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It was announced on January
24, 2006 that ANTM would be part of the newly formed CW network, a
merger between UPN and The WB when the next cycle start in the 2006-2007
season. Prior to the announcement of merging into The CW, UPN had
committed on January 20, 2006, to renewing the series through its eighth
cycle.
Created by world-renowned supermodel Tyra Banks, who executive produced
the series with Ken Mok, AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL chronicles the
transformation of everyday young women into potentially fierce
supermodels. The participants will live together in a New York penthouse
and vie for a multi-faceted Grand Prize package featuring the
opportunity to receive a Revlon modeling contract and to be managed by
Wilhelmina Models, in addition to a guaranteed appearance in Marie
Claire magazine. Cameras catch each moment as participants face weekly
tests that determine who makes the cut. With mentoring by supermodel
Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion industry gurus, the
finalists compete in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp, a crash
course that could lead to supermodel fame.
Participants are asked to demonstrate both inner and outer beauty as
they master complicated catwalks, intense physical fitness, fashion
photo shoots and publicity skills, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance
of the AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL cameras. Banks leads the panel of
AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL judges, comprising leading fashion industry
experts that include former supermodel Janice Dickinson; Marie Claire
fashion editor Beau Quillian and Baby Phat creative director Kimora Lee
Simmons, who will conduct regular evaluations to narrow the field from
week to week. In addition, a new special guest appears each week to
judge in his or her area of expertise.
Tyra Banks, Executive Producer
Tyra Banks is creator and executive producer of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP
MODEL. She is also the founder of Ty Ty Baby Productions. Banks is a
native of Los Angeles and began her television career as an actress with
recurring roles in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Felicity." She
starred in the Disney made-for-television movie, "Life Size."
Banks' film experience includes leading roles in John Singleton's
"Higher Learning" and Jerry Bruckheimer's "Coyote Ugly." Banks began her
modeling career in Europe and evolved into a world-renowned supermodel
who has become a pioneer in the industry. She was the first
African-American woman to grace the covers of GQ, Sports Illustrated's
swimsuit issue and the Victoria's Secret catalog. In 1997, she received
the prestigious Michael Award for Supermodel of the Year. She later
secured an exclusive contract with Victoria's Secret. In addition, Banks
has been contracted by Swatch and Cover Girl, and has appeared in ad
campaigns for Nike, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren and Dolce &
Gabbana.
Banks also authored Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out, published by Harper
Collins (1998). Banks founded Tzone, an annual weeklong summer camp
experience for teenage girls designed to enhance independence and
self-esteem. In addition, Banks has established "The Tyra Banks
Scholarship," a fund that grants African-American girls the opportunity
to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High
Ken Mok, Executive Producer
Ken Mok is executive producer of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, a dramality
television series he developed with Tyra Banks. Mok is a native of
Larchmont, New York. He is a graduate of Boston University, where he
earned a B.S. / B.A. in business administration with a minor in
journalism. Mok began his professional career as a television producer
in New York prior to moving to Atlanta, where he served as a producer
for CNN's Headline News and International Hour.
Mok later moved to Los Angeles to join NBC, where he oversaw both drama
and comedy series as director of current programming. He later served as
director of comedy series development at ABC, where he oversaw the
development of "Spin City" and "The Drew Carey Show."
Mok later became Vice President of MTV Television Productions, where he
created the reality series "Making the Band," and served as executive
producer of the series for its first three seasons. He also created and
executive produced "Tough Enough," and was the executive in charge of
productions for "The Jenny McCarthy Show," UPN's comedy "Hitz" and the
television movie, "The Tiger Woods Story," for which Mok was nominated
for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Special.
Mok currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. |
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