SUPERMODELME.tv
Encyclopedia
SUPERMODELME.tv is an English-language reality show in which 12 models of Asian heritage come from all Asia to compete for a cash grand prize, and the chance to become Asia's next modelling sensation. Created by Karen Seah and produced by Refinery Media, the show is filmed in Singapore with some episodes of Season 2 also filmed on location in Bali
Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east...

.

The Show

SUPERMODELME.tv (also referred to as Supermodelme) is Asia’s most groundbreaking English online reality show where 12 models from across the Asian continent including Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...

, Malaysia, Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...

, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...

, Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...

, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...

 and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

 will compete to be Asia’s next hottest face on runways and magazines.

The show was created and executively produced by the founder of Refinery Media, Karen Seah. A successful, established entrepreneur in the lifestyle and entertainment scene with several notable nightclub and restaurant outlets under her belt, Karen Seah had shown impressive insight into youth marketing. Tapping on the popularity and accessibility of Internet entertainment, Karen Seah conceptualized this revolutionary online reality TV series as a bridge between new media platforms, online youth culture and the local fashion
Fashion
Fashion, a general term for a currently popular style or practice, especially in clothing, foot wear, or accessories. Fashion references to anything that is the current trend in look and dress up of a person...

 landscape.

Season 1 Episode Structure

SUPERMODELME Season 1 stretched over 20 episodes and was broadcast online twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday. The Webisodes were 10–12 minutes long and accompanied by various Fringe and Behind-The-Scenes videos. Refinery Media created their own Supermodelme.tv website that featured its own Social Media Platform. Some viral online videos were released on YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....

 as well. The reality series showcased the ups and downs that aspiring models encounter in their professional careers – from dealing with the thrilling and glamorous but unforgiving demands of the fashion industry, to the bonding sessions or brash disputes with the other models.

One model is eliminated after a photo shoot challenge which is broadcast on the second episode weekly. Each contestant is given feedback about her performance by the judging panel led by Charmaine Harn, one of Singapore’s most established and recognized models. The judging panel includes one of the most in-demand fashion photographers, Geoff Ang, fashion and beauty director of Her World
Her World
Her World is a monthly English-language magazine published in Singapore targeted at the female professionals reading market. It is also the first English-language women magazine to be published in Malaysia and Singapore. The magazine was published since July 1960...

, Jeanette Ejlersen, Milk Photographie founder, Olivier Henry and editor-in-chief of Singapore’s NuYou magazine, Grace Lee. Usually, a guest judge will sit in on the panel every week such as owner of leading modelling agency, Andrew’s Models, Andrew Tan, model, actress and former beauty queen, Elaine Daly from Malaysia, celebrity hairstylist, David Gan, fashion designer, Frederick Lee, entertainer and show producer, Marcus A. C, actress and host, Irene Ang, NuYou fashion writer, Lee Zhaun, Her World senior fashion stylist, Patrick Sin, photographer Zhang Jing Na, assistant photographer, Jeremiah Ang, show director, Rizal Ahyar, ex-model and host Rick Tan, celebrity make-up artist, Clarence Lee, fashion stylist Furqan Saini, photographer from The Shooting Gallery, Invy Ng, celebrity make-up artist, Sam Ong and model and host, Rebecca Tan. Each week’s episodes were shot around a common theme such as movement and heights.

Each week, the first episode began with the contestants undergoing a challenge related to the next episode’s photo shoot challenge. Take for example, the girls went through a high ropes obstacle course, undergo acting classes or go bikini shopping. During certain challenges, the winner received prizes such as $500 worth of make-up from M.A.C, one of the program’s sponsors, a shopping spree at River Island or a night out with only a certain number of the other contestants of her choice.
The following episode saw the girls going through a photo shoot challenge with relation to their previous mini challenge. This season featured the girls doing shoots such as a bikini and lingerie shoot, posing while defying gravity on a trampoline, doing a shoot in a cherry picker and posing with a squid.

The final part of this second episode is judging. During judging, the contestants’ photos from the photo shoot challenge were deliberated by the judges with the models in another room. The elimination process began with Charmaine Harn giving each of the models’ their feedback and announcing the winner. Each week, the contestants found out who is eliminated in a different way. For example, the elimination bag would have the eliminated contestant’s photo and is thrown to the models’ feet or the models would have to open the elimination car boot to find out who will be going home. This process carried on until the top three finalists are determined.

