Timothy Bance is the Supervising
Casting Producer for TLC’s hit show Sex Sent Me to the ER at MysticArt
Pictures. His career in casting began at MysticArt, and we have been proud to
see him grow in his field through the many shows he has worked on at the
company.
1. Where did you go to school, and what did you go to school for?
I
studied at The Art Institute of Los Angeles. I graduated with a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Digital Filmmaking and Video Production in 2008.
2. You were Paula Abdul’s personal assistant. How did you land that job,
and what was it like working for Paula?
Getting
the job with Paula just kind of happened. I was working at the production
company that was producing her show Live to Dance as one of the Office
Coordinators. Paula would show up for meetings on a daily basis and my desk was
conveniently located by the entrance Paula would always use. I would greet her
and her entourage of dogs and escort them to the executive's office. When her
show went into production, she asked me if I'd want to be her studio assistant
for the show. So after one day of filming at Dodger Stadium, the producers
handed me a contract and her car keys. And the rest is history.
Working
for Paula was a gigantic learning experience! I stepped in with zero personal assistant
experience and working for such a high profile celebrity definitely kept me on
my toes. Overall, I got to learn so much in so little time. I became a big part
of different departments from casting, production and post working with a woman
who runs everything. And being by her side, I always had to be one step ahead
of her.
3. Where else did you work in the industry before becoming interested in
casting?
Prior
to casting and being a personal assistant, I worked for a boutique production
company as an Editor turned Field Producer for multiple small to medium
projects. One of my favorite projects while working there involved traveling to
Washington D.C to film a documentary on the Inauguration of President Barack
Obama. Working in production was a lot of fun, but I always had my eye on
casting and told myself one day I would make that transition.
4. How did you first get your foot in the door in the casting world?
I've
always wanted to work in casting but never knew how to get into it. I was researching
some casting companies and came across an ad for a Casting Assistant for
MysticArt Pictures. I went in for an interview and I was very nervous! There
were so many people interviewing for the job and I didn't think I stood a
chance. But after having a group interview, I met with the CEO, Katy Wallin. I
felt really good after the interview but still nervous about landing the job.
Later that evening, I got a call to start the very the next day.
5. You’ve worked on both the production and casting side of the industry.
What are some of the major differences between the two?
While
production is more of on the scene and making the show happen, production
wouldn't have anything to produce if it weren't for casting. I love the casting
side because we get to discover talent!
6.
Do you always want to be in casting?
I
love what I do and I always want to be in the business. Working in both casting
and development is where I can see myself for a very long time. In addition, I
have always wanted to own and operate my own wine bar. So if I could have a
wine bar, develop new shows and discover new talent, I would say I am happy
with my life.
7. What are some shows you have worked on outside of MysticArt Pictures?
I've
worked on some very fun and very interesting shows, most of which were under
MysticArt. However, some of my other favorites were casting Wife Swap (ABC)
and Iyanla: Fix My Life (OWN). Both of these shows were a thrill to work
on simply because they both involved changing people's lives for the better.
While Wife Swap was about the drama for switching lives for a week, the
families on the show got a glimpse into other and possible better ways of
living. Iyanla: Fix My Life was literally a life changing show following
people from across the country seeking the help and guidance of one of the most
sought after life coaches, Iyanla Vanzant.
8. You’re working on TLC’s hit show Sex Sent Me to the ER. What advice do
you have for couples who would like to share one of their stories on the show?
Casting
Sex Sent Me to the ER has been a thrill. The one piece of advice I could give
couples who are considering applying to the show is have fun with it! This is an
extremely fun and light-hearted show and we're looking for those kind of people
that can take a look at their sexual mishap and laugh about it.
9. After working at such a broad range of companies, what would you say
sets MysticArt apart?
What
sets MysticArt apart is the overall family feeling. I have never worked at any
other place where I literally feel at home. To the point, I have to remind
myself not to show up in my slippers. From the physical appearance of the
office, the staff, the shows, and the amazing woman in charge, MysticArt has
made me feel at home. One of my largest pet peeves about working in the
industry is that most "creative" companies come off extremely
corporate and sterile. However, MysticArt has always had that comfortable and
welcoming feeling. Furthermore, there is never a dull moment at MysticArt. The
shows are always fun yet always challenging. And if you're not being challenged
and having fun at the same time, you're doing something wrong.
10. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get into the
industry?
Just
like any profession, getting into the industry is not an easy one. The best
advice I could give is what my parents have always told me, "If you want
it, go get it. Don't stop until you get it. And once you get it and if you
don't care for it, always have something else to fall back on." No one is
going to hold your hand in any business. And the only person holding you
back... is you.
