Onion Media's Business Success
Joe Thomas trained at the Emirates Aviation College in Dubai and worked with Emirates Airline for a number of years until he found himself in the destination management division of the Emirates Group as a project manager. This new role invigorated his interest in film and television working on international projects that sometimes took two-three years in the making for a five-day event, sometimes involving up to 10,000 people.
Joe says: “Although the job was exhilarating and rewarding, I had a void – I kept thinking to myself - this process involves many elements of filmmaking and yet it is not making film! I had to take the next step. My move to Sydney inspired me to learn all I could about film and television production. I focused on post production. I found editing one of the most powerful and inspiring process of any production. I put myself through four years of intense training through some of the highly reputed colleges and universities in Australia. I also learned that there are many other avenues to tap into for producing entertaining shows together with film and television.” It was towards the end of this process that Thomas met Piper. Their shared passion brought them together to create Onion Media Group. Together they have created a notable presence in the entertainment and broadcast television industries over the past three years. Some of its projects include a karate documentary called The Way of the Warrior for Rocket Science Department (airing on Fox Sports Australia & Sky TV New Zealand), a Portuguese lifestyle show that screens to over 200 million people a month. It also has a firm hand in film and together with Circle Theory Collective has produced various short films, including, Frownhein's Syndrome, an official selection at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival in September 2006. With an established business, and the benefit of hindsight, Onion now knows what it takes to succeed. For Joe the first step to establishing a successful company is making sure you employ a professional to help you with the 'business' side of things. Balancing both creativity and running a business can become difficult. Let professionals in the field of business and marketing help you so that your focus is on creating, he says. “We have done so with Profile Public Relations & Hardings Consulting and it has made a difference.” Nick adds, “Love what you do. This affection will get you through the darker times, when an inconsistent project slate and job list will burn a slow hole in your finances and, subsequently, your investment. Knowing when to take the leap from the ‘hobby’ approach to ‘fully-functional’ business operation is important but not as essential as balancing your ‘artist’ and ‘accountant’ tendencies. A great business mind with ideas will always beat an artist with no business acumen.”
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