THE MISSION

We Build Media Empires.

We are a development and creation studio for educational programming, novel media and social projects.

The Origin

Founded in Stockholm in 2014, ONLION began with a simple mission: to make history accessible, engaging, and impossible to ignore. What started as a single YouTube channel has evolved into a broadcast network reaching millions of viewers across the globe.

Our approach combines rigorous historical research with cinematic production values, creating content that stands apart in the digital landscape.
The Origin

Core Pillars

01

Rigorous Research

Every project begins with exhaustive primary source research. We work with historians, archivists, and subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.

02

Cinematic Quality

Broadcast-grade production values meet digital-first distribution. Our content is designed for the modern viewer without compromising on quality.

03

Sustainable Model

We have pioneered a viewer-supported funding model that ensures editorial independence and long-term creative freedom.

The Shift Today

We began as a history production house. We have evolved into a strategic venture studio.

Today, we do not just tell stories. We build the infrastructure that allows stories to scale into independent media empires.
The Shift Today

Leadership

Astrid Deinhard

Astrid Deinhard

Co-Founder & CEO

Astrid leads company vision and built the sustainable funding model that powers the network. Her strategic approach to creator partnerships has established ONLION as a pioneer in the independent media space.

As an accomplished Creative Director and Entrepreneur, Astrid specializes in the architecture of media brands, innovative format development, and high-level artist management. Astrid has a background rooted in Visual Communication. She has studied at the Universities of Düsseldorf and London and earned a Royal Certificate of Arts. Astrid brings a sophisticated aesthetic and strategic eye to every production.

Astrid’s track record showcases significance in building market-leading companies. At Mediakraft Networks she was the Co-Founder and former Chief Program Officer. It was one of Europe’s most significant digital video networks, and Astrid spearheaded programming strategies that captured millions of viewers. She was also the Founder at Actors and Arts Group of Companies which was established in 1989. This agency evolved into one of Germany’s largest & most successful entities for casting and commercial talent.

Today, Astrid continues to bridge the gap between creative artistry and commercial viability, developing formats that resonate on a global scale.

Spartacus Olsson

Spartacus Olsson

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Spartacus oversees all production operations and has pioneered the real-time documentary format. His technical expertise ensures broadcast-quality output across all channels.

Spartacus is a seasoned digital entrepreneur with extensive executive management experience spanning the traditional media and new media sectors. An expert in media financing, venture capital, and strategic sales, He has a proven history of creating, managing, and scaling influential media enterprises.

With a strong foundation in content creation and business strategy, Spartacus holds a degree in Business Administration from MIS in Stockholm. His professional trajectory began in the early 1990s as an independent producer for feature films and fiction television, providing him with a deep understanding of the creative production landscape.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Mediakraft Networks, he led Germany’s premier online video network, defining standards for the digital broadcasting era. His executive career spans the creation and management of traditional and new media ventures, where he bridges artistic content with commercial viability while leveraging deep expertise in venture financing to steer companies through complex funding rounds and market expansions.

Today, Spartacus continues to leverage decades of cross-industry experience to drive innovation and growth in the digital media space.

Indiana Neidell

Indiana Neidell

Co-Founder & Executive Producer

Indy is the face of TimeGhost History and the creative force behind our documentary approach. His unique presentation style has redefined how history is told on YouTube.

Indiana "Indy" Neidell is a multifaceted creative force and digital media pioneer, widely recognized for redefining historical storytelling in the online age. As a writer, presenter, and actor, he combines academic rigor with engaging performance to make complex historical narratives accessible to global audiences.

A Texas native who has been based in Stockholm, Sweden since the mid-1990s, Indy holds a degree in History from Wesleyan University. This academic foundation underpins his flagship work, The Great War, a groundbreaking video series documenting World War I in real-time. By synthesizing modern research, secondary sources, and archival footage, Indy created a new standard for long-form educational content on digital platforms.

As the creative force behind The Great War, Indy established a unique format for real-time historical documentaries on YouTube. His artistic versatility extends to film and television as an accomplished actor with credits including Mousse and Metropia, alongside a successful career as an award-winning musician performing both solo and with various bands.

Today, Indy continues to bridge the worlds of entertainment and education, leveraging his unique background to produce compelling content for the modern viewer.