The well has run dry on Earth-bound reality show ideas, so two veteran reality producers are taking their next project to space, specifically the International Space Station.
Natalka Znak and Simon Jones's production company, Znak&Jones, has partnered with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) - an organization selected by NASA to manage the ISS U.S. National Laboratory - to develop reality programs involving the ISS, according to Deadline.
The first show in development is a reality competition series called "Sent into Space." It will feature modern-day inventors who want their "cutting-edge creations" tested by the astronauts working on the ISS. Competitors will try to sell their invention ideas to a panel of top-flight specialists and ex-astronauts, and demonstrate the benefits of their creations for mankind.
"For the very first time, this format will give ordinary Americans the once in a lifetime opportunity to pitch their wildly imaginative and over-the-top inventions to some of the most prestigious experts in the world," Znak told Deadline. "It's essentially 'Shark Tank' in space!"
Znak and Jones take a more conservative approach to space-themed reality programming compared to some past efforts, most notably by uber reality producer Mark Burnett. One of his projects included a trip to the ISS using a Russian spacecraft.
Burnett also partnered with Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic for an NBC show called "Space Race," but they had to push pause on the project after the fatal crash of SpaceShipTwo's test flight in October that killed one of its pilots.
"I will put good money on that NOT ever happening in my lifetime on a reality show," Znak said. "However, experiments and objects and all kinds of weird and wonderful experiments are sent up to the space station all the time - everything from all kinds of medical and science tests to 3D printers and even golf balls and beer. What we are proposing is an exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity - that is achievable!"
NASA has given CASIS the responsibility to inspire entrepreneurs and other scientists to contribute to space-based research and to make space science "more accessible to the world," according to the CASIS website.
"The mission of CASIS is to maximize use of this unparalleled platform for innovation, which can benefit all humankind and inspire a new generation to look to the stars," the organization says on its website.
Znak and Jones will pitch "Sent into Space" to broadcast and cable networks next week.
