SIDE-STORY: The New Year & Other Modeling Series

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE (Okay, so maybe I'm 10 days behind)!!! Believe it or not, I just hung out at home (with Jojo of course, whom I decided to forgive and forget) while waiting for the clock to struck 12. Well, I went to a friend’s house for a party earlier but left around 10 when I realize that I much rather watch TV than partying. Julia told me that it’s the ‘old-people-syndrome’ but I tend to ignore 90% of what she usually said anyway so that didn’t really bother me. After I got home and semi-lengthy phone call to my mom and my boyfriend Kenny (love you sweety!) who’s probably ogling at Danish tramps right at the moment he said he was suppose to be busy doing ‘research’ for his thesis, I found myself getting bored (can’t believe I just said that) so I got busy and did some ‘research’ on other modeling related series (cause yes, I love looking at beautiful people and their ‘dramatic’ lives on camera).

Manhunt: The Search For America’s Most Gorgeous Male Model (US) Bravo

(L-R) Rob Williams, Jon Jonsson

To anyone that didn’t watch it, the eventual winners are Jon Jonsson & Rob Williams (who came in 2nd- but I still love him!) The judging panel consists of Marissa Miller (supermodel) Bruce Hulse (model) and an array of various guest judges. Hosted by Carmen Electra, the series actually planted ‘a mole’ inside the group (Kevin P, who was suppose to be a noted model), who will report any of the model wannabes ‘bad behaviors’ (although I personally think he’s the major influence). The prizes include a contract with IMG Models & a photo shoot with a prominent photographer (sorry, can’t remember the guy’s name). Every week the contestants will be given various modeling challenges and will be judged based on their pictures (same as ANTM). Elimination however varied from just 1 or 2 person a week to 4 or 5 in certain weeks.

Model Behaviour (UK) TV2

(L-R) Camilla, Nathan, Jenny

Different from the other series, this series will choose 2 winners (1 female, 1 male) from 8 finalists. Prizes include a 1 year modeling contract with Select Model Mgmt and a cover spread at GQ & Glamour (British editions). The wannabe models go to extraordinary lengths to attract the judges' attention with singing, dancing, wacky outfits and even stripping (like a good-looking American Idol)! In the next stage of the competition, 20 finalists selected by the judges will take part in a modeling workshop where they are whittled down to the final eight - four girls and four boys. From here, the final eight travel to London where they will share a ý2 million luxury flat and work as professional models with help from the very best of photographers, stylists, models and fashion experts in the business (lengthy!). Judges includes Jo Elvin (Editor-in-Chief, Glamour), Dylan Jones (Editor, GQ), Kim von Dickmann (Select Model Management) and Gemma Shaw (Select Model Management). Previous winners includes Jenny Richards (2001) Camilla (2002) Nathan (2002)

Make Me A Supermodel (UK) Channel 5

(L-R) Alice, Kate, Joanna

The lineup includes two identical twins that have entered on one ticket. The series will culminates in a nail-biting live catwalk final where the final three girls will go head-to-head, before the winner, voted for by the public, is revealed. The prizes include a modeling contract with Select Model Management (the IMG of the UK). In each episode, the participants face daily assignments that will help determine who’s got what it takes to become a successful model. Those who impress the panel most will go on to the next stage of the competition, whilst the girl who hasn’t quite made the grade will be eliminated. The eventual winner is Alice (see pic) while Kate and Joanna came second and third. From what I gathered, everyone thought Kate should win (that everyone being Brits who’d actually watched it) but Alice was voted winner instead. Judges includes Rachel Hunter (host/model/actress/Rob Stewart’s ex) Perou (top photographer) and co-director of Select Model Management, Tandy Anderson (at least they got qualified people to be the judges)

Britain’s Next Top Model (UK) Living TV

The prizes include a contract with Models 1, the agency that represents Yasmin Le Bon and original supermodel Linda Evangelista and a magazine cover/spread. Lucy Ratcliffe is named the eventual winner (see pic). What I particularly like about the BNTM was the fact that the Brits had no problem with frontal nudity (see pic again as evidence). Judges Lisa Butcher (host/model) Marie Helvin (model/designer) Jonathan Phang (modeling agent)
Australia’s Next Top Model (AUST) Fox 8

(Clockwise from upper left) Shannon, Sam (4th), Chloe, Gemma
Apparently, one girl (Allana) forfeited after the house somewhat turn against her. The last 3 women standing are Chloe, Shannon & Gemma, with the latter as the final winner. The prizes includes a contract with CHIC (Aussie’s biggest agency), all-expense trip to Italy to meet with the Milan based agency ‘Fashion’ plus $1000 spending money, eight-page editorial in CLEO, campaign for Napoleon cosmetics (so far they got the best ‘prizes’). Judges includes Erika Heynatz (host/model) Alex Perry (fashion designer) Marguerite Kramer (fashion editor) Ken Thompson (stylist)