HOW TO BE A MODEL (a 12 step plan)
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	fashion, models, anorexia, photography, Paris, London, New York, supermodels, runway, Allison Beda, Peggi Lepage, Michael Williams, Comrags, Martin Margiela, Fashion Week, couture, twelve steps, instructional

Film Overview

Directed By: ALLISON BEDA View Official Website	Release Date: 2007-08-13 Running Time: 1:22 Content Rating: PG (Parental Guidance)	Media Format: NTSC-DVD Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Audio Language(s): English
Genres: Documentary >> Art & Artists :: Comedy >> Black Comedy :: Instructional >> Fashion Influences: America's Next Top Model

Synopsis

A smart and ironic, behind-the-scenes documentary of fashion modeling depicting a pivotal year in the life of 27 year old Canadian fashion model Peggi LePage.

Following the work and life of international model Peggi Lepage, from New York to Paris and Toronto, filmmaker (and ex-model) Allison Beda demystifies the modeling profession by mapping out the 12 steps on the road to success! But modeling is addictive and Beda herself is drawn back in to the world of her subjects, re-experiencing firsthand its allure, but also its pitfalls. Drawing on interviews with agents, former models and even Peggi's mother (who is protective, but supportive) Beda ultimately tests the limits of Peggi's resolve. Their divergent perspectives begin to drive a wedge in their relationship and Peggi threatens to withdraw from the project. -The end result is a revealing guide to being a model, filmmaker and friend- (Diane Burgess, Vancouver International Film Festival)

Cast

self: Peggi Lepage

Crew

Director: ALLISON BEDA | bio
Allison Beda's first documentary (based on her experiences as a fashion model) is the feature length How To Be a Model (a 12 step plan), which garnered her a Don Haig Award Nomination, and is presently airing on The Documentary Channel. Allison is particularly fond of making comedies about women who cause a lot of trouble!---and has just finished the very dark short comedy Tea Party (written by Chris Elgstrand) which was a Critics pick of The Province, has been deemed 'Amusingly bitchy' by Mark Harris of The Georgia Straight and is presently on the festival circuit. She is now developing the feature comedy The Take Out Girl, written by Lara McKinnon which is an NSI 'Features First' award recipient.

Bonus Features

Video Production Diaries
Director Commentary

Accolades

Awards

Best International Documentary Runner Up -Austrailian Int Film Fest.
Don Haig Award Nominee

Festivals

Vancouver Int Film Festival
Victoria Int Film Festival
GirlFest Hawaii Int Film Festival
Reel To Reel Int Film Festival
Atlantic Int. Film Festival

Press Reviews

VANCOUVER COURIER | show/hide snippet
The movie is a surprisingly candid and sympathetic look at women in the modeling industry. The amount of work and struggle for even a modicum of success is a far cry from the champagne and A-list treatment one might automatically think of when the term "model" gets tossed into a conversation. From agency advice to portfolio tips it's a veritable how-to for any one seeking information on the business, yet the film still remaining vicariously entertaining. --By Emily Kendy 'Vancouver courier'
THE VANCOUVER PROVINCE | show/hide snippet
Allison Beda never realized how intoxicating modelling could be until, camera in hand, she revisited her old profession. While making How to be a Model, which screens at the Vancouver International Film Festival tonight (9:30 p.m., Granville), the Vancouver filmmaker was asked to return to the catwalk, which she did with surprising excitement. "I didn't even know I wanted to do it again," Beda says. "Yes, I did get into it again. It's addictive." Beda's brief return to modelling is a small part of her documentary. The focus is on her 12-step guide to the profession and interviews with current models, particularly her friend Peggi Lepage, who allowed Beda's camera to follow her during the supposed final year of her modelling career. The result is an intriguing inside look, filled with insight and shattered stereotypes. It works because Beda clearly likes the women she's interviewing. While she sees the problems inherent in the modelling world, she also understands its appeal. --David Spaner- 'The Vancouver Province'
FEMINIST REVIEW-NEW YORK | show/hide snippet
How to be a Model (A 12 Step Plan) is everything you didn’t anticipate....
Laced with humorous sarcasm, tears and new beginnings, How to be a Model (A 12 Step Plan) demystifies the unforgiving world of modeling, while showcasing the enlightening journeys of career models as well as Beda’s transition into the more rewarding art of filmmaking.

Review by Michelle Tooker