Peep Show Films: Behind the Lens

Peep Show founders Esthera Preda and June Bhongjan never intended to get into the film business, but as Preda explains, "There weren't any girls' movies out there that were satisfying us. Nothing was really clearly depicting what women's snowboarding was for us." Armed with this frustration and a limited knowledge of filming and editing, Preda and Bhongjan set out to make a movie. 

While they were filming and gathering footage from friends, word of the project got out and created a buzz. "People were more curious about the project itself than they were about the actual snowboarding," recounted Preda. "We were like this secret little project that was going on. Girls knew we were making a movie but they had no idea what it was like and who was really involved."

As teasers and eventually full parts of Peep Show were released, riders and industry took notice.  "I think people were stoked because it was something new to the female snowboard industry," said Preda. "No video in the past has ever really emphasized urban riding with up-and-coming girls." By they time they were finished filming and editing, they had put together a free, two-part film. A cult classic was born.

With the success of the first Peep Show film, Preda and Bhongjan ambitiously decided to start making their next film: Let's Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow. Picking up some major sponsors, the Peep Show crew focused on putting together a roster of well-known and up-and-coming riders including: Laura Hadar, Jess Kimura, Colleen Quigley, Terra Michilot, Darrah-Reid McLean, Marie Hucal, Nicki Slechta, Robin Van Gyn, Kjersti Buaas, and Desiree Melancon. Sponsorship enabled the crew to travel across North America and concentrate on filming full length parts in locations like Minnesota, Utah, Big Bear, Colorado, BC, Quebec, and Ontario.

"Let's Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow is the real first movie from Peep Show. The previous one was more of a testing run. The riding is definitely better this year because the riders were more committed to filming a full part" explained Preda.

Appearing in front of the camera as well as behind it, Preda and Bhongjan understand that both positions are challenging. "You become that snowboarder who wants to get tricks but has to deal with injuries, fear and all that stuff," said Preda.

 

Preda described the business side of making a snowboard film as "definitely the less fun part in the project, but we figured that we have to do it because no one is going do it for us." She added "being behind the camera is stressful because you become that filmer/business person who has to take care of making sure you get good shots, that the business is still running with all the deadlines and the serious things that comes with it."

 

If the first Peep Show film was a test run, then it's obvious that Preda and Bhongjan are quick studies. The filmmakers have recently completed a successful European film tour and done several North American premieres.

"I learned that you need to carry a camera with you 24/7. Everything and anything could be usable. Also, I learned that editing takes a lot longer than you think and when you think you're finally done, actually you're not and there's always stuff to fix. It takes a lot of passion, patience and sacrifice." recounted Preda.

Learning from adversity is a key part of what has made Peep Show successful. Let’s Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow is more than a name – it’s a guiding principle for the filmmakers. "We feel like it represents us well," said Preda.  "We basically fuck up everything we do, but that's what makes it ‘us’."

When asked about filming this season, Preda cautiously yet optimistically replied: "Hopefully, I would really love to, but we never know for sure what will happen."

 

You can buy Let's Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow on DVD on the Peep Show website or via direct download here.