Shark Tank Pitches Are Much Longer In Real Life

Safe to say, pitching on "Shark Tank" isn't an especially fun-filled venture. While it's certainly an important first step in establishing the crucial relationship between the entrepreneur and any potential investors, the experience can nevertheless be a grueling one for all involved. In no small part thanks to the surprisingly lengthy amount of time given to these pitches. 

While the show effectively edits these interactions to a snappy ten minutes, the filming of these moments can take anywhere from 45 to 100 minutes (via USA Today). In an interview with Insider, "Shark Tank" investor Mark Cuban recalled a two-and-a-half-hour-long pitch from Plate Topper creator Michael Tseng during the show's 4th season, which he also noted as one of the show's best pitches. And it's not only the entrepreneurs who have it rough on the series. Robert Herjavec told Business Insider of one season that left the sharks wiped out, where the team shot for 17 days over two stretches of time and had to be on set for 12 hours a day.  

To top it off, entrepreneurs are required to do their presentations in one take. When asked about the show's authenticity, Brightwheel founder Dave Vasen shared with Medium, "The questions, the answers, the back and forth — it's all real ... And not easy. If you mess up, you mess up. If it goes off course, tough luck. No do-overs."