Get All Access for $5/mo

Forget 'Jersey Shore,' MTV Wants to Put You in the Spotlight As shows like 'Shark Tank' and 'Undercover Boss' captivate American audiences, MTV is looking to similarly capitalize -- putting out casting calls for young treps who want to be stars.

By Kara Ohngren Prior

Move over Jersey Shore and Teen Mom, young entrepreneurs could be the next reality TV sensation. New York production company Picture Shack Entertainment is now casting ambitious, wannabe-movers-and-shakers that look to be between the ages of 16 and 25 for a potential new show on MTV.

Ideal candidates will want to impact the world with their big, moneymaking ideas -- and have a big personality to go along with it, of course. They're looking for aspiring entrepreneurs who are interested in fashion, tech, real estate or something completely out of left field. Existing start-up founders can also apply, but their companies must be in the early stages and can't have already nabbed funding, says Picture Shack.

"We're excited to document the work of passionate young people who are driven to succeed," says Katie Petrachonis, a spokesperson for Picture Shack. "We hope the show both engages and inspires viewers. Everyone has some idea for a product or business, but not everyone pursues those ideas."

On the heels of other popular business-minded programs like Shark Tank and Undercover Boss, MTV's take would appeal to a whole new generation of viewers. The show is still in the early development stages, so many of the details -- like where the show will take place -- remain under wraps. But, you can likely expect fierce competition, startup business lessons and drama…lots of juicy drama. Sounds like a DVR must.

So do you think you have what it takes? If you're interested in landing your 15 minutes of fame on MTV's new series about young entrepreneurs, submit the following to casting@pictureshackentertainment.com by July 1.


  • Name

  • Location

  • Three photographs of yourself

  • A paragraph explaining your big idea, why you believe in it, how you want to reach it and why you deserve to compete in this new series.

Kara Ohngren is a freelance writer and part-time editor at YoungEntrepreneur. Her work has appeared in publications including Entrepreneur Magazine, The New York Times, MSNBC, The Huffington Post and Business Insider.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Solutions

Amp up Productivity with MS Office 2021 for Just $60

Unlock the full potential of your business with a lifetime license to the suite of beloved apps.

Leadership

From Crisis to Control — How to Lead Effectively in High-Stress Scenarios

From the eye of the storm to the heart of leadership: How BELFOR's Sheldon Yellen's approach to the disaster recovery industry is revolutionizing resilience in business.

Operations & Logistics

3 Reasons Why Your Business Should Start Digitizing Payments

Customers will continue to demand more digital payment options and expect convenience, security and simplicity — and businesses will need to adapt or struggle.

Starting a Business

How to Connect With Buyers and Get Your Products on Store Shelves, According to the Founder of Daring and Cadence

Ross MacKay, founder and original CEO of the plant-based food company Daring Foods and co-founder of performance beverage brand Cadence, shares the strategies that have landed his products in over 40,000 stores nationwide.

Business News

Southwest Airlines Is Switching Up Its Boarding Policy and Assigning Seats for the First Time Ever

The airline, known for its unique open seating model, will assign seats for the first time in company history.

Growing a Business

Being a Good Manager Isn't Enough — Here Are 5 Leadership Skills That Will Keep Your Employees Around

The article outlines five key leadership skills — engagement culture, effective staffing strategies, AI utilization, shared team reality, and work-life balance — that can improve team performance and reduce turnover, fostering sustainable growth and innovation.