Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Bubel.
Hi Timothy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became increasingly clear that I was not happy with what I was doing. I’ve had the great fortune to work in many different areas, but one industry I longed to get back to was arts & entertainment.
I grew up in the theatre world, performing in plays and working backstage as a teenager and later in college. However, as many people experience, the real world was thrown at me fairly quickly. After marrying my beautiful wife Shannon and growing our family, the responsibility of providing for that family kept me away from pursuing what I wanted to do. I always had that nagging voice saying that there was no viability in chasing a career in the arts. For more years than I care to admit, I let that voice keep me in “safe” jobs. It wasn’t until 2021 came along that I had a revelation. Among the upending of the regular world order, I realized that I was suffering in the supposed “safe” career plans I had laid out for myself. I wondered: “If I’m miserable and suffering in jobs I don’t want to do, why can’t I be miserable and suffering in a job I WANT to do?” It was that paradigm shift, along with the important support of Shannon and our son, Nick, that allowed me to take a leap into the unknown.
What a leap it was. By 2022, fresh with new headshots from Dallas’ own Todd Jenkins (an actor’s friend if there was ever one), I was out auditioning and networking around Dallas and Fort Worth. While shooting a short film, I met the wonderful cinematographer Paul Michael O’Connor. On set, we discovered that we both lived in the same town outside of Fort Worth, and it was wild to meet another industry person who made Granbury their home. A few months later, we sat down to lunch at Grump’s. Over burgers and fried pickles, I relayed this same story to him. “I don’t care what I do, as long as it’s in the performing arts. On stage or off, in front of the camera or behind, I’ll sweep floors and clean toilets. Just as long as I’m involved in some way.” As luck would have it, Paul was facing a substantial workload and was looking for help. I had previous experience with lighting and some light editing, so I could help in those areas while I learned other parts of the business. Up until that moment, Paul had mainly been working as a one-man band, so the additional help was a relief to him and a boon for me. I have never been one to be at the right place at the right time, but the stars aligned in that moment. Since then, we have hardly had a second of spare time. I started my freelance business, Tim Bubel Creative, and after Paul and I walked away from a short partnership with another production company, we began Tame Rabbit.
Remember earlier when I said I worked in many different areas over my career? Those experiences opened up the opportunity to grow Tame Rabbit. Paul and I complement our strengths and weaknesses well. He comes with a decade of production management while I put my business administration knowledge to good use. We both work on the creative direction for our clients. We excel in telling beautiful narrative stories and producing incredible video strategies for businesses.
Over the last four years, this chance meeting has built my skills in photography, camera work, and editing. I still get the chance to act on occasion! Tame Rabbit is now two years old, but we are just beginning. I am excited about my growth, both personally and professionally, as this new future unfolds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In this industry, reputation is everything. A substantial amount of work may come your way just based on your good name. I quickly learned to align with people who have similar goals and carry a good reputation behind them. I have always been a firm believer of giving people a chance and then letting them show you who they are.
Early on, I was in a business partnership that didn’t work out. After some time it became obvious one partner wasn’t who they said they were around us. Once I started to hear multiple stories of their unprofessional behavior on set, I quickly made the connection that those stories will eventually tarnish my ability to gain future work. All of the partners sat down to fix this issue, but it was clear the situation was untenable and I had to make the decision to walk away. A few months later, Paul and I founded Tame Rabbit. I consider Paul O’Connor to be a person of impeccable reputation. I encourage anyone to first discover exactly what they want to get out of their work, who they are as a person, and find like-minded people to achieve those goals together. Establishing your own North Star will help you understand what is important and what is a waste of time.
In the words of Polonius, “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tame Rabbit?
Do you ever come up with an amazing idea for a movie but don’t know where to start? Maybe you thought of a hilarious commercial or social media video. Perhaps you’re a business owner trying to figure out how to use video to bring in more qualified leads.
Tame Rabbit Media Partners produces incredible content for both creatives and businesses. We manage the entire video production process for you to get your ideas off the page and in front of your audience.
If you’re a business and have been burned by “videographers” in the past or don’t know how it can help you, let’s talk! We develop strategy, execute, and monitor results so you have confidence in your ROI whereas other production companies just send you a video file and an invoice.
If you’re a writer/director/producer wanting a budget friendly option for your narrative project, we are the best value for the dollar while providing the highest production quality.
One major thing that sets us apart is you don’t have to deal with outrageous third-party rental fees that bloat your budget. We own an extensive inventory of equipment. We provide camera packages from ARRI, RED, and Canon. This significant investment in maintaining our own equipment ensures our gear is always ready to go and allows us flexibility when negotiating budgets. If your current production company relies on renting gear for every shoot, they are passing those hard costs (plus upcharges) directly to you.
91% of clients we work with bring us back for additional projects. 63% of our new clients come from referrals. You will love working with us from the first contact to the final sign-off.
What does success mean to you?
Personally, finding contentment in what I do daily and providing for my loved ones. Being present in the moment without worry or distraction. Focusing on serving others while doing the things you love. I can’t imagine a greater definition of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tamerabbit.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamerabbitpro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamerabbitpro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tamerabbit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tamerabbitpro
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Jonathan Arce; Damika Barksdale
