Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Inside the Industry: Advice from Supervising Casting Producer Timothy Bance


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. 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

MysticArt is Celebrating Moms!


MysticArt is celebrating the extraordinary women who hold the most important job title - "MOM!" To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world. We applaud the hard work you do every day - thank you to all of the mothers out there!


This month, we are celebrating moms! Our CEO and the founder of MysticArt Pictures, Katy Wallin, absolutely loves being a mom (pictured below with her precious son Stefan). It is her greatest gift and accomplishment. Katy would love to encourage other moms to share their triumphant yet unbelievable stories about their journey to becoming a mom and experiencing life's greatest miracle! 



The producers of the hit show Untold Stories of the ER and MysticArt Pictures are searching North America for moms who have unbelievable delivery stories that are extraordinary yet heartwarming tales about life's greatest miracles! Email specialdeliverycasting@gmail.com if you have a jaw-dropping story to share!



MysticArt is pleased to announce the premiere of Girlfriend Intervention! Tune in to Lifetime on August 27th at 10 PM to see four lifestyle experts help restore women’s confidence and inner glow. In each episode, these fabulous hosts will teach women how to embrace and celebrate their lives, speak their minds, lighten up and love themselves again. This show combines everything MysticArt loves – beauty, inspiration, and making a positive impact on others’ lives. Don’t miss it! 


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