(31 December 2005 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US channel Oxygen dedicated to women has commissioned Fremantle Media to make a fashion based reality show The Janice Dickinson Project (Working Title).

The reality series follows Janice Dickinson (America’s Next Top Model) as she makes the transformation from model to mogul by starting her own Hollywood modeling agency. The series is scheduled to debut next year.

The 10-episode series from Krasnow Productions and FremantleMedia North America offers viewers an intimate view into Dickinson’s life as she tackles the gruelling work of starting her own business and teaching a new generation of aspiring models the business from the ground up.

Viewers watch as Dickinson juggles motherhood, champions her new models, and tries to run a profitable agency, all while dealing with skepticism from the industry she helped to define. The show goes beyond Dickinson’s runway persona to show a woman on the verge of a new phase in her career and determined to redefine American beauty.

Oxygen president programming Debby Beece says, “We love Janice because she’s the quintessential Oxygen personality. She’s outrageous, in command and bigger than life. She's a real person with dimension to her character. In this series we see a warm side of her with heart. We also see that she’s a true expert in her field. She’s starting a new business with all its challenges, while trying to be a good mom and guide new models through a tough business. It’s a balancing act for her – and it’s fascinating to watch her as she goes through it.”

Seeking an untraditional and unique look, Dickinson auditions over 500 aspiring models. Drawing on her years of experience in the industry, Dickinson mentors candidates on look, style and composure, even taking their photos personally. Finally, she narrows the search to five models who become the first to be signed by her agency.