Some of the rules and tips for creating your Next Real Model entry

As we emailed to our pre-regd…here are the rules for entry so if you could try to follow them that would be great.

1. photos must be clear and only feature you – no friends, pets, family, etc. Also, try to get someone else to take them of you – taking them by holding your own phone sometimes looks a bit strange and you may cut off a bit.

2. all photos must be taken with a blank background – so stand in front of a plain wall, plain curtain or drape a sheet. It doesn’t need to be perfect but we really need them to be clearer than last year

3. if we receive photos that don’t fit these rules we will email you and ask for replacements – we will only do this once…as I am sure you can imagine how much time it will take if we had to keep chasing people!

4. photos need to be jpeg files and no bigger than 2MB – last year we couldn’t upload some of the images so some of the entrants couldn’t participate – we tried to get new ones but it made it difficult and also made more work for you

5. you will have the opportunity once again to upload 4 different photos so we would suggest one head and shoulders, one waist up, one full body and then maybe a fun one - and remember, look your best.

6. you will be asked a couple of questions this year rather than having to come up with your own words. Please try to keep your answers to the word limit – we may have to cut them off and we really don’t want to do that. The questions will be why you should be the Next Real Model, what you like to do in your spare time, etc. We have a 25 word limit for each answer - maybe write them down and prepare them before entering so your responses don't get cut off.

We will also ask for some personal information - date of birth, address, phone number, etc. This will all remain private and will not appear on the website - all the public will see is your first name, the initial of your surname and your state (Stacey N, QLD) ...plus your answers to the above questions. If you have some concerns, please read the privacy statement that will be on the website.

7. each entrant will be given their “Unique Number” this will be what people will use to vote for you so make sure you write it down and let everyone know your number

8. again we will offer you the chance to upload your facebook, myspace pages and youtube video. This worked really well for those who did it last year so give it a go…just make sure your pages are specific to the competition – not your general facebook or myspace pages…the judges and voters are only interested in you – not your friends!!!

9. Don’t forget, if you are under 18 years of age as at the 1st August 2010 you will need to get your parents or guardians permission.

10.  And, please read the entry terms and conditions that will be on the website.

Now for a couple of changes to the voting....

1. All voting will be conducting via a dedicated SMS number. All voters will need to do is txt your name, state and your unique code to that number (it will be on the website before voting starts)

2. The 10 entrants with the highest votes will be the finalists and will go onto the second stage judging to be named the Next Real Model 2010

3.  There will be a wildcard...the "Real Card"...that a panel of judges vote for. This will add two additional finalists to the mix.

4. The Voting terms and conditions will be posted on the website so be sure to ead them before voting.

Good luck with your entry...we look forward to seeing you all featured on the site after the 1st August!!!

Wild Card Option to be introduced into Next Real Model

We are constantly thinking of ideas to keep the NRM comp attractive and 'fresh'. One of the thoughts was developed after hearing feedback about the SMS voting. We have taken your comments onboard and have just decided to implement a wild card option.... the "Real Card"

We realise that some entrants may have fewer friends than others or some may find it more difficult to secure local support or to market themselves due to time restrictions, study, family, etc.

How will it work? Once the Top 10 finalists have been selected from the number of votes they have received, a panel of independant judges will then select an additional two "Real Card" entrants - making it 12 finalists who will be in the running to be named 2010 Next Real Model. The judges will not be the same as those who will judge the final....just to make it even fairer!

It is still very important to get votes and cast votes for your favs so you can have a say in the Top 10 - the Top 10 are still only chosen by SMS votes. Don't leave it to chance ... the "Real Card" is just another way we are helping you to realise your dreams of becoming a model.

Next Real Model is about real people with dreams - not certain sizes and shapes!

We have received a few comments about what type of people can enter the Next Real Model competition - our response...anyone*!

Next Real Model is about real people who have a dream to enter the modelling / fashion industry. It doesn't matter what size, shape or height you are - you just have to be determined. This is why the competition was started - there are enough avenues for the typical model body to get a start in the industry (like "Make Me A Supermodel", etc) but what about all the other fabulous women out there? There is plenty of work for anyone - our last year's winner, Laura Love, certianly wasn't ideally catwalk height and yet she has appeared in quite a few fashion shoots since winning the competition...as have some of our other finalists including Erin O'Hara and Mikeala Powell.

Our last year finalists were a variety of women - some short, some tall, young students, mothers, etc - all gorgeous in their own way. What was their common link and how did they get into the finals? - they had a shared desire and got there by working hard and getting people to vote for them. After that it was up to the judges and the criteria was based on many things including personality and presentation - looks and body shape were important but it was more about the person as a whole - not just what they looked like.

This is why we are supporting the Federal Government's Body Shape initiative - it sums up just what next real model is all about.

So...if you have a dream...go for it and good luck!

*To enter the competition, the only criteria is that you are 14 years or over as at the 1st July 2010

Our 2010 Ambassador, Erin O'Hara, and her thoughts on being a 2009 NRM finalist.

I was fortunate enough to be voted as one of the top 10 for the next real model search 2009. I entered in the days of the competition after seeing an ad on foxtel and thinking "why not"

The buzz on facebook was huge, especially during the last days and hours and when the final 10 were announced I was ecstatic. Being flown to Sydney was great and when we all met at the airport to make the trip to the hotel it was obvious we would get along great, the poor bus driver had to deal with a bunch of girls and mums(plus 1 boy...go Dean!!!) laughing and chatting at high volumes.

We had a dinner and presentation which was such a great opportunity to meet a wonderful bunch of girls and then we retreated to our rooms to try to sleep....no such luck!! despite the lack of sleep we were all super excited as we made our way to the event and spent the morning getting hair and makeup done and getting to wear gorgeous clothes and jewellery. When the parade started we were a bunch of giggling nerves.

The whole day was a buzz and we got so much support from family, friends, the community and each other. I made some great friends and it was an experience i will never forget. Even a year on I still talk about it and keep in touch with the other finalists.

Being announced as runner up and ambassador was brilliant and something I am really proud of. I am proud of myself for giving it a go and urge everyone who has ever thought of trying to just go for it! it was a heap of fun and a real confidence booster.

Erin xxx