Top Models Know No Borders - VH1 Brings Australia's Next Top Model Exclusively to U.S.

Based on the Wildly Successful 'America's Next Top Model' 'Australia's Next Top Model' Premieres Monday March 5 At 10 PM*

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 -- "America's Next Top Model" is not only a watercooler show in the United States, but also an international sensation. The highly rated versions of the American franchise air in 17 countries around the world. Beginning Monday, March 5 at 10PM*, VH1 will premiere the Australian version of this popular franchise for the first time in America. "Australia's Next Top Model" is 'Down Under's spin on the franchise, which was created and co-produced by Tyra Banks.

Hosted by model/presenter Erika Heynatz, the eight episode series will chart the sometimes staggering and always eye-catching transformation of 10 hopefuls into potential working models. The 10 finalists spent two months living together in a penthouse in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Darling Point while filming the series.

In each episode, the program's panel of judges -- including leading fashion designer and former model booker Alex Perry, celebrity fashion stylist Ken Thompson and former U.S. Harper's Bazaar Managing Editor Marguerite Kramer -- assess task performance and potential. After each critique, one girl is sent home until only one remains.

Aside from the stress of learning the ropes of the business, the finalists also have to deal with the ups and downs of 'model house' life: tears and tantrums, accusations of fake breasts and theft. Then there are the cheating claims, the 'you're too skinny' taunts and all the high drama you'd expect when you put 10 competitive and hugely ambitious girls under one roof! The winner takes home a prize package including a trip to fashion capital Milan, where she will meet with the renowned Fashion agency, an eight-page spread in Cleo magazine, a Napoleon cosmetics campaign and representation from CHIC Model Management.

Visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/ for more information on "Australia's Next Top Model." VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com) will offer weekly sneak peek clips leading up to each on-air premiere.

"Australia's Next Top Model" is based on "America's Next Top Model" which is produced by 10x10 Entertainment and Bankable Productions.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

"Australia's Next Top Model" is distributed by CBS Television Distribution. CBS Television Distribution is the preeminent company in worldwide television syndication. Comprised of the assets of King World Productions, CBS Paramount Domestic Television, CBS Paramount International Television and CBS Home Entertainment, CTD produces or distributes 11 first- run series and holds the largest internationally distributed television library at 70,000 hours strong. CTD is a unit of CBS Corp.

*all times ET/PT

SOURCE VH1
http://www.vh1.com/shows http://vspot.vh1.com http://www.VH1.com