"The Noisy List" Brings Preview's Pride 2026 Cover to Life
The team behind Preview’s 2026 Pride editorial film shares the ideas, creative process, and on-set moments that shaped The Noisy List.
Published on Jul 2, 2026
A queer child’s imagination became the foundation of Preview’s Pride editorial film this year.
Titled The Noisy List, the short brings together this year’s 20 Pride cover stars alongside child star Lian Bhe Mañaol. Set across institutional locations with sets designed by Rocket Sets, it imagines these familiar spaces through the eyes of a queer child. The concept, developed by Creative Director Bacs Arcebal and Associate Creative Director Jana Jodloman and then brought to life with creative video agency CAD Studios, expands on the Pride cover through film.
For Preview Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente, The Noisy List builds on the Pride cover by spotlighting people who actively push conversations forward.
“This year’s Preview Pride cover introduces The Noisy List—a celebration of queer individuals who don't just exist within the conversation but actively move it forward,” she says. “These are the voices who show up, speak out, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community—especially in the everyday work of pushing for inclusivity, representation, and change.”
That idea became the starting point for the editorial film. Rather than just following the cover stars themselves, the team chose to tell the story through a queer child's perspective.
“I think kids have this innocence and purity when it comes to seeing the world,” Jana says. “They don't immediately put people into boxes or judge them for who they are. They just like people because they’re kind, they’re fun, or they make them feel safe.”
She adds, “I don’t think hate is something we’re born with. It’s something we’re taught.”
Those conversations shaped both the structure of the film and its setting. While Lian answers questions off-camera about being yourself, confidence, and freedom, the world around him gradually shifts as the cover stars begin appearing in a classroom, library, gym, and even a Senate office.
Reimagining Familiar Spaces
When CAD Studios came on board, director Dean Sesbreño saw those locations as more than just backdrops. Each space carried its own meaning within the story.
“We wanted to visually show that schools shouldn't limit your imagination but allow it to wander; a library shouldn’t box you into traditional beliefs but allow you to explore and give new meaning to your life; a Senate office shouldn't silence you but amplify and support your rights and freedom of expression; and the gym shouldn't make you feel embarrassed about yourself but strengthen the core of your queerness.”
Creative head April Duran says the concept immediately resonated with the team.
“As a team, we’ve always believed that creativity carries the responsibility to move conversations forward, not just capture attention,” she says. “Preview has consistently used its platform to spark important conversations, so we immediately saw The Noisy List as more than just a campaign—it was a statement.”
The visual language also drew from queer history. Before mapping out the storyboard, Dean revisited Paris Is Burning, the landmark 1990 documentary on New York City’s ballroom scene.
“I wanted to get the vibrance, authenticity, and boldness of this documentary because it really captures the essence of queer life and how they built a community to express themselves despite the struggle and discrimination back then,” they say. “It also ties perfectly to our idea of reclaiming spaces in these times.”
From there, CAD worked closely with the Preview team to shape the film’s rhythm. Every setting was carefully planned, but there was also room to let each cover star’s personality come through.
“The directors from CAD created a really solid shot list that made the whole film feel a lot more cohesive,” Jana says. “Even though everyone was part of one bigger story, they still found ways to make each person shine in their own layouts.”
The Scene That Wasn't Planned
Some of the film’s most memorable moments weren’t part of the original plan.
Initially, Lian was meant to remain separate from the world he imagined. But during the final classroom sequence, the team decided to bring him into the celebration, placing him alongside Sassa Gurl, Yani Villarosa, Dr. Vinn Pagtakhan, Ice Neo, and Nic Chien.
“There wasn’t much directing involved at that point—we simply let everyone interact naturally,” April recalls. “Lian wasn't just imagining belonging anymore—he was part of the celebration. I think that small change made the film’s message even more powerful.”
Dean remembers how quickly the scene came together after the idea was suggested on set.
“The motivation was to have it dream-like, as if seeing himself with the characters in his own imagination,” they say. “That shot only took two or three takes because Lian was a natural and we could see how supportive the Pride stars were.”
For Jana, another defining moment came from behind the monitor.
“There was this scene where he was dancing inside the classroom with all of the cover stars,” she says. “I could just see how happy he was. His face completely lit up, and he was just genuinely having fun.”
She adds, “That's exactly what this project is about. It's about making space for people and building a community where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated.”
Why “The Noisy List”?
The collaborative process extended beyond the storyboard. April credits the creative trust between Preview and CAD Studios for allowing the film to evolve throughout production, while Dean says the partnership made it possible to pursue ideas that strengthened the story as filming progressed.
Looking back, Jana sees The Noisy List as a continuation of Preview’s previous Pride projects while acknowledging where this year's story stands apart.
“I think our previous Pride covers were more celebratory,” she says. “This year still has that energy, but I think there’s also a deeper emotion underneath it. There's a bit of rage in it. It's about wanting to be heard.”
That idea ultimately shaped the title itself.
“It’s not about making noise just for the sake of being loud,” she says. “It's about making noise with a purpose. It's about speaking up because silence has never really changed anything.”
Kat is Preview's Lifestyle Editor, explorer, and occasional rhymer. When not globe-trotting, she's over her computer, writing her next big novel.
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