eventually accepted on full scholarship. When Jeanne's boyfriend Alan (Matt Bushell) gets a job in Portland
, requiring her to move and leave Cody behind with Zach, Zach is forced to decide between putting others first and neglecting his own dreams—as he has always done—and fighting for what he truly wants, both for himself and Cody. He finally discovers that affirming his love for Shaun and going forward with his art career ends up providing the best solution to his dilemma.
and Laguna Beach
, California, with additional shooting in Bel Air and Malibu, California. A visual focal point throughout the film is the Vincent Thomas Bridge
in Los Angeles Harbor.
The artwork depicted in the film was the work of L.A. artist Ryan Graeff, whose street art appears across the region and is published in his zine The Restitution Press.
The motion picture soundtrack features original music by Nashville
singer and songwriter Shane Mack
, among others.
in San Francisco on June 16, 2007 and ran in theaters through July 24, 2008. The film was released on DVD on May 27, 2008 in the United States. The DVD includes production commentary by writer/director Jonah Markowitz and actors Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe.
The film was released on DVD in the UK on August 11, 2008, though the UK release does not include the commentary track.
Written by Bill Ferguson
Performed by Bill Ferguson
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Performed by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, Marc Ferrari & Lewis Pesacov
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
Written by Jen Mitz, Nina Martinez, Susan Gale
Performed by Dance Yourself to Death
Written by Tony Valenzuela
Performed by Tony Valenzuela
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, Marc Ferrari & Lewis Pesacov
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
Written by Nicholas Viterelli
Performed by Nicholas Viterelli
Written by Jeffrey S. Haycock
Performed by The Vengers
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, & Matthew Popieluch
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
Written by Nicholas Viterelli
Performed by Nicholas Viterelli
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Todd Hannigan
Performed by Todd Hannigan
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Stewart Lewis & Reed Foehl
Performed by Stewart Lewis
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
Written by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Performed by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Trevor Wright
Trevor Christopher Wright is an American actor.Wright was born in Pomona, California. His breakthrough acting role was in the 2007 film Shelter....
, Brad Rowe
Brad Rowe (actor)
Brad Rowe is an American film and television actor who began his career in movies such as Invisible Temptation and Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss ....
, and Tina Holmes
Tina Holmes
Tina Holmes is an American television and film actress.- Early years and education :Holmes grew up in New York City and Connecticut. An Ivy Leaguer, she attended Yale University for two years followed by a move to Paris, France studying French Literature at the Sorbonne...
. It was the winner of "Outstanding Film – Limited Release" at the 2009 GLAAD Media Awards
GLAAD Media Awards
The GLAAD Media Award is an accolade bestowed by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives...
, Best New Director and Favorite Narrative Feature at the Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and the People's Choice Award for Best Feature at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival
Vancouver Queer Film Festival
The Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Vancouver's second largest film festival and Western Canada's largest queer arts event that takes place annually in Vancouver, British Columbia.2011 marks the 23nd Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival, August 11 to 21...
. Shelter represents the feature directorial debut of Markowitz.
Plot
Zach (Trevor WrightTrevor Wright
Trevor Christopher Wright is an American actor.Wright was born in Pomona, California. His breakthrough acting role was in the 2007 film Shelter....
) is an aspiring artist living in San Pedro, California, who has put off his dreams of going to art school in order to work and help his older sister Jeanne (Tina Holmes
Tina Holmes
Tina Holmes is an American television and film actress.- Early years and education :Holmes grew up in New York City and Connecticut. An Ivy Leaguer, she attended Yale University for two years followed by a move to Paris, France studying French Literature at the Sorbonne...
), his disabled father, and his five-year-old nephew Cody (Jackson Wurth). Working as a short-order cook to make ends meet, Zach escapes during his free time to paint, draw murals, surf, and hang out with his best friend Gabe (Ross Thomas
Ross Thomas (actor)
Ross Schuler Thomas is an American film and television actor who currently has the regular role of Bailey Reese on the teen drama television series Beyond the Break.-Early life:...
), as well as with his on-again, off-again girlfriend Tori (Katie Walder).
When Gabe’s older brother Shaun (Brad Rowe
Brad Rowe (actor)
Brad Rowe is an American film and television actor who began his career in movies such as Invisible Temptation and Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss ....
) comes back home from Los Angeles for a few weeks, Zach and Shaun develop a close friendship as they go surfing together. Shaun, who is a published writer, encourages Zach to take control of his life and pursue his ambition of going to CalArts
California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly referred to as CalArts, is located in Valencia, in Los Angeles County, California. It was incorporated in 1961 as the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the United States created specifically for students of both the visual and the...
