Posted: Friday 22nd August 2008

Brad Rowe is a name you may not recognise but once you see his face you'll be wracking your brains trying to figure out where you've seen him. With TV credits such as CSI: NY, CSI: Miami, Ghost Whisperer and How I Met Your Mother, and film credits including National Treasure: Book Of Secrets, it's likely that you've watched him without realising.

We caught up with Brad to talk to him about the DVD release of his film Shelter. Brad talks to us about why he wanted to make the film, his chemistry with co-star Trevor Wright and how he prepared for the role of Shaun.

1. How did you get involved with 'Shelter'?

Producer Anne Clements gave me the script and introduced me to writer/director Jonah Markowitz. We hit it off and decided to shoot the movie together.

2. What first attracted you to the movie?

The script was fantastic and it was a role I felt I needed to play.

3. Your character in the movie, Shaun, is a positive representation of a young, gay man. How much research did you do for the role?

No research was necessary. He was a stand-up guy trying to find truth in his life. I think we all have that in us.

4. Your chemistry with co-star Trevor Wright was fantastic. How did the two of you develop that onscreen pairing?

Trevor's a lot of fun and an extremely dedicated actor. I really enjoyed working with him.

5. Which part of Shaun's character would you say is most like you?

The ease he had with the kid largely comes from the relationship I have with my own son.

6. After 'Shelter' you must have received a lot of male attention. How do you deal with that?

It's all good. I'm glad people responded to the film.

7. You're not gay in real life. Was it difficult for you to play a gay character?

Not at all. Acting is acting whether you are pretending to have a different career, background or sexuality. It's all part of building a believable character.

8. How important has 'Shelter' been to your career?

It is one of the favourite roles I've had the pleasure of playing. How it affects my career? We'll see.

9. What have you got coming up next?

I'm producing and writing a lot of projects right now for TV and film.

10. What are your plans for the rest of the year?

Enjoy the little that's left of the summer and get some of my projects in the can.

Shelter is released by TLA Releasing and is available on DVD now.