2001
The series opens with a brief history of the Ford Supermodel of the World competition. Katie Ford, President of Ford Modeling Agency, is introduced. Cut to footage of famous models strutting their stuff on international runways. The judges of the Canadian competition are introduced. They travel to Calgary and Vancouver for the open casting calls. Hundreds of girls are lined up, awaiting their shot at becoming Canada's next Supermodel. After a brief audition the judges call back the most promising girls. These girls are polaroided and perform their walk on the runway. By the end of the day, the cast of hundreds is whittled down to the top prospects from the two cities.
Sun, Sep 30, 2001
The episode opens with a recap of the Calgary and Vancouver finalists. Then the search continues in Toronto and Montreal. We focus on several contestants - why they've come, what they think they've got, why they think they're better than the other girls, sacrifices they've made to get there. We get a sense of their excitement, nerves, hopes and dreams. The judges- industry professionals and Ford reps - are reintroduced. They explain what the judges are looking for in the girls. The callbacks are announced - several of the featured contestants are among the finalists. The call back session- held the next day- involved walking the runway, taking Polaroid photos, and measurements. Our featured girls go through the process. The judges make their decisions as the hopeful girls wait nervously. Who will be going on to "fashion camp?"
Thu, Oct 4, 2001
The judges meet back in Toronto to decide who the 20 finalists of Ford's Supermodel Search will be. The 20 model hopefuls arrive in Toronto for fashion camp. They are greeted in style by limos at the airport. For many of the girls, it is their first trip to the big city. The girls check in to a downtown hotel and assemble for orientation. They are introduced to their "den mother," the head chaperone at the event. They are assigned a roommate and retire to their rooms to unpack. After a quick dinner they are whisked off to a glamorous welcoming party. The girls are surrounded by Ford models, local celebrities and the who's who of fashion, music and entertainment industries. After a fun and frivolous evening the girls are brought back to reality. They are reintroduced to the judges and read the rules. Let the competition begin!
Thu, Oct 11, 2001
Over an early breakfast the day's plan is announced to the groggy girls: photo shoots with Canada's top fashion photographers. The girls hop into vans and travel to the photo studio. A team of L'Oreal beauty artists are on hand to create a simple, clean look for the budding models. The downtown photo studio erupts into organized chaos as the girls move from the make-up chairs to in front of the camera lens. The photographers are assembled to take the photos that will determine each girl's future. Judge and fashion expert Miles Roberts arrives on the scene to take the girls who have finished their shoots early to a hip, upscale store to try on some funky outfits.
Sun, Oct 21, 2001
The 17 remaining girls are introduced to the next critical phase of fashion camp: runway class. They travel to a studio where three experienced Ford runway models await. The Ford models are charged with the responsibility of turning our amateurs into runway superstars. Under the watchful eyes of the judges the girls strut their stuff. While some girls are naturals, others are clearly struggling to get it right. After an intense morning the girls arrive back at the hotel for some much-needed recreation time. They relax by the hotel pool while the judges meet with the runway coaches to discuss the day's activities. Three more cuts need to be made in the increasingly competitive group. Cuts are announced to tearful girls whose hopes have been dashed. In the evening the 14 finalists relax with a pajama party at the hotel. Cliques become obvious. How do the favourites interact with each other?
Wed, Oct 24, 2001
A big part of the Canadian modeling industry is attending commercial castings and go-sees. Models must be prepared to sell themselves to clients. With that in mind the next fashion camp activity is a mock casting session at a real-life casting studio. One at a time the girls take turns pitching faux products to an audience of the casting director and the judges. The proceedings are high-spirited and fun. Later the judges review the performances, looking to each girl's ease in front of the camera, her professionalism and her personality. Later in the day the girls get to meet a role model - Paris-based supermodel Naomie. Then a surprise: the judges announce that another four cuts will be made immediately. The stress is building and some are cracking under the pressure.