Snow, skate, BMX, wake, surf, and moto are some of the most dangerous and exhilarating pastimes in the world. The people who perform and compete in them are often offered the fame and fortune that accompany mainstream professional athletes. But after a life of devotion to a sport that shapes and defines them, what does life after action sports look like? Barrett Perlman, an ex-pro wakeboarder turned filmmaker, is telling that story.
“All of my favorite action sports industries are coming together to help with this project,” Perlman said. She chose to crowdfund the project over traditional financing for the development of her film. Through interviews with a handful of retired action sports athletes, Perlman tackles the question that few have asked. Individuals share their stories about the industry, holding nothing back about life under the spotlight while juxtaposing them with the moments after the lights go down.
According to a press release, media coverage, consumption, and participation in action sports have all been on the decline in the past decade. That presented a challenge for the production team of this film, receiving some resistance from major companies in the action sports industry who don’t want to highlight the obvious decline.
“Wake boarding taught me how to be relentlessly obsessed with working hard,” Perlman said. “I think being an elite athlete in any sport, you learn that dedication and willpower is something you have to do every single day. It’s just unparalleled. Of course, I’m going to put in blood, sweat, and tears. In the end, you are going to achieve the thing you wanted and it’s all going to be worth it.”
Editor’s Note: You can learn more about Life After X on Indiegogo and on Instagram.
