ABC's 'Shark Tank' holds open casting call in South Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Local inventors and entrepreneurs are lining up to take a dip in the "Shark Tank."

The hit ABC show is hosting a casting call in South Philadelphia.

Small business owners and budding entrepreneurs lined up for the chance of a life time.

"We are here to find Philadelphia's best and brightest new entrepreneurs," said casting producer Scott Salyers.

Many with big ideas showed up to impress the judges.

"My idea is a magic drain screen. the purpose of that is: How many times have you done your laundry, you drop a sock of a piece of clothing in it. You go back after your laundry is done and you have water all over the floor," said Mike Parish from Glenolden, Pennsylvania.

Contestants have one minute to pitch their business, product or idea to the Shark Tank Casting Team. The competition is fierce and only the 1st 500 applicants who signed up online are guaranteed to be seen.

"The name of our business is Kissy Face Collection. It's hats with human hair that we've created for kids with hair loss. She has Apolecia, she has no hair," said Johnice Lewis from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

Everyone who showed up feels like their idea is the next big thing.

They are each hoping for a chance to appear on the show and present their ideas to the sharks in the tank - a team of five successful business leaders who have turned their ideas into multi-million dollar empires.

Once they make it to the spotlight on national TV inside the Shark Tank, contestants work hard to convince the Sharks to invest in their idea.

"Steps after this are video submissions, longer applications, big contracts. We want to make sure we are picking the best and brightest entrepreneurs to put in front of the Sharks," said Salyers.

To apply at an Open Call you must have a completed Application Packet, which you can download here. Be sure to bring the application with you to the open casting call.

The casting team will be there throughout the day Friday.

They said if you show up, they will listen to your idea.

You can watch "Shark Tank" Friday nights at 9 p.m. on 6abc.