Television Producer
(Including America’s Next Top Model, Making the Band, WWF Tough Enough, etc.)
by Trisha Bleau Smith
T4J: With all the hype in the media today for creating the next great reality show what prompted you to jump in to the game? What made you decide to produce America’s Next Top Models over all other shows? What was it about THIS show that made you say yes?
KM: I’ve done a lot of reality shows in the past. I created Making the Band and WWF Tough Enough. I was lucky enough to meet Tyra Banks, who was interested in doing a reality show on Supermodels and that’s how this show was born.
I’m really interested in shows that help people launch careers, whether it be a pop group, WWF Superstar or model and that’s why I was attracted to this show…. I want to see what happens to the winner after the show is over!
T4J: What have you learned from producing it? How has this show been different from other shows you have produced?
KM: I’ve certainly learned more about the modeling world than I ever knew before. And I’ve learned that it’s not just glamour but a great deal of hard work for the models involved in the industry. As Robin Manning put it in one episode: the end product is beautiful, but the process is hard work.
T4J: How has it been working with Tyra Banks? She is such a high profile woman – has it been difficult working with such a well known person?
KM: In working with Tyra Banks, I can understand why she is a supermodel. She’s incredibly smart and hardworking. She also understands that she is a brand and has a big picture overview of her career. She’s an utter professional.
T4J: Can you share a little about yourself with us? What are some of the shows you have done so far? What kind of shows would you like to produce in the future?
KM: see above
T4J: Many of the ladies on the show are fairly strong Christians and do not (or did not) hide it. How did this affect the crew? How did this affect you personally? What were your thoughts on the subject?
KM: I have true respect for people with strong religious convictions – especially those who practice what they preach.
T4J: How did you break in to the profession? We have many readers who are interested in getting started in the world of media. Can you give them advice on how they might go about getting in to a career in producing?
KM: I started out in the news business as a television journalist and then moved over into entertainment business. When I changed my profession, I had to start at the bottom, first as a production assistant on the Cosby Show and then gradually moving up to forming my own company.
For anyone who wants to get into the TV business I’d recommend getting a job as a production assistant and learning the ropes. It’s invaluable to get a working knowledge of how this business works and then figuring out a game plan from there.
T4J: Though our interviews are read by all ages we do want to help our younger readers as much as possible. Therefore, what advice would you give to the youth of this world?
KM: First off, education is extremely important. It gives you options in life. I would strongly recommend all your readers pursue higher education….. a college degree gives you choices in life.
Second I would tell your readers to pursue the things in life that they have a passion for. Success and fulfillment always will follow.
Third, I would tell everyone to stay true to their beliefs no matter what they are. There’s always people who want to knock you down, but if you believe in yourself and your values, nothing can stop you!
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