VH1 ORDERS TYRA BANKS & GAY ROSENTHAL-PRODUCED DOCUSERIES "TRANSAMERICA" (working title) FEATURING A TRANSGENDER ENSEMBLE CAST INCLUDING MODEL/ADVOCATE CARMEN CARRERA

Group of Women United by Transgender Experience Work, Live and Love in Chicago

Los Angeles, CA, May 14, 2014 - VH1 has greenlit the Tyra Banks and Gay Rosenthal-produced docuseries "TransAmerica" (working title), chronicling a group of beautiful Chicago women united by the shared experience of being transgender. The series will follow these women as they navigate dating, family and professional ambitions on their own terms in a city known for being equally modern and traditional. The 8-episode, 60-min series is scheduled to premiere in late 2014 or early 2015.

The series is executive produced by Tyra Banks, creator and executive producer of hit reality television series "America's Next Top Model" and Gay Rosenthal, who previously produced VH1's seminal "Behind The Music," series as well as "Little People, Big World" and the 2013 Critics Choice Award winner, "Push Girls." The series is also executive produced by 3 Arts Entertainment's Mark Schulman.

"It would be easy to focus on the transgender aspect, but this series is about so much more," said Susan Levison, Executive Vice President of VH1 Programming. "This is a show about a group of compelling, gorgeous young friends who are on a unique journey while staying true to their authentic selves. We believe that message resonates."

"'TransAmerica' is a groundbreaking docuseries that will blow the roof off stereotypes and set the record straight as we experience the lives of these fun, stunning women. I am so happy to be a part of telling their fierce story," said Executive Producer Tyra Banks.

"I am thrilled to partner with Tyra in telling the story of these incredible women and to make this unprecedented series," said Executive Producer Gay Rosenthal.

"Being a woman means everything to me," said Carmen Carrera. "Before my transition I felt trapped, and now I've been set free. Carmen has arrived and I can't wait to share my story."

Meet the Cast:

Signed to Elite Model Management, Carmen Carrera is on the path to becoming a supermodel. Recognized as a leading advocate in the transgender community, Carmen is constantly balancing her career goals with her personal life and reminding others of the importance of friendship. Now this Jersey girl is ready to take the Windy City by storm.

A recent college graduate, Giselle is focused on continuing her education and applying to graduate school. As she prepares for her upcoming sexual reassignment surgery, Giselle is set on finding her perfect man in Chicago.

Natalia is a beauty consultant for Christian Dior cosmetics. She is faced with the challenge of trying to reconnect with some of her family and gaining their support.

Sidney is the ultimate party girl. Struggling with the idea of juggling a social life and professional goals, she is focused on finding her true direction in life.

Victory dreams of becoming a doctor but must deal with the discrimination she receives as a transgender woman. Nevertheless, Victory won't allow others to step in the way of her goals.

The series is executive produced by Tyra Banks for The Tyra Banks Company, Gay Rosenthal for Gay Rosenthal Productions and Mark Schulman for 3 Arts Entertainment. Executive producers for VH1 are Susan Levison and Nina L. Diaz.

For more information visit transamerica.vh1.com.

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