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Shark Tank Spotlight
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Ten Thirty One Productions Shark Tank is a company that gained significant attention after appearing on the popular television show. Known for its unique approach to entertainment, the company specializes in creating immersive horror experiences.
Ten Thirty One Productions was founded by Melissa Carbone, a former marketing executive with a passion for horror and entertainment. The company was established with the goal of creating high-quality, immersive horror experiences that would captivate audiences and provide a thrilling alternative to traditional haunted houses. The flagship event, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, quickly became a popular attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, launched in 2009, was designed to offer a unique and terrifying experience that went beyond the typical haunted house. Set in Griffith Park, the hayride featured a series of elaborate and interactive horror scenes, complete with professional actors, detailed sets, and special effects. The event’s success was driven by its ability to immerse visitors in a world of horror, making them feel as though they were part of a live horror movie.
In 2013, Melissa Carbone appeared on Season 5 of “Shark Tank” to pitch Ten Thirty One Productions to the panel of investors. Carbone sought $2 million in exchange for a 10% equity stake in her company, valuing it at $20 million. Her pitch highlighted the success of the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride and the potential for expansion into other markets.
Carbone’s presentation was compelling, showcasing not only the financial success of her events but also the strong demand for immersive horror experiences. She emphasized the scalability of her business model and the potential for significant returns on investment. The pitch impressed the sharks, particularly Mark Cuban, who saw the potential in the company’s unique approach to entertainment. Cuban offered $2 million for a 20% stake, which Carbone accepted, making it one of the largest deals in the show’s history at that time. This investment provided Ten Thirty One Productions with the capital needed to expand its operations and reach a wider audience.
Season and Episode |
Season 5, Episode 6 |
Air Date |
October 25, 2013 |
Entrepreneurs |
Melissa Carbone |
Product |
Company specializing in live horror entertainment, including haunted hayrides, horror campouts, and ghost ship experiences. |
Investment Sought |
$2,000,000 |
Equity Offered |
10% |
Initial Sales |
$1,800,000 |
Retail Plans |
Expand the Haunted Hayrides to New York and increase capacity to double revenue. |
Shark Reactions |
Kevin O’Leary was skeptical about the $20 million valuationDaymond John and Robert Herjavec were not convinced about the projected growth and dropped out.Lori Greiner was concerned about the return on investment and also opted out. |
Bidding War |
Daymond John initially offered $2 million for 40% equity, which Melissa countered with $2 million for 20% equity. |
Final Deal |
Mark Cuban offered $2 million for 20% equity. |
*After the filming of a Shark Tank episode, investments are subject to thorough audits and evaluations. During this time period, the terms of the investment can be altered or canceled by either party. As a result, the deals presented on the show may not always come to fruition for various reasons. This site does not guarantee the accuracy of any final investment figures.
Following the investment from Mark Cuban, Ten Thirty One Productions expanded its offerings and geographic reach. The company launched new events in different cities, including New York and other major markets, broadening its audience and increasing its brand recognition. The success of these events demonstrated the scalability of the company’s business model and its ability to replicate its immersive experiences in various locations.
In addition to expanding geographically, Ten Thirty One Productions diversified its event portfolio. The company introduced new experiences, such as the Great Horror Campout, an overnight horror adventure, and Ghost Ship, a nautical-themed haunted attraction. These new offerings helped to solidify Ten Thirty One Productions’ reputation as a leader in the horror entertainment industry.
The Great Horror Campout, for example, offered participants a 12-hour overnight experience filled with horror-themed challenges and activities. This event allowed guests to choose their level of engagement, from a more relaxed experience to a full-on horror immersion, catering to a wide range of horror enthusiasts. Similarly, Ghost Ship provided a unique twist on the haunted attraction by setting the experience on a ship, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and intrigue.
Ten Thirty One Productions has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in the niche of immersive horror experiences. The company’s success has inspired other entrepreneurs to explore similar business models, leading to a proliferation of immersive and interactive entertainment options. By pushing the boundaries of traditional haunted attractions, Ten Thirty One Productions has set a new standard for what audiences can expect from horror-themed events.
Moreover, the company’s success story has been a testament to the power of strategic investment and the importance of innovation in the entertainment industry. Melissa Carbone’s vision and Mark Cuban’s support have demonstrated how a unique concept, when executed well, can capture the imagination of both investors and consumers.
The journey of Ten Thirty One Productions offers several valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. First, it highlights the importance of having a clear vision and a unique value proposition. By focusing on creating high-quality, immersive experiences, the company was able to differentiate itself in a crowded market and attract a loyal customer base.
Second, the company’s success underscores the value of strategic partnerships and investment. Mark Cuban’s involvement not only provided the necessary capital for expansion but also brought valuable expertise and credibility to the company. This partnership was instrumental in helping Ten Thirty One Productions scale its operations and achieve national recognition.
Looking to the future, Ten Thirty One Productions is well-positioned to continue its growth and innovation in the entertainment industry. As demand for immersive experiences continues to rise, the company has the opportunity to expand its offerings and explore new markets. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, present exciting possibilities for creating even more engaging and interactive horror experiences.
Ten Thirty One Productions is a prime example of how a creative idea, combined with strategic investment and execution, can lead to significant success in the entertainment industry. From its origins as a single haunted hayride to its expansion into a multi-city, multi-event company, Ten Thirty One Productions has redefined the horror experience for audiences across the country. Its journey from “Shark Tank” to becoming a leader in immersive entertainment serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs and entertainers alike. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it will undoubtedly remain a key player in the world of immersive horror entertainment.
