Designers that could keep ducks dry in the rain
AI First Software Developers
Broken Duck Media is an independent software studio based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We build AI-first applications that merge storytelling, interactivity, and real-world utility. From education tools to generative media platforms, our focus is on delivering purposeful, scalable software — with a small, focused team and a lot of curiosity.
Our core products include:
- Tchaikovsky - an AI-driven music studio for text-to-MIDI generation
- Influent Space - a test prep platform using AI feedback for IELTS learners
- Reactivid - an experimental toolset for real-time media production
We work across a full stack of technologies — Python, Astro, FastAPI, SQLModel, and frontend frameworks — while blending in creative workflows from video editing to generative asset creation.
Who We Are
Broken Duck Media was founded by Craig, a developer, content creator, and systems thinker with over a decade of experience across education, software, and AI tooling. He has led international production teams, launched high-volume YouTube brands, and developed tools used by learners and developers around the world.
Amber is a co-founder of Broken Duck Media and also co-runs Green Light Studio with her husband Jake. Amber is Thai-American and brings strengths in marketing, branding, and business development. Jake, an American developer and creative technologist, contributes across infrastructure and UI. Together, they support creative strategy and technical execution across Broken Duck Media's products.
Take a look at the software and technical skills they've built over the years:
Final Cut Pro
Video Production
My primary NLE for fast-paced narrative and instructional editing, especially for long-form YouTube and curriculum content.
★★★★★
Apple Motion
Video Production
Used for building animated titles and simple lower thirds within Final Cut Pro projects.
★★★★★
Adobe Animate
Video Production
Applied in early EdTech projects for 2D character rigging and frame-by-frame educational animations.
★★★★☆
Adobe Character Animator
Video Production
Utilized for real-time puppet performance and automated lip-sync in explainer and kids’ content.
★★★★★
Adobe Premiere Pro
Video Production
Former primary editor for freelance and agency workflows; skilled in timeline nesting, transitions, and export presets.
★★★★★
Adobe After Effects
Video Production
Used extensively for motion graphics, kinetic typography, and compositing effects in commercial and educational video.
★★★★★
DaVinci Resolve
Video Production
Used mostly for color correction and grading, especially when delivering polished YouTube or branded projects.
★★★★☆
Blender
Video Production
Used for basic modeling, animated logos, and product visualizations in pitch videos and YouTube intros.
★★★★☆
CapCut
Video Production
Go-to app for mobile-first vertical content and fast turnaround TikTok-style edits.
★★★★★
Camtasia
Video Production
Frequently used for educational voiceovers, screen recordings, and on-screen annotations in tutorials.
★★★★★
OBS Studio
Video Production
Used for live screen capture, YouTube livestreams, and cam overlay production.
★★★★★
VEED.IO
Video Production
Quick web-based edits, subtitles, and audio cleanup for lean turnaround projects.
★★★★★
Adobe Illustrator
Digital Art & Design
My primary tool for branding, logo design, and scalable vector graphics used in print and screen-based media.
★★★★★
Canva
Digital Art & Design
Used for quick layout prototyping and client-facing social graphics with fast turnaround and team templates.
★★★★★
Adobe InDesign
Digital Art & Design
Used for print-ready materials like brochures, workbooks, and multi-page PDF layouts across brand campaigns.
★★★★★
Autodesk
Digital Art & Design
Basic experience using Autodesk tools for modeling references and design exploration on technical layouts.
★★★☆☆
Adobe Lightroom
Photography
Used for photo batch processing, color grading, and RAW workflow across event and product shoots.
★★★★☆
Adobe Photoshop
Photography
My go-to tool for high-detail retouching, composites, and layered image enhancements across media types.
★★★★★
Capture One
Photography
Used primarily for tethered shooting and color-accurate RAW development in studio workflows.
★★★★☆
Darktable
Photography
Open-source RAW editor I’ve used for color-correcting, noise reduction, and non-destructive workflows.
★★★★☆
Luminar Neo
Photography
Used for one-click AI enhancements, sky replacements, and stylized final treatments in creative sets.
★★★★☆
DxO PhotoLab
Photography
Used for lens correction, noise cleanup, and detail recovery on client and portfolio imagery.
★★★★☆
ON1 Photo RAW
Photography
All-in-one RAW editor I’ve used for local adjustments and plugin integration across batch jobs.
★★★★☆
GIMP
Photography
Free and open-source editor I’ve used for basic photo manipulation and lightweight graphics on Linux systems.
★★★★☆
Python
Languages
Used for building APIs, automating workflows, and powering AI-related services using FastAPI and scripting libraries.
★★★★☆
JavaScript
Languages
Core language for UI interactivity, browser behavior, and integrating client-side logic across web apps.
★★★★☆
TypeScript
Languages
Used for maintaining safety and clarity in scalable frontend projects with React, Astro, and component libraries.
