A Complete Evening of Posers Posing...

Hey Friends & Fans!

I am feeling of royal brilliance today (Or, so I believe) and had a number of great ideas about a number of subjects (All of which now escape me - of course).

So let us get straight to the point, before I am intercepted by phone calls, text messages,emails (I hear that my inbox (One of) currently has an excess well above 3,000 messages as of this writing - Amazing!). On the one, it is a thrilling victory but on the other, someone has to actually read and manage the correspondence - for the task is evolving into a full-time job for a certain someone I now affectionately refer to as the 'Director of Email Communications'.

We are in for a treat this week...The Models Are Back!

The Rise of The Models
I am certain you are just as thrilled - this week, we have the re-emergence of new seasons of America's Next Top Model AND Make Me A Supermodel .

For the sake of this lively chatter, we will refer to each according to acronyms because the titles are rather lengthy as follows: America's Next Top Model (ANTM) and Make Me A Supermodel(MMAS). I mean really, what happened to the simple 'One' word titles? Here are my suggestions (Free of charge): America's Next Top Model as "Model" and Make Me A Supermodel as "Supermodel". Confusing? Wait, it will be...

A Model History
As you may be aware by now of my affinity for all things "Model" and perhaps this interest began when I first looked through Vogue magazine when just a young "Tween". Of course, reminisicing back to the days, my style was highly mature, sophisticated and fashionable.

Even my teachers would comment about how nicely dressed my attire for someone of my age. Well, as a young teen and truth be revealed, I had not a budget for such clothing, so I would infiltrate my mother's closet (Mum was quite stunning in wardrobe filled with a number of hats, boots, scarves, head wraps and suede jackets). Mine was merely sophomoric attempt.

I lament one holiday season, when I had started working at a high-end department store (Oh HAPPY DAY), my entire paycheck would be literally spent before I even received the meaningless paper.

Pay Me In clothes!
My closet was soon filled with Liz Claiborne, Gucci, Guess, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Fendi, Hilfiger, endless eyewear and expensive fragrance - Instead of looking 15, I appeared to be a young 35 year old sophisticate - for some reason, this had duel created other worldly status and class all of my own in high school. My 'Character' was one that had never been previously seen. I looked like the OWNER of the school or some successful business, rather than common student.

Where ever I happened to be, people would ask one of the following questions, "Excuse me do you work here?" Or, "Are you the owner?". "No" and "Not yet" were my typical responses, while quietly thinking to myself, do I look that old?! This strategic attempt at being a mature model is epically back-firing.

Thinking back, I understand why teachers were intimidated by my 'Ominous' presence and as well,my insistence of doing anything of my choosing (Students, do not try this at home unless you have unshakable will and own your confidence - you must carefully think through the risk of possible consequences, for this prior assessment allowed me to avoid turmoil with parents - there is an art to pushing the envelope).

Today, not much has changed and I still peruse Vogue for inspiration/style and living in L.A.,it is appropriate well received attire...I still push the envelope (But now have Power over all decisions). Oh, and in case you are wondering, I am still OMINOUS! At least that is what I hear...Ah, brings a smile to my face really.

Back To The Models On TV
This week begins season 14 of ANTM and as mentioned within previous posts, had it not been for Tyra Banks to single handily bring us the world of fashion - we would not have such an influx of model related shows as MMAS, Project Runway, Most Smartest Model, The Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency (A+ Male Models!), The Agency (Oh Bravo, bring this one back!), Model over 35, True Beauty, et al.

As well, this week also begins the 2nd season of MMAS on Bravo, starring Tyson Beckford and a new co-host (An Australian Model).

Now Turn To The Left...
Here is where the promised confusion begins: The two shows are very similar in nature where as ANTM is all about 19/20 something year old young women, MMAS is about 19/20 something year old women and men (The Co-ed version) as model hopefuls.

The shows both feature former 'Supermodel' hosts, celebrity/ industry type judges, model related tasks (Largely photographic in nature), make-overs, legendary photographers, critiques, judges table, eliminations, and strangers from different parts of the country and/or world living together in a mansion/loft...for 13 weeks (Recall, this is mandatory for ALL competition based reality shows).

