Is America's Next Top Model for real or for show?

I have been in this industry for 20 years and have personal relationships with agencies, casting directors and clients all over the world. I have worked for CosmoGIRL, ELLEgirl, Rampage to name a few and over the last few years in producing the So You Want To Be A Model Contest, which was featured on E! News with Ryan Seacrest.

In watching the show, which I can barely do anymore, I think the show has turned for the worst. In the beginning, I thought Tyra's perspective was helpful and gave some guidance in an industry that most aspiring talent lack and so do the parents. By either through Tyra's own words or the editing of the show, the comments communicated on the show hide the truth.

To say, that one does not need to invest in this industry or to say that other people will pay for everything for you, if you have what it takes... is foolish. Name one, just one, other field or career that you can say this about. Personally, I think Tyra is missing the point. When 9 out of 10 jobs that hire talent are NOT geared toward fashion, but for All-American commercial types, I find Tyra's comments misleading or come with a shallowed perspective. Now it may not be all Tyra's fault, as the editors of the show are very good at what the do, but over the last year in working with Cosmo, we saw over 20,000 girls in our casting process, the perspective of the show was clear... Wait and they will come, they will pay for everything if they want you, just wait!"

In turn, I ask the talent, what about you taking responsibility for your actions and setting goals and being proactive. The response is shallow. I find this sad, don't you?

Please share your comments, as I would love to hear what aspiring talent on what you have to say about this.

Meet Producer Gregory James

Dear Aspiring Talent,

Are you truly serious about taking your career to the next level? That are your concerns: the realities? the scams? Is America's Next Top Model for real?

Parents: do you know what you are getting your teen in to? My top discovery Amber Heard (North Country, Friday Night Lights, Alpha Dog) is only 5'7", yet at 21 years of age, she is beautiful and recently featured in CosmoGIRL ad one of the up and coming next Hollywood stars.

What is it about this industry that allows parents and aspiring talent to forget their common sense. Last year with CosmoGIRL, we saw over 20,000 aspiring female models and talent, but only a few understood the key to success in this industry. Do you have what it takes? Really?

If I asked you your perspective, what do you think the real answer is:

a) your looks
b) your height
c) your personality
d) your perservance skills

I have worked with some of today's top stars... what separates them from the rest. If you really want to get into this industry and succeed, then I beg you to ask yourself.