[tsaksa]

I actually filled out an application and created their requested sample video last week including a walk into my mad scientist laboratory/workshop through the secret passage way I built through a bookcase. I also talked to the casting folks at some length, and my supervisor at work just in case. This was my takeaway.

1. It would be possible for me to do this if I really wanted to using a combination of vacation and time off without pay. But it would be difficult and as some people already said this does not look like a real option for most working engineers or almost anyone with a normal job.

2. There is some living stipend and a top prize that you compete for. However those are not set yet and they did say that the stipend is not intended to replace pay from a real engineering job. They were particularly elusive when asked about the prize so this very well may not be worth the effort unless the possibility of embarrassing yourself on TV is irresistible.

3. The competition takes place at WETWORKS, so I expect it involves the design and construction of some type of high tech fountain installation.

4. They said they really wanted videos that were very expressive. Perhaps even over the top. This suggests to me that they may be looking for people that could take direction. In other words, they do not really want reality TV, but technical types willing to work as cheap actors.

I very much doubt that I will be asked for a further audition, and if I were, I would want to know a whole lot more in the way of specifics. But I believe the deadline for submitting new applications is over now anyway so this information may be of limited value to anyone else.