NEW YORK – Fashion models Derry Watkins and Matthew, Garel did something uncharacteristic for a couple of catwalkers. They invented a board game called “Coodju Spell With A Twist?”
Coodju, pronounced “could you,” is a party game for teens and adults that puts a fun twist on spelling: Teams race against a clock to spell words backwards, from the “outside-in,” with the vowels only, and more.
Derry and Matt came up with the idea for Coodju three years ago while modeling in New York. As successful models, they have appeared in numerous ads, magazines and TV commercials.
Derry, represented by Karin Models, has shot for the Gap and Joe Boxer ad campaigns. Currently, he is the new face of the Alfani campaign seen in Vanity Fair and Vogue magazines. Matthew, a Ford model, has graced the cover of Men’s Fitness and was featured in the Oscar de la Renta underwear ad campaign.
In between modeling jobs, the inventors hosted game nights to test their idea with friends and family. “To get honest reactions we never told people Coodju was ours. We knew we had a great idea when they actually tried to buy the game,” says Derry.
Coodju’s first appearance at the February 2001-International Toy Fair in New York City was a success as retailers quickly snatched up the new game. Coodju is now sold in over 55 stores nationwide and winning prestigious industry awards, like the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, for its educational value and unique play format. A junior version is currently in
development.
