The following information was only applicable to our Season 3 in-person casting calls, all of which are now complete. We have archived it on this page for your reference:

Details on Presenting to Retailers
Select inventors will be invited to present their idea directly to major retailers. With ten Everyday Edisons screening rooms and only one or two retailer rooms, not everybody will be invited to present to the retailers. Only inventors with manufactured-quality prototypes or factory samples qualify for consideration. This also provides an excellent outlet for inventors who believe their idea may be too far down the development path for consideration on the show. Don't have a manufactured-quality prototype? Don't worry. If your idea makes it through the initial screening process and into filming, the retailers will still be given the opportunity to review your idea on film after the casting call is complete.

Season 3 Casting Call Schedule and Information
Season 3 casting calls for Everyday Edisons have been finalized! Please see the cities and dates listed below. Read on for specifics about our next casting call in Providence. Sign up for the Edison Nation Newsletter to be notified about any changes or other important casting call details.

So You Have a Great Idea and Have Selected a Casting Call to Attend, Now What?
In order to be considered for the show, you must attend one of the five casting calls. We do not accept submissions via fax, phone or snail mail.

Participation Agreement & Other Required Paperwork
Read the Participant Agreement and required paperwork. We encourage participants to complete the paperwork prior to the day of the event. Print it out and bring it with you to the casting call, along with any sketches, prototypes, pictures and patent information. We will have paperwork available at the casting call if you are unable to complete the paperwork beforehand.

The following packet will answer many of the questions you may have about the casting call process. Please read it and the FAQ at the bottom of this page carefully.

What to Expect at the Casting Call
Registration begins at 7 a.m. You will present to a preliminary panel of product development experts and, if chosen, will continue on in the selection process, and filmed as you present to a final panel of judges. Those selected by the final panel of judges in filming will be notified if they have been selected for the show in mid June.

Due to time constraints, each participant is limited to presenting one idea at a time. If you have multiple ideas, please select what you believe to be your strongest idea, based on the criteria below, and present that first. If time permits, you may get back in line to present an additional idea.

Everyday Edisons bases its selection of the featured inventions on three main criteria:
1) Complexity – Can the invention be developed within a year?
2) Marketability – Is there a need or demand for the product?
3) Patentability – Can the intellectual property be protected?

We consider concepts of all levels, whether it’s just an idea, a prototype, a finished product, a patented idea, etc. – all are welcome. There is no age requirement, but children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Those with factory prototypes or finished products will be reviewed by product development experts as well as representatives from major retailers, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, QVC, PetSmart, The Sharper Image, and buybuyBaby.

There will also be a series of complimentary, educational seminars taking place throughout the day, including:

• Speakers from the United States Patent & Trademark Office
• Louis Foreman, Executive Producer of Everyday Edisons
• Matt Spangard, Co-Founder of Edison Nation
• A few suprises as well

A more detailed breakdwon on what to expect is available in the paperwork downloads above and many of questions and answers are available below in the FAQ.

Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions, please click here to review our list of Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not answered there, you may e-mail us at castingcalls@everydayedisons.com or leave a message at (704) 369-7320. An Everyday Edisons production staff member will respond as soon as possible. Please do take the time to review the FAQ first, as you will receive an answer to your question much quicker — we receive quite a lot of email these days!

Hope to see you at one of the casting calls!

Everyday Edisons Casting Call Frequently Asked Questions

We have developed this FAQ section for your convenience. Due to the high volume of calls and e-mails, we suggest all participants read through the FAQ’s first. We are continuously updating this section as new questions are posed.
Thank you for your interest in Everyday Edisons. We hope to see you at a future casting call.

Questions about the casting call:

Q: I read that registration begins at 7:00 AM. What does that mean, and how long will I be there?

A: Registration begins at 7 a.m. Then, you will present to a preliminary panel of product development experts and, if chosen, will to continue on in the selection process, and filmed as you present to a final panel of judges. Those selected by the final panel of judges in filming will be notified if they have been selected for the show by July 31, 2008.
As long as you register by 1 p.m. on Saturday, you will be guaranteed to be seen by the panel. Please plan to spend most of the day at the event.

Q: After I present my idea, how long will it be before I know if I was selected?

A: If your idea is chosen to “go to the next round” after the audition, you will be notified if you have been selected for the show by July 31, 2008.

Q: Does it cost anything to participate?

A: No. There are no costs to audition, and no cost to participate if your idea is chosen. The company that is producing the third season of Everyday Edisons (Bouncing Brain Productions Season Three, LLC) will be covering all costs associated with patenting, developing, engineering, manufacturing, inventory and distributing the products selected for the show.

Q: Can someone represent me at the casting call?

A: Sure. All you would have to do is download and fill out the paperwork. We need your signature on the Blanket Release and the Participant Agreement. The person representing you will have to sign the Blanket Release as well, giving us permission to use the film footage of them at the casting call. We’ll have extra Blanket Releases at Registration on Saturday.

