We Know What It's Really Like to Audition for 'Shark Tank' and It's Intense
Every episode of Shark Tank has tense moments, but the process of getting on the show is even more arduous.
The undertaking is more than a year-long process, and it involves several steps.
Here's what it's like to apply for the show.
Whether you're a regular viewer or have only seen a few episodes, anyone who's tuned into Shark Tank to see the negotiations, deals, and dismissals, knows the show is intense. If you've ever wondered exactly what it's like to step into the tank and face the Sharks, well, we have the answer. But before you can even get to the set, there is a vigorous vetting process you have to go through. In fact, the majority of hopefuls don't make it anywhere near the pro panelists.
Business Insider attended one of the show's open casting calls in New York City-along with 350 other individuals hoping to impress Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary. According to the outlet, the perfect pitch includes, "Energy, personality, an interesting backstory, and of course, a good product."
Before the entrepreneurs get to present their ideas, they listen to a speech given by Mindy Zemrak, who's the head of casting. Along with doling out advice, she warns the attendees to not tell anyone if they're chosen to appear on the series.
Then the process finally begins. Each pitcher gets one minute to sell their product, though apparently the casting team doesn't time them, so some can run as long as five minutes. Although it's a stressful time for the business owners, the people on the other side have a strenuous day, too. Each member sees about 100 (!) pitches per day, and their usual work days run 10 hours long-and sometimes even longer.
There are always multiple people pitching, "so there are a lot of different voices and distractions happening at the same time." Perhaps the most interesting part of the process is all the different outfits that are worn. Some people wear their products, some dress in business professional clothing, and others even don a costume!
After their 60-second spiel, applicants are done for the day. It takes two weeks for them to hear whether their product gets the golden ticket, though "most pitches don't get accepted." For the lucky few who do make it through, they embark on a year-long journey that includes actually making it on the show. Of course, they still have the toughest task ahead of them: Convincing the Sharks to invest in their idea.
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