Mance Media Launching ‘Model Turned Superstar’ on 4KUniverse Channel

Mance Media’s 4KUniverse channel has announced its first original series — “Model Turned Superstar,” which will launch on June 28, Variety has learned exclusively.

The international reality series challenges more than 100 models from across the world to become the next supermodel. It’s hosted by fitness expert April Scott and features supermodel guest judges Alessandra Ambrosio, Irina Shayk and Ana Beatriz Barros.

Variety reported last month that Mance was launching the entertainment channel aimed at consumers seeking programming in the growing 4K Ultra High Definition format. The Los Angeles-based service, which has the support of global satellite operators SES and AsiaSat, is available to cable, Internet Protocol TV and MSO subscribers at a cost of $5.99 a month on YouTube and Vimeo.

The contestants will have to prove themselves in feats that include zip lining through the jungles of Thailand to swimming with sharks in the waters of Bora Bora in order to get their picture-perfect shot. A series of photo shoots and runway challenges will determine which of the top 13 models will emerge as winner of the $1 million grand prize.

The first season is comprised of 18 30-minute episodes filmed in Bora Bora, Thailand, Mexico, Dubai, the Bahamas and Hong Kong, with the finale filmed in a Beverly Hills mansion. A new episode will be released every Tuesday.

Scott is an actress, model, TV host and fitness expert who played Daisy on “Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.” Ambrosio is a Victoria’s Secret supermodel. Shayk was the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model and appeared in “Hercules.” Barros has modeled for Guess, Chanel and Victoria’s Secret.

Andy Khawaja executive produced “Model Turned Superstar,” with Rudy Dekermenjian and Matthew Mancinelli serving as producers.

4K Ultra High Definition offers four times the resolution of HD and includes high dynamic range, which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays. About 2 million 4K TVs were sold last year, according to data from DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group.

Programming on 4KUniverse includes the documentary “Circles of Life: Iceland 4K,” directed by Reinhard Kungel; Marc Brener’s feature film “The Rumperbutts 4K,” starring Mates of State, Arian Moayed, Vanessa Ray and Josh Brener; time-lapse documentary “Timescapes 4K,” directed by Tom Lowe; F.C. Rabbath’s family-fantasy film “Scarlet’s Witch 4K”; and nature documentary “Grand Canyon 4K,” directed by Roman Khomlyak.

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Mance Media Launching 4KUniverse Channel

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