The final showdown between the final three contestants took place live from Zouk with a live audience. A grand finale fashion show by all the 10 contestants was held before the winner is announced.

Media Outreach

Before SUPERMODELME.tv was introduced to the general public, a press conference was held on 14 May 2009 to brief the press and media about the programme before the debut on 16 June 2009. It was held at Red Dot Traffic Museum where the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between multimedia production agency Refinery Media and Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd – a member of A*STAR. In order to reach the core of the media in Singapore, Refinery Studio held a kick-off party to commemorate the airing of the first episode on 16 June 2009. Guests included host Charmaine Harn, model-actress, Lum May Yee and model/actress/host Elaine Daly. Road shows were held to inform the public about SUPERMODELME.tv and the benefits of being a registered user on the website, such as being able to watch behind the scenes footage of the girls.

There was also a Live Finale event and closing party at Zouk where all ten contestants were brought back for a grand finale fashion show. The entire show as choreographed by show producer, Rizal Ahyar. The final 3 contestants did their final photo shoot challenge live, with the live audience voting for them. Voting was done various ways, via Twitter, Online Polling, SMS and Live voting.

Publicity

To target the public, both traditional and social media were used. Tapping on the hype of Twitter, a Twitter page for each of the contestants was created. This method allowed the contestants to garner popularity from the public and be able to interact with their friends and fans via twitter. Of course, not forgetting other forms of social media such as Facebook, Friendster and YouTube. SUPERMODELME.tv has an account on all three online medias. A fan page for and each of the 10 contestants were created as well. This catered to the viewers’ preferences of communication with the contestants and the channel in which they are able to catch the episodes.

Traditionally, SUPERMODELME.tv was talked about in Singapore’s papers such as The New Paper
The New Paper
The New Paper is Singapore's second-highest circulating paid English-language newspaper, first launched on July 26, 1988, by Singapore Press Holdings . According to SPH, its average daily circulation for August 2010 was 101600....

 and The Straits Times
The Straits Times
The Straits Times is an English language daily broadsheet newspaper based in Singapore currently owned by Singapore Press Holdings . It is the country's highest-selling paper, with a current daily circulation of nearly 400,000...

. Radio station 93.8 FM did a live interview with SUPERMODELME.tv founder Karen Seah, host Charmaine Harn and Singapore contestants, Christabel Campbell and Emilia Soh. In addition, Channel News Asia did an interview with Karen Seah on the information technology aspect of SUPERMODELME.tv.

Here is a list of all the press coverage that SUPERMODELME.tv has garnered:
  1. Singapore models vie in online show by Huang Huifen in Straits Times Urban
  2. Model Christabel Campbell says why she loves tweeting in The Straits Times
  3. Christabel Campbell says: Never say NEVER by Germaine Lim in The New Paper
  4. Let The Net Fight Begin by Sylvia Toh Piak Choo in The New Paper
  5. Hey Good Looking by Noelle Loh in The Straits Times Urban
  6. Get me home by 2am by Frankie Chee in The Straits Times
  7. Radio interview with founder of SUPERMODELME.tv Karen Seah, host Chamaine Harn, Singapore contestants Christabel Campbell and Emilia Soh
  8. SUPERMODELME.tv interview with Karen Seah on Channel News Asia
  9. SuperModelMe.tv: 10 hot babes, 10 weeks, 1 winner by Chan Chi-Loong on Tech Goondu
  10. SUPERMODELME.tv by Kee on Tongue In Chic
  11. Online show offers new brand exposure by Ben Burrowes on Marketing-interactive.com
  12. Evelyn Leckie Crowned by Her World Magazine
  13. Dress Your Supermodel contest by Starhub
  14. NuYou Readers Choice contest by NuYou Magazine

MOU Signing

On Thursday 14 May 2009, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between multimedia production agency Refinery Media and Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd – a member of A*STAR – will see the beginnings of Substream, the latest web-based subtitling technology to hit Singapore’s new media industry which allows viewers to switch between English and Mandarin subtitles with ease as they view online programs, including SUPERMODELME.tv, a reality model search conceptualized and produced by Refinery Media.