, a large state university of the arts. One night after surfing Zach and Shaun share a kiss, however Zach is not prepared to give in to his feelings immediately. Nevertheless, their friendship soon develops into a romance, while at the same time Shaun builds a strong bond with Cody.
When Jeanne learns that Zach has been spending time with Shaun, she warns Zach that Shaun is gay and to keep Cody away from him. Though his sister is reluctant to accept that Zach himself might be gay, both Gabe and Tori are supportive. Zach and Shaun's relationship is then strained by his sense of obligation to support his family versus his relationship with Shaun and his desire to pursue his own dreams. Zach is confused to what he really wants.
Shaun secretly submits Zach's art school application, and Zach is eventually accepted on full scholarship. When Jeanne's boyfriend Alan (Matt Bushell) gets a job in Portland
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
, requiring her to move and leave Cody behind with Zach, Zach is forced to decide between putting others first and neglecting his own dreams—as he has always done—and fighting for what he truly wants, both for himself and Cody. He finally discovers that affirming his love for Shaun and going forward with his art career ends up providing the best solution to his dilemma.
Cast
- Trevor WrightTrevor WrightTrevor Christopher Wright is an American actor.Wright was born in Pomona, California. His breakthrough acting role was in the 2007 film Shelter....
as Zach - Brad RoweBrad Rowe (actor)Brad Rowe is an American film and television actor who began his career in movies such as Invisible Temptation and Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss ....
as Shaun - Tina HolmesTina HolmesTina Holmes is an American television and film actress.- Early years and education :Holmes grew up in New York City and Connecticut. An Ivy Leaguer, she attended Yale University for two years followed by a move to Paris, France studying French Literature at the Sorbonne...
as Jeanne - Jackson Wurth as Cody
- Ross ThomasRoss Thomas (actor)Ross Schuler Thomas is an American film and television actor who currently has the regular role of Bailey Reese on the teen drama television series Beyond the Break.-Early life:...
as Gabe - Katie Walder as Tori
- Albert ReedAlbert ReedAlbert Reed is an American model featured in numerous high-end clothing ads and commercials. Raised in the surf culture of Vero Beach, Florida, Reed's modeling career accelerated at the age of 19 after appearing on the cover of Abercrombie & Fitch's 2004 back-to-school catalog. In August 2007,...
as Billy - Joy Gohring as Ellen
- Matt Bushell as Alan
- Caitlin CrosbyCaitlin CrosbyCaitlin Crosby is an American singer-songwriter and actress.-Life and career:While in junior high school, Crosby began playing music in church bands. During her teenage years, she was accepted into Beverly Hills High School theater program, where she first began her acting career...
as Shari
Production
Shelter was filmed in 21 days, primarily in San PedroSan Pedro, Los Angeles, California
San Pedro is a port district of the city of Los Angeles, California, United States. It was annexed in 1909 and is a major seaport of the area...
and Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach is a seaside resort city and artist community located in southern Orange County, California, United States, approximately southwest of the county seat of Santa Ana...
, California, with additional shooting in Bel Air and Malibu, California. A visual focal point throughout the film is the Vincent Thomas Bridge
Vincent Thomas Bridge
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a long suspension bridge, opened in 1963, crossing the Los Angeles Harbor in the U.S. state of California, linking San Pedro, Los Angeles, with Terminal Island. The bridge is signed as part of State Route 47. It is named for California Assemblyman Vincent Thomas of San...
in Los Angeles Harbor.
The artwork depicted in the film was the work of L.A. artist Ryan Graeff, whose street art appears across the region and is published in his zine The Restitution Press.
The motion picture soundtrack features original music by Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
singer and songwriter Shane Mack
Shane McAnally
Shane McAnally , is an American country music artist. He signed to Curb Records in 1999 and released a self-titled debut album the following year...
, among others.
Release
Shelter debuted at the 31st Frameline Film FestivalFrameline Film Festival
Frameline is a nonprofit media arts organization that produces the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, the oldest film festival devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender programming currently in existence...
in San Francisco on June 16, 2007 and ran in theaters through July 24, 2008. The film was released on DVD on May 27, 2008 in the United States. The DVD includes production commentary by writer/director Jonah Markowitz and actors Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe.
The film was released on DVD in the UK on August 11, 2008, though the UK release does not include the commentary track.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack album, Shelter: Music from the Motion Picture, was released in 2008.- 1."Goin' Home"
Written by Bill Ferguson
Performed by Bill Ferguson
- 2."I Like That"
Written by Shane Mack
Shane McAnally
Shane McAnally , is an American country music artist. He signed to Curb Records in 1999 and released a self-titled debut album the following year...
