ShawnInAction
ABOUT THE WRITER

Shawn Imitates Dog (Oglala Lakota) was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation where he was raised by his grandparents who taught him the language, tradition and dance of his Lakota culture.

Since moving to Los Angeles, Imitates Dog has climbed the corporate ladder, working in the Human Resource departments of the House of Blues and AEG Worldwide. He is also the owner/founder of Four Directions Travel, a full-service Native American owned and operate travel agency, and owner of Jennie's Restaurant and Lounge, located in his hometown of Martin, South Dakota. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine.

Shawn in action on the location set at the House of Blues.
TWO SPIRITS, ONE JOURNEY
(2007, 18 mins.)
Writer/Producer: Shawn Imitates Dog
Directors: Arthur Allan Seidelman and Chad Richman
Mentor: Keith Gruchala
Executive Producers: Paula Starr and James Lujan
Cast: Alex Meraz, Patrick David, DeLanna Studi, Eva Thomas, Yvonne Fisher, Brandon Oakes

Onscreen: Tired of living a closeted life on the Lakota Indian reservation, a young gay man must summon up the courage to leave the only home he's ever known and strike his own path.

Offscreen: The selection of Emmy-winner Arthur Allan Seidelman raised a few eyebrows within factions of the Native community, some of whom felt that a Native American director should be at the helm, but Exec Producer James Lujan fully supported the move, emphasizing Creative Spirit's goal to provide opportunities for Native talent to collaborate, network and develop meaningful relationships with industry professionals. Said Lujan, "I think it was very valuable for the professional development of the younger cast and crew members to have the experience working under the
direction of an industry veteran, to observe the way he conducts himself as a professional, especially in being calm, cool and prepared in a pressurized environment. Also, it didn't hurt for him as a working director to be exposed to the talent that's available in the Native community."

Although the exteriors were filmed on the Lakota Indian reservation by writer/producer Shawn Imitates Dog when he visited his hometown, the majority of the interiors were shot at SCIC Executive Director Paula Starr's home in Norwalk, CA.

"Two Spirits, One Journey" was the first speaking role of Alex Meraz, who has since achieved success in the "Twilight" series of movies as Paul, a member of the "wolf pack." On his many speaking engagements in front of "Twilight" fans, he often cites "Two Spirits" with providing him with one of his most satisfying roles.

Film Festivals: Outfest 2008, Frameline34 San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, West Hollywood International Film Festival 2008, 2008 American Indian Film Festival, 2007 L.A. Skins Fest, 2008 Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, 2010 Native Punx Short Films
ShawnInAction
ABOUT THE WRITER

Shawn Imitates Dog (Oglala Lakota) was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation where he was raised by his grandparents who taught him the language, tradition and dance of his Lakota culture.

Since moving to Los Angeles, Imitates Dog has climbed the corporate ladder, working in the Human Resource departments of the House of Blues and AEG Worldwide. He is also the owner/founder of Four Directions Travel, a full-service Native American owned and operate travel agency, and owner of Jennie's Restaurant and Lounge, located in his hometown of Martin, South Dakota. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine.

Shawn in action on the location set at the House of Blues.