Even further, the shows are now both airing on Wednesday evening, one right after another, on different networks. ANTM airs on The CW. MMAS is now scheduled in new time slot on Bravo, right after ANTM.

Quite frankly, a brilliant move by Bravo - capture the same audience and share the market (If you like that show, you will definitely like this show).

Finally, it will be equally as interesting to see if the same advertisers appear within both shows - sounds like a great opportunity to get double exposure and re-enforce branding for products of the fashion & beauty industry. Ah, branded entertainment at it's finest. Now, about that Vogue TV show idea...

She's Got The Look...

Hey you!

What a week. Big huge numbers for old Indy Jones (300+ Million, Worldwide), the season finale of American Idol and Top Chef, and the new Sex and The City movie opens this week - think that about covers everything in world of news, major events and politics (Lol).

It's amazing, I have been meaning to talk to you about a few things and when I am away - I have thousands of ideas of topics for our discussion; A literal firestorm of thought. Then, for some reason, as soon as I step back into the office *Presto* all thoughts are gone.

Let us Return to T-V LAND
As I am in my office, I had a chance to review the promo episode for a new show called She's Got The Look (TV LAND, Allison Grodner Productions) and I have a few comments (Mostly praise) and a few hand slapping complaints....

First the good:
As you may recall, I have a certain fondness for the fashion industry and just as you, a fascination concerning the world of modelling (Thank you Tyra "Bringing it to us, for we would all be lost" Banks).

Really my interests are related to fashion in general and when I am not pursuing my latest entrepreneurial muse (My Internet companies and investments), dreaming up new bombastic ideas for TV shows (It always begins with "Wouldn't it be great?"), or romancing my gorgeous 'Comic-Book Movie lovin' man (He is waiting for HULK 2 and largely disagrees with my analysis that ALL COMIC BOOK MOVIES ARE THE SAME)...I LOVE to go shopping!

Fact is, I have concluded that it does not really matter the object of desire as long as there are plenty in various colors and styles...I have only met one other person who could out shop me - my own dear mother. I displace complete blame on the fashion industry.

Now then, back to the subject. Some time back, I had Blogged about a show for aspiring models over 35 titled, Timeless Beauty. As you know I rarely ever re-visit a show after a Blog, however this one is going to receive special Blog time compliments of Yours Truly.

Models All Grown Up
So far from the promo, it appears that we can expect an entirely different kind of modelling show, with actual real grown-up adults...How refreshing.

Perhaps I may have missed something while multitasking...

In the initial promo, there does not appear to be dramatic childish in-fighting over trivial nonsensical matters, over the top make-overs, incessant crying, distorted self confidence, age, weight, and race issues, social disdain, idolatry and general self loathing?

Wait, wait, wait, what is there to watch - I mean, how are we going to keep the audience hooked each and every week (For 6 weeks, this time) to watch these divas fight it out on the catwalk for a fierce modelling contract with a top agency and a spread on the cover (Insert magazine name here)? There goes our plush office on the studio lot, our power "I'll just have bottled water" lunches, our exclusive gym "I don't sweat, I glisten" membership, and our shiny new Jag!

Your Mom's a Model.

While watching the show (Formerly titled, The Next Great Supermodel Age 35 and Older), judged by the beautiful, does not look a day over 35 supermodel Beverly Johnson - Not only is this my sister's name, but I admired Ms. Johnson growing up as a young St. John. Considering the general unruliness of supermodels, Ms. Johnson's class, humility and poise are an amazing, mature and eloquent statement of what it means to be a SUPERmodel.

And Now for the not-so-good (The hand slapping complaints part):

Most of the aspiring are actual, real life moms -Again, I might have missed something, much of the reason why many of the moms were hoping to compete is for a 'second chance' - was there not a first? This is moderate concern of disappointment in general.

Furthermore, are none of these women professionals with professional careers, businesses and media empires? What is this saying about women of a certain age - they all gave up career potential and personal aspirations to be stay at home moms without an inkling of a career? What year is this 1950?! Careful, I am already dangling the show off the edge of the balcony...

Now for hand slap #2

The 'other' programming on the network - I always happen to arrive on the network when The Andy Griffith Show appears to be airing - either I am always consistently tuning in at the same time or TV Land is always consistently airing the old black and white show.

