The return of Battlebots?!
This is just a copy and paste from a post done by Nick on the AUS site, but its self explanatory...
Hi Guys
We’re emailing to let you know of some very exciting news happening at
BattleBots.
For the last 14 years we’ve been trying to get BattleBots back on TV. There
have been ups and downs, but just recently we hooked up with a fantastic new
production team, went out and pitched the show, and…
…We have a deal in the works with a MAJOR TV Network.
We can’t say who the network is right now, but the opportunity is huge, and
the show could come back bigger and better than ever.
But there is a challenge:
The network wants to air the new BattleBots series this summer 2015 (late
June). This means we’d have to hold the event in May 2015. This isn’t a lot
of time. In fact it’s hardly enough time—we understand and have communicated
this to the network. But it’s the time slot they want us in, and it’s a take
it or leave it situation. We want to take it and we want you to take it with
us!
We know it’s going to be rough on you and the other builders to design,
build and ship something in that short timeframe—plus we want to see and
encourage brand new robot designs and weapons (more on that below). But here
is the upside:
• It’s a MAJOR network.
• The prize money will be significant—more than has even been awarded in our
sport.
• The exposure will be HUGE and elevate the sport to a new level.
• Beyond the prize money we’re working on other prizes, awards, incentives
and equities that could mean fantastic rewards for builders (not just the
winner of the competition).
It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity that can’t be passed up.
So what are the details?
• The event would take place sometime in May 2015.
• This would be a SINGLE weight class event somewhere in the neighborhood of
the Heavyweight class (This will be a new BattleBots TV weight class that is
being determined now).
• We are in the process of completely rewriting the BattleBots rules to
restrict less, and open the doors for more creative, powerful, awesome
robots.
• To enter, contestants will have to design their robots on paper first
(CAD, drawings, etc), and submit those plans for approval.
• We know the timeframe is super tight, but we want to see new robots, not
recycled bots. We want to see robots with robust active weapons systems,
multiple weapons, modular weapons, etc. We want to see robots that are
visually stunning, aggressive and employ new strategies to win and thrill
audiences. It’s a tall order, we know, but you can do it.
• The BattleBox arena will have some new tricks up its sleeve, some of which
you will be able to control.
Obviously you have about 100 questions right now, and we’ll get more
specifics out in the New Year, but we felt it was important to alert you
while things are being worked out so you knew sooner than later.
Next steps:
We hope to have the deal closed and make the official announcement in
January 2015, along with all the event, rules and logistical details. But in
the meantime, over the holidays, we ask that you spend sometime thinking of
what your next, best BattleBot could be.
Main problem I see is 5 months to build a whole new fleet and class or robot, but if the prize money is what they say... might it be worth it?!
