Our Story

Their teacher, Mr. Bokovitz, loved the work they created together and introduced them to a former student, Ben Gugick, who excelled at short form advertisements mostly featured on Instagram. Ben presented the class with a variety of well shot, well paced, and well edited pieces. Calo was enamored and stayed nearly an hour after class asking how he created such strong visuals on a seemingly shoestring budget. Ben enjoyed breaking down his process and urged Calo to give him a call after school. After some hesitation, Calo finally reached out a few months later, hoping to learn as much as he could about videography and editing.

During the following summer, Ben taught Calo everything he could about his approach to content creation. Shortly after, Anthony asked Calo to set up an introduction so he could learn as well. Guided by Ben, the two picked up small marketing jobs around Cleveland, working with him as much as possible to build their skills and start forming their own brand. Anthony understood the assignment almost immediately and within months felt like a seasoned editor. Calo worked to keep pace on editing while also contributing through client communication and camera direction.

Despite making less than $10 an hour on most jobs, the competitive nature between them pushed both of them deeper into the world of Instagram marketing. When one made something better, the other worked harder to catch up. While the projects varied, they established themselves as some of the top nightlife creators in Cleveland before even graduating high school.

Shortly before graduation, an opportunity came up that could turn their small passion projects into something more serious. Ben was contacted by FWD, the largest nightclub in Cleveland, to cover the entire summer. Headlined by artists like Machine Gun Kelly, John Summit, and Dom Dolla, it promised a packed season with full creative control. The only issue—Ben was moving to Chicago. Instead, he recommended Calo and Anthony take over as lead shooters and editors, with him overseeing edits to maintain quality. FWD agreed, shocked to learn they would be turning 18 just before the summer started.

To maintain existing work, continue building relationships, and keep their parents happy, Calo and Anthony committed to a year of in person classes at Cleveland State. The plan was simple: see where the business stood after a year. But first, they had to deliver for FWD.

Like before, they traded edits each weekend, constantly trying to outdo each other. Within a month, the marketing team felt confident in their decision, and the general feeling was that DUDDCASH improved with every edit. They balanced FWD with three other nightlife venues, plus any additional jobs that came in, making it their most productive and best-paying summer yet. Every paycheck went right back into the business—new cameras, computers, ND filters, gimbals, lenses. As they improved, so did their tools.

The following year at Cleveland State marked a major shift. While moving into their dorm, they met Gabe, a content creator living across the hall. Just like Ben had done for them, they helped him develop as an editor. Soon after, they brought on Logan, another freshman who added drone work and strong shooting to the team.

As the team grew, they tried to stay focused on school, but it became clear the work mattered more. When a Coachella afterparty edit came in with a three day turnaround, school took a back seat. That decision paid off, leading to connections with producers offering fast turn movie premiere edits—sometimes needing full delivery within 24 hours.

Pressure formed results. They found that working under intense deadlines, even with little sleep, brought out some of their best work. By the end of the year, their output looked completely different from just six months prior, and their income finally reflected the effort they were putting in. Then in June 2024, they made their biggest connection yet.

YadaYada Studio, led by Maddi Clarke, focuses on social content for high level brands. The pacing and style differed from what DUDDCASH typically produced, leaning more into shooting and product. Still, Maddi brought them in for a small project with Lululemon. They loved the experience, and the feeling was mutual—they kept getting brought back. This pushed their business forward in a big way and rounded out their skillset.

That step led to the next move—joining Ben in Chicago.

After training Gabe and Logan, DUDDCASH left them with every Cleveland connection they had built and made the move. Both remain key parts of the team, stepping in when projects require more hands.

The duo continues to push each other with every project, building their team and sharpening their work year after year. What started as small passion projects has turned into something real, and after just a year in Chicago, they're only getting started.