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The new reality show Scouted, about the inner workings at ONE Model Management in New York, gives us a peek into the fashion world. It premieres on the E! network on Monday, November 28, but we got our hands on a screener of the pilot episode. So what do you need to know?
1. The models aren't the stars.
This isn't a reality show about supermodels--it's about the people who help find, train, and mentor the supermodels. Dani Stahl, Michael Flutie, and the other bigwigs at ONE.
2. That said, there's no shortage of model namedropping.
One needs to remind you why they got this show in the first place, so they're starting by namedropping some of the famous faces they've discovered over the years and who they currently represent, including Jessica White, Iman, and Claudia Schiffer. For some reason, we find it really hilarious when they include Alexis Bledel in the list--she has modeled and done photoshoots, but she'll always be Rory Gilmore to us.
3. Model scouts don't only hang out in glamorous places.
California-based scout Kristen Kotik lists her favorite places to look for new girls and counts "malls" and "food courts" as two separate places. But when you consider that most models begin their careers in their early teens, it does make sense that scouts would need to go to places where those teens hang out. Like the mall. And the food court.
4. A lot of the drama is going to come from the parents.
One of the themes of the episode was that parents can make or break a kid's career. Model Jennifer's mother is defensive and angry with the scout, causing Jennifer to almost lose her contract. Meanwhile, model Gillian's dad has cancer and she considers giving up her chance to model to stay with him. Whether the parents or good or bad, it looks like they're going to be heavily featured along with their beautiful daughters.
5.Just like on American Idol, a good sob story helps you get ahead.
Both of the models featured in this episode, Jennifer and Gillian, have sob stories. Those stories help them get airtime and help them win over the modeling scouts and the ONE team. In Gillian's case, it's her dad's cancer; in Jennifer's, it's that she used to be homeless. It's clear that their sad stories will feature prominently this season and will be used to make sure the audience sympathizes with and roots for these girls.
· Scouted [Official Site]