Performed by Shane Mack
- 3."No Way Home"
Written by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Performed by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
- 4."Pirate Sounds"
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, Marc Ferrari & Lewis Pesacov
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
- 5."Teenage Romanticide"
Written by Jen Mitz, Nina Martinez, Susan Gale
Performed by Dance Yourself to Death
- 6."Look for Love"
Written by Tony Valenzuela
Performed by Tony Valenzuela
- 7."Darkness Descends"
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, Marc Ferrari & Lewis Pesacov
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
- 8."Vaporizer"
Written by Nicholas Viterelli
Performed by Nicholas Viterelli
- 9."What Do You Believe In"
Written by Jeffrey S. Haycock
Performed by The Vengers
- 10."Trying"
Written by Ariel Rechtshald, Josh Kessler, & Matthew Popieluch
Performed by Matthew Popieluch
- 11."Gimmie Clam"
Written by Nicholas Viterelli
Performed by Nicholas Viterelli
- 12."Break"
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
- 13."Reflection"
Written by Todd Hannigan
Performed by Todd Hannigan
- 14."Lie to Me"
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
- 15."Time to Time"
Written by Stewart Lewis & Reed Foehl
Performed by Stewart Lewis
- 16."More Than This"
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
- 17."Long Way Home"
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
- 18."Remember to Forget"
Written by Shane Mack
Performed by Shane Mack
- 19."Cool of Morning"
Written by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Performed by Matt Pavolaitis and Brett Cookingham
Awards
- GLAAD Media AwardsGLAAD Media AwardsThe GLAAD Media Award is an accolade bestowed by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to recognize and honor various branches of the media for their outstanding representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives...
– Won, Outstanding Film – Limited Release, 2009. - Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival – Won, Best New Director (Jonah Markowitz), 2007.
- Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival – Won, Favorite Narrative Feature, 2007.
- Vancouver Queer Film FestivalVancouver Queer Film FestivalThe Vancouver Queer Film Festival is Vancouver's second largest film festival and Western Canada's largest queer arts event that takes place annually in Vancouver, British Columbia.2011 marks the 23nd Annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival, August 11 to 21...
– Won, People’s Choice Award for Best Feature, 2007. - Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film FestivalTampa International Gay and Lesbian Film FestivalThe Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is a movie screening event that takes place each October in Tampa, Florida. The primary venue is the Tampa Theatre, but several other cinemas in or near the downtown area and in St. Petersburg simultaneously host the event as well...
– Won, Best Actor (Trevor Wright), 2007. - Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film FestivalTampa International Gay and Lesbian Film FestivalThe Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is a movie screening event that takes place each October in Tampa, Florida. The primary venue is the Tampa Theatre, but several other cinemas in or near the downtown area and in St. Petersburg simultaneously host the event as well...
– Won, Audience Award for Best Cinematography (Joseph White), 2007. - Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film FestivalPhiladelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film FestivalThe Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by TLA Entertainment Group in 1995. The event is the third largest of its kind in the US, and the largest on the East Coast....
– Won, Special Award for first-time director (Jonah Markowitz), 2007. - Dallas OUT TAKES – Won, Best Film, 2007.
- OutfestOutfestOutfest is an LGBT-oriented film showcase and festival in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1982 as the "Gay and Lesbian Media Festival and Conference", the name was changed to Outfest in 1994.-Programs:...
– Won, HBO Outstanding First Dramatic Feature (Jonah Markowitz), 2007. - Melbourne Queer Film FestivalMelbourne Queer Film FestivalThe Melbourne Queer Film Festival, or MQFF, has been running continuously since 1991 . It is the oldest queer film festival in Australia and one of the oldest queer film festivals in the world...
– Won, Audience Choice Award for Best Feature, 2007.
External links
- Shelter – official website
- Shelter MySpace Group
- "Surfing pals find much more than good waves in Shelter" – Review by Delfin Vigil of the San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco Chroniclethumb|right|upright|The Chronicle Building following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake|1906 earthquake]] and fireThe San Francisco Chronicle is a newspaper serving primarily the San Francisco Bay Area of the U.S. state of California, but distributed throughout Northern and Central California,...
, June 10, 2007, leading up to the film’s debut at Frameline31, San Francisco. - "Gimme Shelter" – Article and review by Dennis Hensley of The AdvocateThe AdvocateThe Advocate is an American LGBT-interest magazine, printed monthly and available by subscription. The Advocate brand also includes a web site. Both magazine and web site have an editorial focus on news, politics, opinion, and arts and entertainment of interest to LGBT people...
, March 11, 2008. - "Out on the Waves: Shelter (2007)" – New York TimesThe New York TimesThe New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
review of Shelter, March 28, 2008. - Blog by JD – Interview with producer JD Disalvatore.
- The Restitution Press – Artist Ryan Graeff website
- MIPtalk.com & Screen Actors Guild present Shelter Reunion + Q&A