We were lucky to catch up with Thomas Curry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Thomas , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The inception of my production company was born out of a deep-seated desire to make a significant mark in the film industry. At that juncture in my life, I was working a regular 9-5 job, constrained by limited finances but fueled by boundless ambition. The ticking clock reminded me daily of the need to pivot from my conventional job and gravitate towards my passion – storytelling.
It was during this period of introspection that I crossed paths with several like-minded enthusiasts, one of whom has remained a stalwart ally till today. Together, we envisioned a future where we wouldn’t be confined to desk jobs, but instead, be the bearers of narratives that could influence and inspire.
Our conviction that this venture was worthwhile crystallized when our passion began manifesting into tangible projects. The positive ripples it created in our circle confirmed our beliefs. The industry, as I saw it, was becoming increasingly transactional, often sidelining the art and craft of storytelling. There seemed to be a vacuum in terms of genuine passion and creativity, and I was driven to address that.
While the overarching problem in the industry is colossal and cannot be rectified by a single entity, I felt a deep responsibility to spearhead a movement towards rejuvenating the cinematic landscape. The exhilaration for me was not just in producing films, but in the possibility of sharing narratives that could resonate, inspire, and perhaps even challenge perspectives globally.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Navigating the complexities of the industry has been both challenging and enlightening. The term ‘industry’ is broad, but my entry into it was marked by grassroots efforts. My journey began by taking up minor projects within my community, from capturing the essence of home tours, weaving memorable moments in wedding videos, to giving life to music videos for local artists. Each endeavor, no matter how big or small, became an opportunity for me to refine my skills, enhance my perspective, and imprint my distinctive style.
As I immersed myself deeper, the repetitive tasks evolved into passion projects, and every project became a new lesson. It was through this iterative process that I built a foundation, robust enough to support my vision and aspirations. Empowered by experience, I transitioned from being a service provider to a creative enabler, offering resources and expertise to budding filmmakers and helping them realize their cinematic dreams.
What differentiates my brand in this saturated market is our unwavering commitment to creativity and storytelling. In an era where content often leans towards superficiality, I believe in the power of narratives that resonate on a deeper level. I have a keen understanding that audiences today are discerning; they seek substance and are unwilling to invest their time and emotions in anything less. My brand stands as a testament to genuine, impactful storytelling, and that’s the legacy I aim to build upon.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Meeting Matthew Manyak marked a pivotal moment in my cinematic journey. At a time when I was on the brink of shelving my passion, I stumbled upon a filmmakers meet-and-greet event. There, amidst a pool of talented individuals showcasing projects that seemed far superior to mine, Matthew’s work stood out. But it was not just his work that left an impression; it was his genuine interest in mine.
While I approached him with a mix of trepidation and hope, sharing the project I had been laboring over, his response was refreshingly different from what I had become accustomed to. When he said he’d review my script, I took it with a grain of skepticism. Yet, true to his word, he reconnected the very next day, not just having read the script but brimming with enthusiasm about it. In a gesture that took me aback, Matthew even proposed setting his own project aside to join forces on mine.
Our subsequent meetings were filled with brainstorming sessions, mutual admiration, and a shared vision. The synergy was undeniable. What began as a chance meeting at a humble pizza joint transformed into a powerful bond that laid the foundation for our collaborative venture. Our commitment, trust, and combined expertise have been the bedrock of the company we’ve built together, and it continues to thrive.
Any advice for managing a team?
Navigating the intricacies of team management has been an enlightening journey for me, filled with invaluable lessons. One key insight I’ve garnered is that management is not solely about delegation or oversight; it’s fundamentally about understanding. Recognizing the unique strengths and potential of each team member, and placing them in roles where they can truly shine, is paramount.
However, the equation doesn’t stop at mere recognition. It extends to celebrating their achievements and rewarding outstanding work. Striking a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life is crucial, and I always emphasize the importance of a healthy work-life balance for my team.
Addressing concerns or challenges head-on, and in a timely manner, fosters an environment of trust. Providing them with the necessary resources and tools not only facilitates their tasks but also demonstrates that they are valued. And above all, leading by example is the cornerstone of effective management. When a leader embodies the values, work ethic, and vision they advocate, it naturally motivates the team to do the same.
Image Credits
Matthew Manyak