★★★★☆
HTML
Languages
Proficient in semantic markup, accessibility structure, and static scaffolding across full web stacks.
★★★★★
CSS
Languages
Used for responsive design, custom layouts, and cross-browser interfaces using raw and utility-first approaches.
★★★★★
SQL
Languages
Used for querying PostgreSQL databases, managing table joins, filters, and writing seed/migration scripts.
★★★☆☆
Shell
Languages
Comfortable writing Bash/Zsh scripts for environment setup, deployment, and task automation.
★★★★☆
React
Languages
Used to build interactive component-based frontends with hooks, router, and API-connected state.
★★★★☆
Astro
Languages
My preferred static-site generator for content-focused sites with island-based interactivity and speed.
★★★★☆
FastAPI
Languages
Backend framework used for async REST APIs with OpenAPI docs, typing, and integration with SQLModel.
★★★★☆
Node.js
Languages
Used to build CLI tools, script infrastructure, and lightweight backend services for React and Astro apps.
★★★★☆
Express.js
Languages
Lightweight API framework I've used in prototyping full-stack JS apps and serving JSON data layers.
★★★★☆
Next.js
Languages
Used for server-rendered and statically generated sites, API routes, and hybrid deployment strategies.
★★★★☆
Svelte
Languages
Explored as a lean alternative to React for reactive interfaces with minimal boilerplate.
★★★★☆
Jinja2
Languages
Used for rendering HTML dynamically in Python backend projects and form-based systems.
★★★★☆
Tailwind CSS
Languages
Preferred for utility-first styling and consistent responsive designs across web projects.
★★★★☆
SQLAlchemy
Languages
Used as a core ORM for relational database access with query construction and schema mapping.
★★★★☆
PostgreSQL
Languages
My go-to relational DB for local and hosted apps, schema design, and structured querying.
★★★★☆
Pydantic
Languages
Used to structure and validate Python data models, especially with FastAPI and SQLModel.
★★★★☆
Java
Languages
Working knowledge for object-oriented design, Android foundations, and compile-time structure.
★★★★☆
Swift
Languages
Basic usage for iOS development and exploration of app layout, syntax, and SwiftUI elements.
★★★★☆
Figma
UI/UX Design
My go-to tool for wireframing, prototyping, and real-time collaboration on interface designs.
★★★★★
Adobe XD
UI/UX Design
Used for UI flows, low/high-fidelity design mockups, and interactive clickthrough demos.
★★★★★
Sketch
UI/UX Design
Used for early-stage interface design and reusable symbols in app interface work.
★★★★★
Marvel
UI/UX Design
Used for fast mobile prototyping and usability testing on early app ideas.
★★★★★
Articulate Storyline
Instructional Design
Used for building interactive e-learning modules with branching scenarios and quizzes.
★★★★☆
Articulate Rise
Instructional Design
My preferred tool for creating clean, mobile-friendly instructional content quickly.
★★★★★
Adobe Captivate
Instructional Design
Used for software tutorials, screen recordings, and scenario-based learning modules.
★★★★☆
SCORM Cloud
Instructional Design
Used to test SCORM compliance and track learning object performance across platforms.
★★★★☆
Ahrefs
Content Strategy
Used for keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitive site audits across content campaigns.
★★★★☆
SEMrush
Content Strategy
Helpful for tracking SERP changes, auditing technical SEO, and improving content visibility over time.
★★★★☆
Google Analytics
Content Strategy
Used for measuring traffic, user behavior, and conversion funnels across web properties.
★★★★☆
Google Search Console
Content Strategy
Used to track indexed pages, search visibility, and site health from Google’s perspective.
★★★★☆
TubeBuddy
Content Strategy
Used for YouTube SEO, A/B testing thumbnails, and managing bulk video metadata.
★★★★★
vidIQ
Content Strategy
Supports keyword research, trend tracking, and channel growth strategies for video content.
★★★★★
Velio
Content Strategy
Best YouTube analytics suite I’ve used—supported video growth strategies that achieved over 100M views.
★★★★★
Audacity
Audio & Voice Work
Used for fast, destructive audio editing and quick cleanup tasks on VO and narration tracks.
★★★★☆
Adobe Audition
Audio & Voice Work
Used for precise multitrack mixing, vocal cleanup, and broadcast-quality mastering workflows.
★★★★☆
GarageBand
Audio & Voice Work
Used for quick voiceover tracking, audio mockups, and podcast editing on macOS.
★★★★★
Logic Pro X
Audio & Voice Work
Used for music production, advanced voiceover processing, and layered audio arrangements.
★★★★☆
Reaper
Audio & Voice Work
Used for modular DAW setups, scripting automation, and detailed post-production editing.
★★★★★
Git / GitHub
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for source control, team collaboration, and deployment workflows across all projects.
★★★★☆
GitLab
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for CI/CD pipeline integration and internal repo hosting for private deployments.
