Treading Water in the Shark Tank
Part Two: The Game
by Andrew Humphrey

The morning of actual taping, we had to be up early and ready for the shuttle bus to Sony Picture Studios by 7am (if memory serves me). When we arrived at the studio I totally felt like I was in a documentary about the making of a movie, with producers, go-fers, sets, cameras and gear everywhere. Seriously, everyone was riding around in golf carts just like in the movies! I was shown to my private dressing room: a 10 by 10 white closet with a couch and one black and white photo on the wall. I was hoping the “dressing room” would be more glamorous, exciting, and plush. Instead it was just an EMPTY room and would be my “holding cell” until late afternoon when I would give my pitch.

A short time before that, I was taken to make-up and given a face-powder and then it was Go-Time!

Well, actually, then I was taken to a secondary “holding cell” from which I could neither hear nor see anything that was going on ‘out there’. In fact, I didn’t get to see or hear any of the other pitches while I was there.

Finally, they released the chute and, like a dazed bull, I made my way down a long narrow passageway to my stage mark and waited for my cue.

Utter silence.

The Sharks eyeballed me and I did my best to eyeball them back. This seemed to continue for a small eternity, until someone said, “Whenever you’re ready Andy.”

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When it was done, it was done. There was no backstage chatter. No second chances for explanation, and definitely no after-glow parties. When you are done, you go home.

So, how did it go?

Stay tuned and find out!