Their commentary is breathless. Literally. Australian twin brothers Archie and Miles Shephard have become internet stars for their high-energy and comedically nuanced interpretations of some of the most dramatic moments in sports. But if you were in the bedroom where they shoot their material, like Arsenal’s Champions League win at Real Madrid, you’d hardly hear a thing. “I feel like it’s a whisper,” said Archie in an interview with CNN Sports, noting that the lip synching of the original commentary only requires them to mime the words. “It’s a soft yell, if I was yelling then I’d have no voice!” Shepmates, as the duo is known, began almost by accident. The 23-year-old identical twins were working together as salesmen at a timber yard in 2021 and Miles was listening to the Ashes cricket on the radio. When the Australian bowler Mitchell Starc claimed an English wicket with the very first ball of the match, the commentator’s contagious enthusiasm inspired him to film his own reenactment of the call. “It was Covid, so I was bored,” he recalled, “and I just filmed this video and the next morning it blew up and people were asking for more. And then Archie was like, ‘Can I get in on this?’” They spent the rest of the summer generating more cricket content, honing their craft as a double act and building a devoted following. Sometimes, their material has been flagged for copyright infringement, but when the International Cricket Council targeted one of their early World Cup clips, it worked to their advantage. “Ten hours later, it got taken down, our account got banned,” Miles said. “I reached out to the ICC, and we’re like, ‘Why are you banning this? People love this!’ So, they brought our account back and they actually collaborated on the video with us, and it went absolutely bananas.” Sport is not just a live broadcast product, the action is now being repackaged across disparate media platforms, finding new audiences in faraway places. Golf and Formula One are now enjoyed in hitherto unexpected markets thanks to the reach of “Full Swing” and “Drive to Survive” on Netflix. Shepmates have been able to tap into this new trend, covering everything from soccer to basketball, mountain biking and darts. Their spoof of Donald Trump and Joe Biden bickering about who was the better golfer was conceived and recorded while the CNN presidential debate was still ongoing, and released immediately afterward. It’s been seen around 20 million times. No sport is off the table – Shepmates say that sperm racing could even be in the pipeline soon. Sitting side by side and wearing broadcast headsets, they dress according to the sport they are covering and exchange either smug, knowing glances or accusatory and puzzled looks. At the crescendo of each play that they feature, the scene often descends into chaos; when filming Harry Maguire’s dramatic late winner for Manchester United in the Europa League, Archie rocked the camera for dramatic effect as Miles threw a chair across the room, damaging the wall: “The landlord wasn’t happy.” When the darts commentator Wayne Mardle gasped, “I can’t speak, I can’t speak,” the Shepmates’ interpretation of the moment spoofed a commentator falling backwards in a state of medical distress. The brothers often switch positions in their pretend commentary box, making it impossible to tell which one is which, and sometimes they’re even able to quickly duck out of shot, change their appearance and re-appear as a third character just seconds later. They’ve become skilled at repackaging the energy and joy of sport with a humorous twist, their repertoire has found a global audience and they’ve been able to quit the lumber yard and focus full-time on the Shepmates media brand. Initially, each shoot was labor intensive. Miles said that he used to spend hours trying to memorize every line – “a nightmare.” Now, they write the lines out on a screen, using a series of commas and dots to time their delivery. “It doesn’t matter how good our facial expressions or the comedy,” Miles explained, “if the lip-sync’s not good then people aren’t going to watch it.” He’s become an expert in mimicking Spanish and Arabic commentary, but admits he has no idea what they’re saying. “Most of the clips we can nail in four or five shots, we have a ball,” said Archie, “But you start screwing up, then it starts to wear a bit towards the end, like you’ve heard this commentary close to 40 times and by the time you put it out, you’re like, ‘I don’t even know if this is funny.’” Their fans would argue that the labor of love is well worth it, and so far, they say that the commentators they’ve covered approve of their work, but in 2024 they were accused of a gross invasion of privacy when they filmed Mercedes F1 driver George Russell in the urinal. “That was a big moment for us,” Miles explained, “It felt like we were on top of the world, and I think we probably just got a bit ahead of ourselves and we made a mistake. We were like, ‘Jeez, are we bad humans for doing this?’ We apologized to George. I wouldn’t change it, I’m glad it happened. It made us realize we’re not invincible, I think it’s made us better.” Archie and Miles have grown up together, they still live together and now they’re embarking on a dream career together that they could never have imagined when they were making videos together as kids. Miles acknowledges that they have suffered from an imposter syndrome. “Do we deserve all this?” he asked. “A lot of the time we’re worried it’s going to get taken away from us.” “We tried to become professional athletes and failed at that,” Archie added, “So I think the stars aligned with sports and content.” In a manner that they never could have imagined, they have found their calling.
