What began as a passion project among friends skiing and filming in the picturesque landscapes of Tahoe has rapidly evolved into a recognized entity in the action sports film scene: Truancy. Now, two years into their journey, the crew is poised to unveil their second cinematic offering, "Window Shopping," a film that encapsulates not only thrilling skiing but also the profound resilience forged through unexpected adversity.
The Genesis of Truancy: From Camaraderie to Cinematic Ambition
Truancy’s origins are rooted in the shared enthusiasm for skiing and videography that bonded a group of friends in the Tahoe region. Co-founder and filmer Wade Peek, alongside Mack Winterberger, laid the groundwork for what would become a collective endeavor. The initial vision was simple: to capture the essence of their skiing adventures. Their first film, a maiden voyage into professional filmmaking for Peek, served as an invaluable learning experience. It was a crucible where they honed their craft, identified their strengths, and began to understand the intricate demands of producing a ski film.
"Last film was our very first project ever. Really my first time filming professionally or anything like that," Peek shared, reflecting on the crew’s humble beginnings. "It’s just really a group based out of Tahoe that we started." This organic growth allowed the crew to expand its reach beyond its Californian roots, attracting talented skiers from diverse locations, including Colorado and other regions, fostering a broader sense of community and shared ambition.
The second film, "Window Shopping," represents a significant step forward. "We took everything we learned from last year and we applied it to this film," Peek explained. "Obviously, there’s a ton we’re learning all the time." This iterative process of learning and application is central to Truancy’s development, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement in both their skiing and filmmaking techniques.
A Season Thrown Sideways: The Unforeseen Challenges of "Window Shopping"
The production of "Window Shopping" was far from a smooth ascent. The season was marked by a significant backcountry accident that profoundly impacted co-founder and filmer Wade Peek. What began as a promising filming season took a sharp, unexpected turn in December. After commencing filming with halfpipe skiing at the Grand Prix in Colorado, Peek’s travels took him to Chile for a kayaking expedition before his return to Tahoe, with intentions of focusing on the ski season. However, fate intervened dramatically.
"I was in a backcountry accident and ended up with five breaks in my left leg," Peek recounted. The severity of the injury necessitated a helicopter evacuation from the remote Tahoe backcountry to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, where surgeons undertook extensive work to reconstruct his leg. This incident presented a monumental challenge for a crew whose entire operation hinges on the filmer’s presence to capture the athletes’ performances. Losing Peek for a substantial portion of the filming window could have jeopardized the entire project.
Instead of derailing the film, Peek’s injury became an integral part of its narrative. The season was already a complex tapestry woven with the demands of competition schedules, academic pursuits for some members, and the capricious nature of weather and snow conditions. Peek’s personal struggle and subsequent rehabilitation added another layer of profound human experience to the story. "It was special because it had some legit setbacks," Peek stated. "We were able to kind of overcome those." This perspective highlights the crew’s determination to not just document skiing, but to embrace and convey the full spectrum of challenges and triumphs that define their endeavors.
Finding the Windows: Thematic Resonance and Evolving Production
The title, "Window Shopping," emerged as a direct reflection of the season’s narrative. "That’s kind of what our film is about this year," Peek explained. "It’s called ‘Window Shopping.’ So it’s us finding those windows to film." These "windows" were not merely ideal weather conditions but also the limited opportunities to capture footage amidst competing priorities and unforeseen circumstances. The season demanded a strategic approach to maximizing every available moment for filming, whether it was fitting in freeride segments, halfpipe sessions, or navigating the complexities of Peek’s recovery.
The struggles encountered throughout the season are intrinsically woven into the fabric of the finished film. While "Window Shopping" remains fundamentally a ski movie, with the skiing as its central focus, Peek intentionally sought to provide a more comprehensive portrayal of the journey. "It’s definitely still ski focused," he emphasized, "But I feel like there’s definitely a good balance. There’s a lot of emotion behind the scenes and the struggles." This deliberate inclusion of the behind-the-scenes narrative offers a deeper connection for the audience, revealing the human element behind the daring feats on the snow.