Friends at TV Land - Please stop airing any show that is not in color or exceeds my age in the number of years since the show was first considered 'original'. So, what would I suggest? If I were in charge of programming, my line-up would include Charlie's Angels, Chips, The Bionic Woman/Six Million Dollar Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Love Boat, every season of all previously ran reality shows (2nd run reality would be the Primetime schedule), a plethora of popular shows from the 80's (Cheers, Miami Vice, St. Elsewhere, 21 Jump Street - Viewers never tire of cop shows and medical shows), Dallas, Dynasty and Melrose Place.

Of course, we would not have any budget remaining due to all of the expensive licensing fees for said shows, but hey, we can garner more high-level advertisers to subsidize our new, crisply targeted programming. How's that for solution? You're welcome.

Starkly, I realize that perhaps just maybe this time I am not be the intended audience - maybe I am not at the center of everything after all? But wait, I AM Pop-Culture TV...

Alright, you can read more about the show on the TV Land site:

http://www.tvland.com/originals/shesgotthelook/

*The TV Land logo above is the property of Viacom International, Inc.

What A Week?

Hey!

So, there were some exciting events that transpired last week and I have received a number of emails from you on a few of the most popular subjects.

In today's blog, let's talk about a few of the more obvious and newsworthy topics (Although I usually prefer to remain within my realm of TV related fare, I have added a few additional items for the adventure).

Let the discussion begin:

1. I Am Legend - Did you see it? Apparently, many of you had seen the Will Smith starrer over this past weekend as box office estimates are just north of $75 Million, since the movie opened on Friday.

As you know, I love to clear to my schedule to watch anything that looks cool - however being this close to the holidays, I was not able to spare the time to visit the theater to see it with you...It's on the list.

Will Smith also received a "Star" on the Hollywood walk of fame this past week and has been all over town promoting his new movie - so you see, despite the recent excuses for box office flops - you do not need to have a plug on a late night talk show to have a successful movie!

2. Most Influential Infant - Forbes magazine presented it's list of "Most Influential Infants" and it is causing quite a mention of idle mockery (Not of the infants, but of the adults).

First just to mention, Forbes magazine is one of my premiere publications that I actually read cover to cover and I visit the site quite frequently - I know Forbes, which is the reason I am perplexed by the latest "Study".

Having said, it is reasonable to conclude the question of why such a list (Most Influential Infants) even exists and have the editors simply run out of financial topics that they must as well attempt to get into the tabloid wrangling fare?

Having brought up the subject, I should mention the editors at Forbes have named Shiloh Jolie-Pitt as THE most influential...Who knew?

Quite frankly with such an esteemed title, I am expecting baby Shiloh to begin giving riveting speeches at the United Nations, call for world peace (Where ALL of the leaders actually cooperate), solve world hunger, stop global warming, come up with an alternate health care plan that works, and handle social security - AT ANY MOMENT...Now, that's influence!

Ah not to be misunderstood, I love infants in their natural environments (Not leading World Economic Peace Summits) but I do not want to pressure them out to be influential before they can even walk...That's simply ridiculous expectation.

3. Paranormal State - Although I do not customarily re-visit subjects in which I have already written (Last weekend's post), this one is to your compliment. Thanks to you, A&E's new show Paranormal State had FANTASTIC numbers and record high ratings in the show's debut, last Monday night...Great job!

4. America's Next Top Model - Congratulations to the end of another great season and wishes to the winner Saleisha Stowers as the new Cycle 9 winner.

Now, there appears to be controversy over the new winner. Apparently, Ms. Stowers has modeling experience, which according to the rules of the ANTM competition, is cause for ineligibility. Further, many are claiming a pre-existing relationship with Tyra Banks was also a reason of concern.

Relatively speaking, I am happy the season is over...Regardless of who wins and the reason why. Time to move on to Cycle 10 ladies and gentlemen.

5. KITT - Earlier this week, NBC announced the new star of the updated version of Knight Rider; A Ford Mustang.

Not to be one that says, "I told you so" but....As mentioned in a previous post it was a highly likely choice.