Conducted through a press briefing at the Red Dot Traffic Museum, the MOU signing ceremony was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman of A*STAR and finalized the partnership between Exploit Technologies, as represented by Executive Chairman Mr. Boon Swan Foo, and Refinery Media, by its Founder Ms. Karen Seah, who is also one of Singapore’s most successful entertainment and nightlife entrepreneurs.

“A homegrown start-up like Refinery Media is a bright spark in today’s economic climate. I am impressed with the drive and courage of Refinery Media’s founder, Karen Seah, in investing in a new media startup despite the crisis. This is an inspiring story of how a young Singaporean pushes on, despite the downturn, to leverage made-in-Singapore technologies to find open up new market opportunities,” said Mr. Boon.

Debuted on 16 July 2009, SUPERMODELME.tv is a twice weekly, 20-episode online model search that showcased the ups and downs encountered by ten aspiring models from Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and even India, as they compete for the Grand Prize of S$10,000 and for the chance of becoming the next prominent Asian face to grace runways and fashion magazines.

Hosted by Singapore’s first supermodel, Charmaine Harn, the road to success for the triumphant model was not easy as they dealt with the pressures of living together under one roof. Above all else to avoid weekly elimination, they had to impress a panel of resident judges, made up of established fashion industry veterans, including prolific fashion photographer Geoff Ang and guest judges such as fashion designer Frederick Lee and celebrity hairstylist, David Gan, through a series of specially designed challenges.

SUPERMODELME.tv is not your average web-based reality programme with the introduction and use of Hyperspot technology, the hottest tech-speak that would bring virtual lifestyle entertainment to the very next interactive level. With Hyperspot technology enabled, viewers received real-time information on the models’ apparel, as well as exclusive hair and beauty tips, simply by clicking on the images of their choice. Viewers were also able to enjoy instant information on the brands, prices and even details on where to buy the outfits worn by the models.

At the same time, there was maximum programme participation as viewers interacted directly and freely with the models via online voting, web conferences, virtual chat-rooms and even posted their comments and thoughts about the programme on the website. Viewers could also join the

SUPERMODELME.tv – Asia’s most groundbreaking online reality programme, is the result of my vision and attempt to bridge the vacuous canvas and connection between the fashion world and the tech-savvy audience. The audience will be able to experience the thrill and receive immediate fulfilment of knowing where to purchase that desirable get-up, for example, or even learn the most up-to-date methods in coiffing chic runway hair-dos”, added Miss Seah.

Asia’s first online reality programme – SUPERMODELME.tv was proudly presented by StarHub
StarHub
StarHub Limited is a full-fledged telecommunications company providing a full range of services over mobile, internet and fixed platforms in Singapore...

 and supported by Hyundai and FEVO Prepaid MasterCard by EZ-Link Pte Ltd and MasterCard
MasterCard
Mastercard Incorporated or MasterCard Worldwide is an American multinational financial services corporation with its headquarters in the MasterCard International Global Headquarters, Purchase, Harrison, New York, United States...

 Worldwide, and also supported by the following partners: Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (A member of A*STAR), Jetstar Asia Airways, The Ascott, Redken, M.A.C., Tiger, Piper Heidsieck, Russian Standard Vodka, Red Bull, F&N, alldressedup, diva, Dorothy Perkins, Massimo Dutti, Max Studio, Miss Selfridge, Pull and Bear, PUMA, Rip Curl, River Island, TOPSHOP, Warehouse, ZARA, Her World
Her World
Her World is a monthly English-language magazine published in Singapore targeted at the female professionals reading market. It is also the first English-language women magazine to be published in Malaysia and Singapore. The magazine was published since July 1960...

, NuYou, Mimolette, Red Dot Traffic, Zouk, Suncoast Sitra, True Group, IDP, Akamai, m:idea and Webvisions.

"We are proud and excited to be associated with this reality TV show made for the Internet. It showcases a new engagement model for both TV viewers, and Internet users used to watching videos online. StarHub Mobile customers will also get exclusive mob-isodes of 'behind the scenes' footage and 'confessions' filmed by the models themselves using StarHub-provided camera handsets. We are pleased to provide our Hub Trooper Premium Technical Support service to Refinery Media where the cast and crew will enjoy the extensive range of StarHub's entertainment, communications and connectivity services on location throughout the shoot. They will be able to access to StarHub's cable TV programmes while staying in touch with the world, and their friends and family both online and on mobile", said Miss Iris Wee, Head of StarHub’s Marketing.