A Step Up in Skiing and Production
The evolution from Truancy’s first film to "Window Shopping" is marked by a discernible improvement in both the caliber of skiing and the overall production quality. The crew has had an additional year to refine their collective understanding of filmmaking, fostering a more cohesive and polished output. "I was able to really take a step back and study up," Peek noted, referring to the period of recovery that allowed him to focus on filmmaking theory and practice. "I think the skiing in our new film really took a step up from last year."
This enhancement in skiing is complemented by a more sophisticated approach to cinematography and editing. "We took everything we learned from last year and applied it to this film," Peek reiterated. "I feel like the level of production really stepped up, too." This progression is partly attributed to Peek’s enforced downtime, which provided an opportunity to delve deeper into filmmaking techniques and conceptualize the film’s overall aesthetic and narrative flow.
Influences Shaping the Truancy Vision
Peek’s cinematic vision for Truancy is informed by a diverse range of influences. He draws inspiration from local Tahoe filmmakers, such as Ryder Schwartz, who has been a significant mentor figure. Furthermore, Peek acknowledges the foundational work of early Teton Gravity Research (TGR) films, recognizing their pioneering role in shaping the genre. The contributions of photographer Isami Kiyooka also play a part in shaping the visual language of Truancy’s productions.
Despite these influences, Peek consciously cultivates a filming style that is intentionally less structured and more organic. "We’re all just friends," he stated, underscoring the core of Truancy’s ethos. "So if the camera’s rolling, it’s really just us having fun all the time, which I think is displayed through the film." This philosophy eschews rigid shot lists and detailed daily plans, favoring a more spontaneous approach that captures the authentic dynamics of the group.
Embracing Spontaneity and Adaptation
The unscripted nature of Truancy’s filming process is a deliberate choice. "Most of it is not planned," Peek admitted. "Things change so fast each day that we don’t even know what we’re up to." This adaptability proved particularly crucial during the challenging season of "Window Shopping." "Especially this year, just with the snow conditions, everything; nothing went according to plan," he reflected. "We all kind of adjusted, including me."
While a general game plan may emerge once the crew is in the mountains, Peek remains committed to avoiding an overly engineered production. "As far as day by day, there’s no shot list or anything like that," he affirmed. This commitment to spontaneity ensures that the film retains an authentic feel, capturing the genuine interactions and experiences of friends who happen to be exceptional skiers. The ability to adapt and pivot, especially in the face of significant setbacks like injuries and unpredictable environmental factors, has become a hallmark of Truancy’s filmmaking process.
Premiering "Window Shopping" and Connecting with the Community
As the production phase concludes, Truancy is preparing to share "Window Shopping" with a wider audience through a series of in-person premieres. The first screening is slated for Truckee in mid-October, followed by a premiere in Jackson Hole in early November, coinciding with Owen Smith’s film festival. Additional screenings are planned for Boulder in mid-November, with further Tahoe premieres under consideration.
For Peek and the Truancy crew, these premieres represent more than just an opportunity to showcase their work. "That’s definitely the driving force," Peek explained. "You get to experience it with your best friends and it brings the community together." This emphasis on community and shared experience underscores the fundamental values that underpin Truancy’s existence.
The journey of creating "Window Shopping" has been a testament to the crew’s perseverance. What began as a desire to film friends skiing in Tahoe has blossomed into a cohesive filmmaking unit. The season’s unforeseen challenges, from injuries to fluctuating snow conditions, tested their resolve, yet they consistently found those crucial "windows" to capture the essence of their passion. "We ended up making it happen regardless," Peek concluded, a sentiment that encapsulates the spirit of resilience and dedication driving Truancy.
"Window Shopping" is expected to premiere in Tahoe in October, followed by additional screenings in Jackson Hole, Boulder, and potentially other locations before its eventual online release. A specific digital release date has not yet been announced. The film’s core message, as articulated by Peek, remains clear: it is a story about "us finding those windows to film," a narrative of seizing opportunities and pushing forward despite adversity.