Personally, I was hoping they (NBC) would have taken up my suggestion of having KITT return as a high-end Mercedes Benz (See my vision on the lower left) - it's time to add a little class, style and sophistication to his image (Ah, but that's just me).

Next the big question who will be the voice of KITT? Will it be male or female?

I have already presented my list of whom should NOT be cast as the voice of this high-tech computer car including Jerry "What-is-the-deal?" Seinfeld, Fran Drescher, Gilbert Gottfried, Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell, Chris Rock, Hulk "Brother!" Hogan, Eartha Kitt, or any foreign Supermodel (To name just a few - the list is far too long and would take up the majority of this post).

For no apparent reason, I still think Kelsey Grammer would make an interesting choice of the voice of KITT (Not sure as a Ford Mustang though how that would work out, I picture him far more upscale, rather than American muscle). Ah so many choices, from which not to choose...

Happy Holidays!

*All photo images are the respective property of their owners (Studios, Networks, and Publications).

Make Me A Supermodel

The title of a new reality offering brought to you by friends at Bravo (My other favorite network).

More Than Enough Models To Go Around
Make Me a Supermodel (Based on the already successful U.K. version), is a co-ed reality competition series that will feature 14 male and female (7 men and 7 women) aspiring 'model wannabes' that will compete in a series of events to win the top model spot.

Sounds like my other favorite show

As you know, America's Next Top Model (Cycle 9 will debut on CW, September 19) is one of my favorites and the original of all things 'Model'.

However, Bravo's new Make Me a Supermodel will not only feature both men and women in competition, but will also rely heavily on viewer participation...

Over a 12-week period, the contestants will live together in a Manhattan loft and deal with their personal relationships with one another while also competing in a series of challenges designed to test their potential 'speed and agility' on the catwalk.

Power To The People
Today's secret ingredient: In an incorporated 'American Idol' style twist, viewers at home will get to vote to determine the weekly fate of each contestant (Which proves my point - everyone thinks the secret to AI is viewer participation).

After weeks of eliminations, the remaining contestant wins the competition and receives the show's grand prize package -- $100,000 and a modeling agency contract.

This is a good start to a career for any model hopeful...Supermodel that is...

The Return of Supermodel
Exactly what is a Supermodel? I was just thinking, is there such a thing as Supermodel in today's modeling industry? Quite well I remember the introduction of the term "Supermodel" - not to be confused with "Superhero" right about the early to mid 90's.

However back to the point, exactly what is a "Supermodel" and how is it different from being just a model? If you are not 'Super' then one would presume that you are just an 'average' model and nobody wants to be 'average' - just ask Joe.

So, thought I would take a diversion from my myriad of more important things (Ah, my obsession for details has no bounds) to research this quandary by visiting my trusty favorite, Wikipedia. I will share with you what I had discovered.

According to the good book, a Supermodel is defined as, a highly-paid elite fashion model who usually has a worldwide reputation and often a background in haute-couture and commercial modeling.

Right, exactly what I thought...

From what I recall, the expression was first used in the 90's to describe a group of models who's faces of seemingly endless beauty were ubiquitously seen not only on the runway, but also in music videos, in cosmetic and fashion ad campaigns, in magazines like Vogue, Victoria's Secret and even Sports Illustrated.

The Supermodel 'A' List
Tyra Banks, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Elle MacPherson, Stephanie Seymour, Tatjana Patitz, and Linda Evangelista (Who once said she does wake up for less than $10,000 a day - thanks to Linda and that infamous quote, I say that all the time! Of course, I would and indeed get out of bed for much less...but, don't let that get out...wink).

Attention Beautiful People
Here's your big chance...Although an air date for the show has yet to be determined, Bravo has already began posting casting and crew notices in Los Angeles (as we speak), and nationwide open calls will begin the month of September in other cities such as Dallas, Chicago, Miami and New York City.

Bravo would like to mention, that you can read more about the casting requirements and open call dates on the site here: http://www.bravotv.com/Casting/index.shtml#model

Never Too Many Model Shows

In closing, we are going to see a plethora of model shows this season - I know I said that last season, for those of you paying attention.

Overall, I am loving this idea and it reminds me of a show that we had in development about year prior to this post, hmm....