OG: Approved - Blake Ridder
Featuring the Next Generation of Storytellers Rising from the Creator Economy
Welcome to OG: Approved—where rule-breaking creators shape the future. Hand-picked by Open Gardens, they’re not following the playbook—they’re writing the next one.
Name: Blake Ridder
Instagram: 576K Followers
Youtube: 167K Followers
Tik Tok: 463K Followers
Who Is Blake Ridder?
Ever wondered what it looks like when someone actually cracks the code on sustainable independent filmmaking? Blake Ridder isn't just making movies on YouTube. He’s built something much bigger: a complete creative ecosystem that turns traditional filmmaking inside out.
Here’s what makes Ridder different. Most filmmakers guard their process like state secrets. Ridder does the opposite. He makes psychological thrillers, sci-fi mysteries, and character-driven dramas that look genuinely professional. Then he turns around and shows you exactly how he did it. Think detailed breakdowns of directing choices, cinematography setups, and screenwriting insights. Every release feels like a film and a masterclass in one.
But his smartest move? He’s turned his audience into collaborators. Through Patreon, his supporters aren’t just funding the work, they’re shaping it. They give feedback, get behind-the-scenes access, and join the development journey. It flips the traditional creator-audience dynamic on its head.
Ridder has essentially built his own film school and studio at the same time. YouTube for distribution. Tutorials and BTS content for education. A paid Masterclass for deeper training. Patreon for community. A published guidebook codifying what he’s learned. It’s a flywheel of content, craft, and commerce…and it’s working.
Three Things We Like About Blake Ridder
Transparent Storytelling: Blake doesn't just showcase polished films. He lifts the curtain on his entire creative process. From detailed directing decisions to specific cinematography techniques, Blake transforms filmmaking secrets into accessible insights for everyone.
Audience as Collaborators: Through his Patreon community, Blake actively involves viewers as co-creators. He welcomes and encourages feedback, creating an authentic dialogue that directly shapes the direction and outcome of his work.
Creative Flywheel: Blake has thoughtfully built a complete filmmaking ecosystem with short films, tutorials, a Masterclass, and a published guidebook. Each element reinforces the others, helping aspiring filmmakers learn, grow, and create sustainably.
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