They’re funny, Youtube famous and from the East Hill.
They’re The Fung Brothers, a dynamic duo made up of locally grown David and Andrew Fung who professionally direct, film and edit original videos on Youtube.com.
Back at Kentwood High School, these brothers incorporated their knack for making people laugh in class projects and presentations, unaware they would be doing something quite similar but on a much larger scale later on.
“We were always making quips and witty remarks,” they said. “(And) because we were Asian and performers, it was pretty easy to stand out.”
After both graduated from the University of Washington, David and Andrew made a big career decision in April 2011.
“We figured we had to move,” they said. “Seattle’s a great place to raise a family and read a book. However, if you’re Asian and into entertainment … L.A. is where it’s at.”
The brothers began vlogging (video blogging) about topics relevant to their lives, which, many times, included themes like race and culture. Sometimes the vlogs and music videos explore those themes in a lighter manner. For example, their most recent music video, “Bobalife,” details the culture surrounding the popular Taiwanese milk tea drink. Other times, the brothers utilize stereotypes to create edgier yet still humorous vlogs with the intent to entertain, not offend.
“(At) the end of the day, we stand by what we say,” the brothers said. “Stereotypes exist for a reason, and it’s because there’s truth to them. If you’re smart, you can stereotype people without sounding racist, (but) there should be a mutual understanding that (stereotypes) are not 100 percent true.”
Among the other Youtube “celebrities,” the Fung Brothers have worked alongside the stars from Wong Fu productions and musician Jason Chen. But the brothers say that even as recent as a year and a half ago, the non-Asian and Asian Youtubers didn’t even know each other.
“It’s still segregated,” they said. “But there’s definitely more collaboration nowadays.”
Unlike most celebrities and business partners, these guys get to work with family on a daily basis, which has its own set of ups and downs, but more ups than downs, according to the brothers.
“The pros outweigh the cons,” they said. “You debate more, you argue, you pick apart each other’s ideas, but in the end, it’s usually a better product. We have our disagreements, but we’re best friends and share the same end goal so it all works out.”
And that end goal revolves around their “desire to make an impact on the world.” With more than 40 videos and over three million views on Youtube, The Fung Brothers are reaching young audiences throughout the West Coast and beyond.
“Life is too short not to share our conversations with the world,” they said.
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