Shelter (2007 film)
| Shelter | |
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| Directed by | Jonah Markowitz |
| Produced by | JD Disalvatore |
| Written by | Jonah Markowitz |
| Starring | Trevor Wright Brad Rowe Tina Holmes Ross Thomas |
| Music by | J. Peter Robinson |
| Cinematography | Joseph White |
| Editing by | Michael Hofacre |
| Distributed by | here! Films Regent Releasing (US) |
| Release date(s) | Festival June 16, 2007 Television May 2008 |
| Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 million |
| Box office | $142,666[1] |
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.
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[edit] Plot
Zach (Trevor Wright) 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.
[edit] Cast
- Trevor Wright as Zach
- Brad Rowe as Shaun
- Tina Holmes as Jeanne
- Jackson Wurth as Cody
- Ross Thomas as Gabe
- Katie Walder as Tori
- Albert Reed as Billy
- Joy Gohring as Ellen
- Matt Bushell as Alan
- Caitlin Crosby as Shari
[edit] Production
Shelter was filmed in 21 days, primarily in San Pedro 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.
[edit] Release
Shelter debuted at the 31st Frameline Film Festival 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.
[edit] Soundtrack
The soundtrack album, Shelter: Music from the Motion Picture, was released in 2008.[2]
- 1."Goin' Home"
Written by Bill Ferguson Performed by Bill Ferguson
- 2."I Like That"
Written by Shane Mack 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
[edit] Awards
- GLAAD Media Awards – 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 Festival – Won, People’s Choice Award for Best Feature, 2007.
- Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Won, Best Actor (Trevor Wright), 2007.
- Tampa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Won, Audience Award for Best Cinematography (Joseph White), 2007.
- Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Won, Special Award for first-time director (Jonah Markowitz), 2007.
- Dallas OUT TAKES – Won, Best Film, 2007.
- Outfest – Won, HBO Outstanding First Dramatic Feature (Jonah Markowitz), 2007.
- Melbourne Queer Film Festival – Won, Audience Choice Award for Best Feature, 2007.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Shelter – official website
- Shelter on Myspace
- Shelter MySpace Group
- "Surfing pals find much more than good waves in Shelter" – Review by Delfin Vigil of the San Francisco Chronicle, June 10, 2007, leading up to the film’s debut at Frameline31, San Francisco.
- "Gimme Shelter" – Article and review by Dennis Hensley of The Advocate, March 11, 2008.
- "Out on the Waves: Shelter (2007)" – New York Times 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
[edit] Ratings sites
- Shelter at the Internet Movie Database
- Shelter at Metacritic
- Shelter at AllRovi
- Shelter at Box Office Mojo
[edit] References
- ^ http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=shelter.htm
- ^ Soundtracks for Shelter (2007/II). imdb.com Retrieved on September 26, 2010.