★★★★☆
Bitbucket
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for Atlassian-integrated source control and legacy project versioning.
★★★★☆
Notion
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for documentation, database-driven dashboards, and personal productivity workflows.
★★★★☆
Trello
Project & Workflow Tools
Used extensively as a project manager to structure multi-team editorial and dev workflows.
★★★★★
ClickUp
Project & Workflow Tools
Used to manage sprints, tickets, and long-form planning with remote production teams.
★★★★★
Slack
Project & Workflow Tools
Used extensively for team communication, integrated bot workflows, and ops coordination.
★★★★★
Google Workspace
Project & Workflow Tools
Used daily for collaborative documents, sheets, meetings, and team file management.
★★★★★
Microsoft 365
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for business correspondence, document formatting, and client communication tasks.
★★★★★
Jira
Project & Workflow Tools
Used for agile sprint management, backlog tracking, and cross-functional team planning.
★★★★☆
Vercel
Deployment & DevOps
Used to deploy frontend Astro/Next.js sites with automated previews and git-based rollbacks.
★★★★☆
Railway
Deployment & DevOps
Used to quickly stand up dev APIs and databases with CLI deployment and environment syncing.
★★★★☆
Netlify
Deployment & DevOps
Used for quick static site hosting, including form handlers, serverless functions, and previews.
★★★☆☆
Heroku
Deployment & DevOps
Used for quick deployment of full-stack apps and microservices with dyno-based scaling.
★★★☆☆
Cloudflare
Deployment & DevOps
Used for domain routing, SSL setup, CDN caching, and performance/security tuning.
★★★★☆
Docker
Deployment & DevOps
Used to containerize dev environments and deploy AI services in isolated stacks.
★★★★☆
GitHub Actions
Deployment & DevOps
Used to automate build/test/deploy pipelines on commit using workflow YAMLs.
★★★★☆
GitLab CI
Deployment & DevOps
Used to configure internal runners for build/test workflows in private repos.
★★★☆☆
CircleCI
Deployment & DevOps
Used for Docker-based test automation and production branch deployment.
★★★☆☆
AWS
Deployment & DevOps
Used EC2 for server instances, S3 for asset storage, and Route 53 for domain routing.
★★★★☆
Google Cloud Platform
Deployment & DevOps
Used Firebase Hosting, App Engine, and GCS buckets for AI/EdTech projects.
★★★★☆
HSK3
Certificates
Certified HSK3 Chinese speaker since 2018; used fluently while living and working across China.
★★★★☆
Adobe Creative Cloud
Certificates
Completed Adobe Creative Cloud training program with emphasis on cross-platform media production.
★★★★★
ACX Certified
Certificates
Produced and published multiple audiobooks (incl. erotica) on Amazon ACX with full mastering and narration.
★★★★★
WSET4
Certificates
Advanced WSET Level 4 training; worked in vineyards and cellars across several wineries in NOTL Ontario.
★★★★☆
TESOL
Certificates
TESOL-certified educator specializing in teaching English to non-native speakers in immersive environments.
★★★★★
TEFL
Certificates
TEFL-certified with years of experience teaching English across China, with a focus on young learners.
★★★★★
Instagram
Social Media
Used to build brand presence through short-form video, story-based promotion, and visual campaign strategy.
★★★★★
Facebook
Social Media
Used to manage public-facing brand pages, group engagement, and ad campaign deployment across multiple regions.
★★★★☆
TikTok
Social Media
Used for rapid-growth short video campaigns and trend-based content strategy, targeting Gen Z and millennial users.
★★★★★
YouTube
Social Media
Used to publish, optimize, and grow long-form educational and promotional video content across multiple channels.
★★★★★
LinkedIn
Social Media
Used for portfolio presentation, industry engagement, and targeted outreach in EdTech and creative fields.
★★★★☆
Twitter
Social Media
Used for direct messaging, thought leadership, and connecting with dev/design communities across tech.
★★★★☆
Discord
Social Media
Used to manage servers, automate onboarding, and coordinate chat ops for projects and private communities.
★★★★★
Douyin
Social Media
Used to publish short-form Chinese-language content for Mainland audiences; focused on localization and cultural sync.
★★★★☆
Why Chiang Mai?
We have lived and worked across the United States, Poland, China, Canada, and Southeast Asia, but Chiang Mai has become home base. The city offers a strong mix of livability and opportunity - affordable cost of living, world-class food, and a pace that supports deep focus and consistent output.
We're based in Pong Noi, walking distance from Chiang Mai University. That's intentional - we want to connect with local grads, build a small team over time, and contribute to a broader creative ecosystem. There's a steady stream of technical talent, and Chiang Mai has a uniquely supportive vibe for developers, filmmakers, educators, and independent builders.
The infrastructure is solid, the internet is fast, and the community here tends to share our values: make things, keep it lean, stay curious.