From the lumber yard to social media stars: How Shepmates became a viral sensation
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Australian Twins Shepmates Rise to Fame with Comedic Sports Commentary"
CNN
7.8
TruthLens AI Summary
Australian twin brothers Archie and Miles Shephard, known as Shepmates, have rapidly ascended to internet fame through their energetic and humorous interpretations of sports commentary. Their journey began in 2021 while they were working together at a timber yard, where Miles recorded a reenactment of a cricket commentary that unexpectedly went viral. This initial success encouraged them to explore more content creation, leading them to develop a unique style that blends comedic timing with lip-synced commentary. Despite facing challenges such as copyright issues, they managed to turn setbacks into opportunities, notably collaborating with the International Cricket Council after an early clip was flagged. Their ability to adapt and innovate has allowed them to cover a wide range of sports, appealing to audiences beyond traditional broadcasting methods and reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
The Shepmates' content is characterized by its playful energy and clever humor, often incorporating timely cultural references, such as their spoof of a political debate featuring Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Their production style has evolved from labor-intensive shoots to a more streamlined process that allows them to create engaging content efficiently. While they have enjoyed significant success, including a notable incident where they filmed a controversial moment involving an F1 driver, the brothers remain grounded, reflecting on their past aspirations of becoming professional athletes. They acknowledge the challenges of imposter syndrome as they navigate their newfound fame, but they are excited to continue exploring their passion for sports and entertainment. Their story exemplifies how creativity and timing can transform a simple idea into a thriving media brand, allowing them to pursue a career they once thought was unattainable.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights the rise of Australian twins Archie and Miles Shephard, who have gained popularity on social media as "Shepmates" through their humorous interpretations of sports commentary. Their journey began during the pandemic, showcasing how creativity can flourish under unusual circumstances. The article underscores the impact of social media on traditional sports content and how these twins have inadvertently navigated copyright challenges to achieve wider recognition.
Purpose of the Article
The narrative serves to illustrate the unexpected pathways to fame that can emerge from everyday experiences, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to inspire viewers by showing that with a bit of creativity and timing, anyone can become a viral sensation. By focusing on the twins' relatable origins, the article fosters a sense of connection with the audience, encouraging them to pursue their passions.
Public Perception
The article seeks to create a positive perception of the twins as relatable figures who turned boredom into a successful social media career. It implies that talent can be discovered in unconventional ways and that audiences should embrace new forms of entertainment that deviate from traditional formats.
Hidden Agendas
There does not appear to be an overtly hidden agenda in this narrative. However, the focus on social media success may divert attention from the broader implications of intellectual property rights in the digital age, particularly how content creators navigate copyright issues.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not exhibit strong manipulative tendencies but rather presents an uplifting story. While it emphasizes the twins' success, it may gloss over the challenges they faced, such as the initial copyright infringement issues. This selective storytelling might shape public perception more favorably towards their journey.
Credibility of the News
The report seems credible, relying on firsthand accounts from the twins and specific instances of their experiences. The details provide a genuine look at their rise, and the involvement of the International Cricket Council adds a layer of authenticity. However, the sensational nature of their rapid success could lead some to question the overall narrative.
Societal Implications
This story reflects a broader trend in media consumption where traditional sports are reimagined for online platforms. It suggests that viewers are increasingly seeking engaging, bite-sized content, which could influence how sports leagues and organizations approach marketing and fan engagement in the future.
Target Audience
The article appeals to younger audiences familiar with social media culture and those interested in sports. It resonates particularly with fans of cricket and other sports who enjoy humor and commentary, thus engaging a diverse group of followers.
Impact on Markets
While this narrative may not have direct implications on stock markets, it highlights a growing trend of content creators affecting brand strategies in sports. Companies involved in sports marketing or those leveraging social media platforms might find insights into consumer engagement strategies through the twins' success.
Global Context
In the context of current global trends, this story illustrates the evolving landscape of sports entertainment and the increasing significance of social media in shaping public interest and engagement. It reflects a shift towards personalized content that resonates with niche audiences.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI could have been used in crafting the article, particularly in structuring the narrative and ensuring a flow that engages readers. The use of concise language and storytelling techniques could suggest the influence of AI models in organizing information effectively. However, it is essential to recognize that human creativity and experience play a crucial role in weaving personal narratives.
In conclusion, the article successfully conveys the twins' journey while inspiring readers and highlighting the power of digital platforms in reshaping entertainment. The credibility of the story is supported by the authentic experiences shared, while it also reflects emerging trends in media consumption.