What began as one film-school graduate sharing his opinions about movies and television has grown into a successful content brand followed by hundreds of thousands of entertainment fans.
Brothers Blake and Garrett Duckworth recently joined Stream Punk Entertainment to discuss the five-year journey behind DuckTakes, their creative partnership and the possibilities that have opened through social media.
Blake launched the original channel, then known as “Blake’s Takes,” after graduating from the University of Central Florida’s film program. With the entertainment industry offering limited opportunities during the pandemic, he decided to create an outlet where he could discuss the movies, television shows and performances that interested him.
Approximately six months later, Garrett joined the project.
The decision allowed the brothers to bring their natural chemistry and lifelong conversations about entertainment in front of the camera. Movies and television had already been something they regularly discussed and quoted together, making the transition into collaborative content feel increasingly natural.
The channel eventually became DuckTakes, a name incorporating both their Duckworth family name and their identity as brothers.
That relationship is an important part of the brand’s appeal. Blake and Garrett can disagree, debate and challenge one another while maintaining the familiarity that comes from growing up together. Creating DuckTakes has also strengthened their relationship, giving them a shared project built around something they both genuinely enjoy.
Five years later, that project has developed into a substantial online community. DuckTakes currently promotes itself as having more than 650,000 followers on TikTok, with additional content distributed through Instagram, YouTube and podcast platforms. Their material includes film reviews, rankings, debates, reactions and conversations about both major releases and overlooked favorites.
The growth has required considerably more work than simply turning on a camera. Blake estimated that he spends approximately 50 to 55 hours each week recording, planning, editing and publishing content. Garrett balances his contributions with another job while participating in recording sessions and collaborative brainstorming.
Those brainstorming sessions help the brothers transform longer conversations into videos suited for several platforms. TikTok remains their largest outlet for discovery, while Instagram, YouTube and podcast services give viewers different ways to engage with their work.
The brothers are now looking at opportunities beyond their current format. Their goals include welcoming more celebrity guests, exploring voice acting and potentially creating an original short film. They have also expanded into sports content through Duck Duck Hike, a separate channel focused primarily on football.
Perhaps the most encouraging part of the DuckTakes story is that it remains rooted in its original purpose. Blake and Garrett began by talking about movies because they enjoyed doing it together. Five years later, that same enthusiasm continues to drive a growing multimedia platform and an audience that would have once seemed unimaginable.
Huge shout out to Robert Manning for helping make this connection.
Follow DuckTakes through their official Linktree, YouTube channel and Instagram account.
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