Interviews

Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Collins and Devan Key

Collins and Devan Key have been blazing a trail in the industry since they first burst onto the scene. Not only are they among the most popular digital entertainers in the world with over twenty-one million YouTube subscribers and over five billion views, they’re successful entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful connections in front of and behind the camera.

This year, the brothers teamed up with Moose Toys for an exclusive new product line (available now), and we spoke with Collins and Devan about the collaboration.

PC: How did you both discover your passion for content creation?
Collins: It began with our love of performing at the age of four in Shakespeare plays and then grew when I discovered the art form of magic at the age of twelve. From there, creating content became a way of being able to connect with even more people, as digital content can be consumed by anyone anywhere.

Devan: I’ve always had a passion for coming up with vivid ideas in my head and then being able to bring them to life and share them with others.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your careers?
Collins: Our fans! All of our content is inspired by their suggestions, and we have so much fun bringing their crazy ideas to life in unexpected ways.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your careers. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Collins: My first audition on America’s Got Talent will forever be one of the most surreal moments of my life.

Devan: Being able to headline a ten thousand–person concert in India was an absolutely insane experience. The fact that we were on the other side of the world and our content not only reached the fans there but also made a positive impact on their lives is something that made me feel enormously grateful.

PC: What’s one fun fact about your brother that fans would be surprised to learn?
Devan: The key necklace that Collins wears is actually a family heirloom that’s been in our family for over a hundred years.

Collins: Devan is an amazingly talented artist who actually does commissioned pieces for prestigious clients.

PC: You guys just launched a new product line. How did the collaboration with Moose Toys come to fruition? What can fans expect?
Collins: The number-one question our fans always ask us is “How can we recreate your videos at home?” So when Moose Toys approached us with the possibility of collaborating, we jumped at the opportunity to work with one of the top toy companies in the world.

Devan: Fans can expect fun and interactive toys, games, and challenges that bring the best parts of our videos to life and inspire creativity.

PC: Which product are you most excited for your fans to get a hold of?
Collins: Our Mystery Challenge Wheel was so much fun to create, and we’re so excited to finally be able to share it with our fans. It’s a staple of some of our most popular videos, and now our Keyper Squad can play it at home!

PC: In addition to being content creators, you’re also businessmen. Is it ever challenging to manage all the different aspects to your career?
Devan: Luckily, we love all parts of what we do! We enjoy everything from being on screen and creating the content to being behind the scenes and working on the strategies for what comes next. And we are extremely lucky to be surrounded by a great team who help make all of this possible.

Collins: That’s what we love so much about this industry, it gives us both the opportunity to work in front of the camera and behind the camera in meaningful ways.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Collins and Devan: Avatar: The Last Airbender.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Collins and Devan: Any Pixar movies.

PC: Favorite book?
Collins and Devan: Harry Potter. All of them. [laughs]

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Collins and Devan: Hamilton.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Collins and Devan: Harry Styles

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Collins and Devan: My brother!

To keep up with Collins (Twitter/Instagram) and Devan (Twitter/Instagram), follow them on social media. Subscribe to their YouTube Channel.

Kevin

Kevin is a writer living in New York City. He is an enthusiast with an extensive movie collection, who enjoys attending numerous conventions throughout the year. Say hi on Twitter and Instagram!

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