Former plus-size model Sarah Hartshorne (34) appeared in the ninth season and was 18 years old at the time when she entered in hopes of landing a modeling contract. “We received no compensation for our participation, while you spend a lot of time on the recordings. We received about 33 euros per day, of which we then had to pay for our own food. But a microwave to heat up food was not possible. .”
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She continues: “The production team on purpose didn’t tell us what our daily schedule looked like to keep us going. When we were tired, irritable, hungry and confused, it made for better television for them. We were driven around in vans with taped windows without any to have an idea where to go. And once on site, we had to respond immediately and have fun in front of the camera. We were not allowed to speak to certain family members during the recording period.”
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The participants had to sign multiple contracts, including nondisclosure agreements. Family members who could be called also had to sign such statements. “My grandfather refused, which meant I couldn’t speak to him for weeks. Taking part in America’s Next Top Model hasn’t opened any doors in that world for most participants. You just get a little peek behind the scenes and that’s it. Tyra maintains also no contact with candidates Personally I do not regret my participation but I know many fellow candidates who have experienced it as traumatic There was no social media at that time where you could express and share your experiences, so leaving was not really an opportunity because you couldn’t get feedback from others anywhere.”
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Tyra, according to the business magazine Forbes have earned almost 25 million euros as the creator and presenter of the show.
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