Q: Can I submit this product idea on behalf of a friend or my company?

A: If you do NOT own the rights to the product, you will need to gather the signatures for the Blanket Release and Participant Agreement of those who DO own the rights to the product.
If you are a co-inventor, you will need to have your fellow co-inventor(s) sign the Participant Agreement under Inventor 2, Inventor 3, etc. All inventors do not have to be present on Saturday, but we do need the signatures from all inventors.

Q: I have more than one idea, is it possible for me to present more than one?

A: Due to time constraints, each individual is limited to one idea. If you have more ideas, you are welcome to present the first, after you report to the Results room and learn of your status, you may return to registration if time permits (registration closes at 1 p.m.) to present a second idea. Or, you may attend another casting call.

Family members or close friends my present an idea on your behalf. All we would need is the inventor’s signature on the Participant Agreement and Blanket Release (all included in the paperwork, which is downloadable on the Web site and available at the venue on Saturday); the presenter (family member/friend) would need to sign an additional Blanket Release. We’ll have extra Blanket Releases at registration on Saturday.

Q: Can you give me an idea as to what time the line-up begins outside the doors prior to opening at 7a.m.?

A: We have no way of estimating when the line will form Saturday morning. Doors open at 7 a.m. and registration ends at 1 p.m. As long as you arrive to Registration by 1 p.m., you will be seen by the panels.

Q: Will there only be one judge on the panel?

A: No. Each panel will consist of 3-4 panelists. If you move forward to filming, you will present to three judges.

Q: What if I can’t attend your casting call on Saturday for religious reasons?

Saturday Sabbath

A: We are very sensitive to religious beliefs; however, we can't make exceptions due to the volume of those who will be attending the casting call. You can download the paperwork (http://www.everydayedisons.com/castingCalls.html), fill it out, sign the agreements and then send a friend to represent you. Your friend would have to sign the blanket release, which would allow Everyday Edisons to use the film footage of your friend at the casting call. We'll have the Blanket Releases available at the casting call.

Q: Do I need to have something physical to bring to the auditions? Or are concepts enough?

A: There is no need to have something physical to bring to the casting call. If you have sketches, drawings, pictures, prototypes, etc. available, we do encourage you to bring them, but it is not a requirement. Concepts are enough, as long as you are able to communicate them quickly and easily to the judges.

Q: Should I do a patent search or any other steps before I get to the audition?

A: We suggest doing a quick Google search (www.google.com) and a quick patent search (www.uspto.gov or www.froogle.com ) to make sure your invention/idea is not already in the marketplace or patented.

Q: I cannot attend the casting call. Can I send you my idea?

A: No. To be considered for Everyday Edisons, you must appear in person at one of the casting calls. Season 3 Casting Call Schedule:

Southeast
Atlanta – Saturday, January 12, 2008

West Coast
San Francisco – Saturday, February 16, 2008

Southwest
Dallas – Saturday, March 15, 2008

Midwest
Chicago – Saturday, April 19, 2008

Northeast
Providence – Saturday, May 17, 2008

Questions about your presentation:

Q: I understand there is a 2 minute presentation time limit. Does that include prep time?

A: The two minute presentation time is all you get. We plan to see thousands of ideas and in order to evaluate each idea/invention that walks through the door, we must stick to the two minute time limit. You are welcome to use this time however you see fit, whether you use a portion of it for set-up and break down; share pictures; etc.

You must provide the judges with this information:

• Your name.
• Your participant number.
• The name of your invention.
• Describe your invention.
• Who is the targeted user/intended user?
• What problem/issue does it solve or address?
• How does it solve that problem?
• What makes your product better than available alternatives?
• Where do you see this product selling?

Q: Should I prepare a PowerPoint presentation?

A: Unfortunately the panel rooms are not set-up to have PowerPoint capabilities. You are welcome to create a presentation and attach it to your paperwork when you turn it in to the judges. You will not be able to use it during your presentation.

Questions about your idea/invention:

Q: I have a great idea but have not had a chance to file a patent on it. Do I need a patent before I come to the audition?

A: No. It is helpful if you have a patent on your product, but by no means is this required. If your idea is chosen, the show will cover all costs associated with obtaining a patent for you to protect the idea. If you do have a patent, please bring a copy of the patent with you to the casting call.

Q: Are you just looking for mass market products?

A: No. We will consider any idea for the show. However, the best ideas that have the greatest potential for commercial success will be chosen.
The TV show bases its selection of the featured inventions on three main criteria:
1) Complexity – Can the invention be developed within a year?
2) Marketability – Is there a demand for the product?
3) Patentability – Can the intellectual property be protected?

Q: I have a medical-related invention. Do you accept medical-related ideas/inventions?

A: We actually have a wound-related invention on Season Two of Everyday Edisons.

