Corowa’s Tik Tok teen sensation
Corowa teenager Blake Pavey has become an internet sensation on the increasingly popular app, TikTok, for his videos impersonating stereotypical Australian dads.
The 18-year-old has amassed a following of over 177,000 followers since downloading the app late last year. In December 2019, he uploaded his first impersonation of the dad character which received just under a million views.
“I posted the video and left my phone for a couple of hours. When I came back, I had hundreds of notifications and texts telling me it had blown up. It was just crazy,” Blake said.
The inspiration behind his father’s character is loosely based off and even named after his father, Paul. With his tucked-in shirt, sneakers and Aussie slang, Blake produces hilarious scenarios as a typical footy-loving, beer-drinking Australian dad.
“I just based it off my dad and his mates that I’ve met at the pub,” he said.
After a few months, Blake began exploring other characters, introducing his fans to teenage sisters, Tiff and Jess.
“Tiff and Jess are based off girls at my school but exaggerated,” Blake said.
“The first time I introduced the girl characters was a video of Jess getting her P Plates. That blew up more than the dad character and got over 160,000 likes. I got some crappy wigs to go with it to try an up the production value.”
While TikTok has been around for a few years, the social video sharing app only recently became a hit in Australia with people staying home due to coronavirus restrictions.
The latest Roy Morgan data shows that 1.6 million Australians now actively use the platform.
During the coronavirus pandemic, TikTok has created a unique opportunity for connection and allowed creators like Blake to share on a range of subjects including comedy, dancing, kitchen tips, music and art.
Currently finishing his final year at Corowa
High School, Blake plans to continue creating more content on TikTok and hopes that it will be an avenue to his future career aspirations.
“I have wanted to get into film and television for a while. I did work experience at the Melbourne Theatre Company in February 2019,” he said.
“My main goal is to start directing my own stuff. I prefer working behind the camera and creating my own material.”
Whatever path Blake Pavey’s career takes him down he is sure to have a loyal band of followers right behind him.