SmallBusinessNewz

Ever hear of "Dragons' Den"?  It's an extremely popular television show in which entrepreneurs approach venture capitalists for money.  Japan, the U.K., and Canada all have their own versions, and now a producer's looking for people to appear on an American edition.

Mark  Burnett, the man famous for "Survivor," "The Apprentice," and "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" is in charge of the program that should air here as "The Shark Tank."  The show will air on ABC, too, so it's not like some little-known or disreputable network's involved.

We've still got all sorts of misgivings about reality television, but if you want to get involved, here's how.  Michelle Anton suggests, "E-mail a brief paragraph containing only nonconfidential and nonproprietary information about yourself and your idea, along with contact info and a recent photo to: Charisse Simonian, Casting Director, Mark Burnett Productions, csimonian@markburnettprod.com"

As for some more legal stuff, "By making a submission, you acknowledge that such submission may be identical with or similar to material which has or may come to Mark Burnett Game Shows Inc., any network or other entity that is licensed to exhibit the pilot and/or their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, related entities, employees, contractors, agents, representatives, officers, directors, assignees, designees, licensees (collectively MBGS) from other sources.  You acknowledge that the entities comprising MBGS are engaged in a wide range of business ventures and may be independently developing ideas, projects or concepts identical with or similar to your submission.  You acknowledge that the submission is submitted voluntarily and not in confidence or in trust, and that no confidential or fiduciary relationship is intended or created between you and MBGS by reason of such submission or otherwise.  You agree that no obligation of any kind is assumed by or may be implied against MBGS (including without limitation any obligation to pay money) by reason of MBGS's receipt or potential or actual review of your submission or any discussions or negotiations you may have, except pursuant to an express written agreement which may hereafter be executed by you and MBGS.  Without limiting the foregoing, you specifically acknowledge and agree that you release MBGS from any and all claims, including without limitation so-called 'idea submission' or similar claims you may have now or in the future relating to your submission."

Replies are supposed to be in by this Friday, October 24th.  Good luck to anyone who decides to take a shot.