There are three main criteria the Everyday Edisons judges are considering as they review inventions/ideas at the casting call:

1) Complexity – Can the invention be developed within a year?
2) Marketability – Is there a demand for the product?
3) Patentability – Can the intellectual property be protected?

Number 1 could prohibit your invention from being selected.

If you already have the necessary government regulation approvals, we will consider it. If you have a production quality sample, we will consider it.

Q: My idea was not chosen for the show. Can I work on my idea and present it again in another city?

A: Yes. You are welcome to attend future casting calls and present new or existing ideas.

Questions about Everyday Edisons:

Q: I have heard of companies on TV that will help you develop and license your idea. How are you different from these companies?

A: We are producing a TV show that documents the individuals and inspiration behind great ideas, and the product development process. There are no fees or hidden charges to be involved in this process.

Q: When does Everyday Edisons air on TV?

A: The first season of Everyday Edisons premiered in June of 2007. The second season will begin airing on PBS affiliates nationwide in June of 2008. The 2008 casting call sweep will select the inventions and inventors for Season Three of Everyday Edisons set to air in June of 2009. Contact your local PBS affiliate to request Everyday Edisons.

Q: Will I have to quit my job or leave my family for an extended period of time if I am selected to appear on the television show?

A: No, there is little time commitment to be involved in the Everyday Edisons television show. We usually bring our inventors to our headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. for a quick orientation and meet & greet with the staff and crew. Then each inventor is usually brought back to the office two to three more times to see the progression of their product and for filming. Each trip usually lasts 1-3 days.
You don’t have to quit your day job, you don’t have to leave your family for extended periods of time and you don’t have to move to Charlotte, N.C.

Q: Is Everyday Edisons Season One available for purchase on DVD?

A: Season One of Everyday Edisons will be available to the public for purchase soon. If you sign up for our newsletter, at http://www.everydayedisons.com/newsletter.html, we'll be sure to share that information as soon as it is available.
Season One DVD’s are available for purchase at each of our Season Three casting calls. Check out the Edison Store at the next casting call.

Q: What is the name of the company you go through for prototypes, markets, and brands the inventions.

A: Everyday Edisons and Bouncing Brain Productions works with Enventys, a Charlotte-based product design and creative services firm in the creation of the Everyday Edisons products (www.enventys.com).

Questions about the paperwork & Agreements:

Q: I downloaded and reviewed your agreement and release forms. Do I mail these to you?

A: No. If you filled out the agreements prior to the casting call, just bring them with you.

Q: Do I need to fill out the forms before coming to the audition?

A: No. Forms will be available at the audition and you will have the opportunity to review and fill them out there. However, it would be very helpful if you complete the paperwork ahead of time and bring a printed copy with you to the casting call.

Q: I have a great idea for your show but I am afraid to share the idea. What protection do I have that you won't steal my idea?

A: It is not the intention of the show to steal inventor's ideas. In the United States, the date of invention takes precedence over the date of file – it is the first to invent, not the first to file the patent. Documenting your invention date is important whether you attend a casting call or not. Because of the number of participants, filming crew, etc., presenting your idea at a casting call does constitute as public disclosure. As such, if you are not selected for the show you will have 1 year to file for protection to maintain your rights as an inventor. If you are selected for the show, all costs associated with obtaining patent protection will be covered. If you are concerned or uncomfortable about disclosing your idea to us, then you should not participate.

Q: I read in the Agreement that if my idea is chosen, I will receive payments based on the sale of my product. How does this work?

A: If your idea is chosen, you will be given the opportunity to enter into an Agreement that provides annual payments for up to 20 years, contingent upon sales of a commercial product that embodies your idea. The payments are based on (1) sales of products that incorporate the idea, even if no patent ever issues, (2) sales of products that are covered by a patent, and (3) royalties that are received under any patent. Please see the Assignment and Annuity Agreement for specific details.

Q: Who owns my idea?

A: When a participant presents his/her idea to the panel of judges, that participant has contractually agreed in the “Participant Agreement” to assign all rights and title related to the idea to a product development company affiliated with the show if that participant's idea is selected for commercialization on the show. In exchange, the show will cover all costs associated in the commercialization of the product and the participant may receive payments for up to 20 years in accordance with the Assignment and Annuity Agreement. If the idea is not selected for the show, then all rights remain with you, the inventor.

Q: If an agreement is entered into, who owns the invention after 20 years?

A: Patents only last 20 years. Once that time has expired, the idea becomes public, meaning anyone can sell it. Everyday Edisons will pay the inventor an annuity for 20 years, which equals the life of the patent.

Questions about eligibility

Q: I’ve been on American Inventor, am I still eligible to audition for your show?

A: Yes.

Q: Are there any restrictions for Non-US citizens?

A: No, we everyone is welcome to attend and present at an Everyday Edisons casting call

Contact

Q: How can we reach you if we have additional questions?

A: The best way to reach the Everyday Edisons production staff is via e-mail: castingcalls@everydayedisons.com. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.