How We Roll
Our studio grew up like many others - a group of superfans who, through the joy of collaborative creative projects, became best of mates... except we suspected that we had hit upon something worth sharing beyond the confines of our little suburban nook.
Now the Grotto (the name we give our little creative space) is a creative outlet for so much more and we can't wait to see where it goes next.
Beyond Blue
This aint our first rodeo. All of our team have been around long enough to have experienced depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health issues either ourselves or with our families and friends - and we know the importance of support in those times.
Part of the profits we make from our merchandise etc goes direct to causes like Beyond Blue - an Australian independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders.
If you're struggling please know that: 1 - you have friends in the Grotto who have been there also, 2 - there really is a way to get back up and 3 - Beyond Blue really can help you RIGHT NOW - chat online at their website here or call 1300 22 4636 (in Australia).
Shooting From the Cuff
We're Australians which means we like to have a laugh (often at our own expense) but we understand that, at times, the chat at our table can get a little 'loose' or 'bawdy'.
Please understand that, while at times we make comments that seem politically incorrect to some, we are all of us dads, most of us are husbands (and all of us are sons) and that, while comments may get a little blue, we have the utmost respect for all genders (including our own).
We live in an online society where click-chasers actively comment or react to something (or try to "cancel") without properly absorbing the offending content nor understanding the context. We know, and you know... those click-chasers often don't really care about the issue at hand, they solely care about a good click-bait thumbnail and the dollars per thousand views. Please try to refrain from knee jerk judging because we'll probably ignore it (see above). One of our favourite moments from the hit D&D stream Critical Role (we love those guys too) was when Laura Bailey frowned at Liam O'Brien for a lewd comment he made - at which point Liam calmly pointed out that in most episodes Laura herself uses language that would make a sailor blush. Chastising a bloke for a lewd remark made in jest is often a first reaction. Just pause for a moment and consider the last time you did the same with your friends.
And don't worry, Ryan (our own "moral police") has a radar that's very good at detecting when we've gone "too far" and he is never afraid to chastise us off screen (or on it).
We try to be as inclusive as possible and respect the code of conduct of media channels. We know that the world doesn't move to the beat of just one drum.