Metro

Friday November 6, 2009

Supermodel contest set to take off

By JADE CHAN


AFTER much drama and controversy, the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2009 competition is all ready to kick off and will begin airing its first episode online on Nov 16.

Amber Chia, the show’s executive producer, franchise holder and head judge, unveiled its new concept, host and sponsors at the launch recently.

Well-known personality and presenter Daphne Iking will be the show’s host.

Two resident judges — fashion guru Gillian Hung and professional photographer Azrul Kevin Abdullah — will assist Chia in evaluating and providing feedback.

Exciting line-up: Hung (left) speaking at the launch of the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2009 while (from left) Chia, Azrul and Iking look on.

Hung, the present Malaysian Official Designers Association (Moda) president, has over two decades of experience in the fashion industry.

Azrul, whose photographic interests are in portraits, figure studies and heritage architecture, owns and manages his own studio in KL.

Canon Marketing (Malaysia) is the show’s title sponsor. In addition to sponsorship, Canon will be extending its support to help in the production, photography and printing processes.

Other sponsors and partners include Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Triumph, Elianto and Centro Hair Salon.

The contest offers a host of lucrative prizes for the female and male model winners, including cash prizes and gifts from sponsors.

Striking a pose: Chia at the launch of the Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2009.

The female winner will be offered an opportunity to represent Malaysia at the international finals of Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World to be held in Brazil in January 2010, while the male winner will be awarded similar prizes.

The Ford Models’ Supermodel of the World Malaysia 2009 will air online via www.fordsupermodel.tv, with eight episodes starting Nov 16.

Star World (Astro channel 711) will screen the grand finale as a two-hour episode in mid-December.

“While its concept will be similar to America’s Next Top Model, our show will be more fun, lively and interactive,” said Chia, adding that a new episode would be uploaded every two or three days.

“Each episode will last half an hour. There will be three segments in each episode - a training and challenge to improve their skills and know-how as a model, an activity that includes community projects, and a photo/video shoot.

“Images from the shoots will be compiled into a Canon photobook, which the participants can use as their portfolio.”

Chia said some 300 contestants were expected to sign up for the auditions, which would be narrowed down to 30 female and 30 male models by the end of the first episode.

“There will be more eliminations until the fourth episode, where the final 10 female and 10 male models will compete,” she said.

“The top four female and male models will compete for the grand prize at the finale, which will include a representative from Ford Models New York on the judging panel.”

Chia stressed that the show would be respectful of local culture and be based on a clean modelling concept.

Iking said: “It’s not only about looks and attitude; the contestants have to ensure that their health is at its peak.”

She said the show would leverage on the popularity of the online media and cater to a web-savvy audience.

“Using the Internet as a platform will make it accessible to Malaysians all over the world,” said Iking. Viewers also don’t have to worry about missing showtimes and can watch any episode on repeat.”

Hung said the search was for models who could do runway and photography well.

“They must be versatile and able to transform any look, from casual to avant-garde,” she said.

“They must be able to handle tasks and carry instructions and have charisma, poise and presence.”

Citing international supermodel Ling Tan as an example, Hung said: “We are looking for someone with the X-factor.

“People from the industry are constantly looking for new faces and the competition offers a great platform for such an opportunity.”

The final walk-in registration will be held this weekend (Nov 7-8) at Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

Prospective female and male models between the ages of 16 and 25 are invited to take part.

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