Starhub as SUPERMODELME.tv’s official presenter

Starhub’s collaboration with Refinery Media in SUPERMODELME.tv allows StarHub
StarHub
StarHub Limited is a full-fledged telecommunications company providing a full range of services over mobile, internet and fixed platforms in Singapore...

 Mobile customers to watch exclusive mob-isodes of ‘behind the scenes’ videos on StartHub Mobile TV. These include exclusive footage not shown on air, as well as videos shot by the models themselves.

Technology

The revolutionary technology behind SUPERMODELME.tv, was one in which Refinery Media introduced to Singapore as well as the rest of the world. Called , instant gratification is delivered right to our fingertips; with one click of the mouse, viewers have immediate access to the brands, prices and stockist locations of the outfits the models wore. Another click and viewers learnt who styled the models’ hair, what makeup they wore, and even get exclusive beauty and styling tips from well-known industry stylemeisters.

Future Development

Refinery Media’s collaboration with Exploit Technologies Pte Ltd (A member of A*STAR) is to develop SubStream – a web-based subtitling technology which allows viewers to easily switch from English to Mandarin subtitles while they watch the program. This bold innovation allows original content to be aired across different countries, from east to west and vice versa, thereby opening doors for smaller production companies to have their content seen by others all across the world. Aspiring models can look forward to Season 2 of SUPERMODELME.tv. Casting calls for hopeful models are well on the way. With a new season, viewers can expect a more entertaining season ahead. Contestants should expect higher demands from the competition as well.

Seasons

Season Premier Date Winner First Runner-up Second Runner-up Other contestants ( In Order of Elimination) Number of Contestants Casting Destination
1 16 June 2009 Evelyn Leckie (Evelyn) Christabel Campbell (Christabel) Kathlene McKinney (Kathlene) Helen Swale (Helen) ,
Emilia Soh (Emilia) ,
Yuen Sze Jia (Yuen)  Malaysia,
Ciara Schmalfeld (Ciara)  United States,
Jenny Fuglsang (Jenny)  Sweden,
Fiona Thomas (Fiona) ,
Anna Syuhada (Anna)  Malaysia
10
2 17 March 2011 Avalon Hona Halaho (Avalon) Kym Toussaint (Kym) Melinda Widjanarko (Melinda)  Indonesia
Nikki Niu (Nikki) (quit),
Syakella Jazmyn (Syakella)  Malaysia,
Roshni Soin
Roshni Kaur Soin
Roshni Kaur Soin is a beauty queen who represented Singapore in Miss World 2007 in China. She studied for a Management degree and works as a model.In 2010, she joined the cast of SUPERMODELME.tv as one of the 12 aspiring models of Season 2.-References:...

 (Roshni) ,
Anny Lou (Anny) ,
Emiko Thein (Emiko) ,
Kiani Lee (Kiani) ,
Elizabeth Moulden (Elizabeth) ,
Tanja Widing (Tanja) ,
Nattakorn Choovichian (Rosie)
12  
Bali
Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east...


Cable Broadcast on AXN

On November 7, 2009 Supermodelme was specially re-versioned and made its cable debut on AXN
AXN
AXN is a Pay television, cable and satellite television channel owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which was first launched on May 22, 1997. The network is now spread across several regions in the world, including Japan, Europe, other parts of Asia and Latin America...

 channel. It is the first Web reality series to make its way into Television. The series was aired in 27 countries across Asia. The television version is slightly different from the Web version as it combines the Web version, the behind-the-scenes footage, fringe footage and some never-seen-before footage to give a different look and feel.

Season 2

Season 2 premieres at 21:30 SIN/HK, 20:30 WIB on 17 March 2011 on Channel KIX
KIX (TV channel)
KIX is Asia's brand new premier television destination for action from Tiger Gate Entertainment.-Programming:KIX programming strands include blockbuster action movies from Asia and Hollywood, action reality shows, extreme sports, mixed martial arts and fight events, anime, and action...

, Tiger Gate Entertainment
Tiger Gate Entertainment
Tiger Gate Entertainment is a Hong Kong based pay-television broadcaster and producer/distributor of action and horror TV programming and films. Tiger Gate launched in 2008 and is a partnership among Lionsgate, a leading independent filmed entertainment studio, Saban Capital Group, a global private...

's premiere Asia action channel.

External links

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.  The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.
 
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