GSN'S NEW SKILL-BASED DESIGN COMPETITION SERIES "STEAMPUNK'D," HOSTED BY JEANNIE MAI PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 AT 10:00 PM ET/PT

New Series Takes Viewers Inside the Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic and Seeks to Find The Most Inventive Steampunk Designer In America

July 9, 2015 - Santa Monica, CA - GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced today the premiere of its new original series, STEAMPUNK'D, hosted by Jeannie Mai ("The Real"). The eight-episode series, which seeks to discover the most talented and versatile steampunk designer in America, will debut on Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00 pm ET (9pm Central) on GSN.

Inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery, Steampunk is a retro-futuristic design movement seen in everything from fashion, to technology, to pop culture. In STEAMPUNK'D, the contestants (also known as "Makers") work in teams and compete in a series of pressure-filled challenges designed to test their unique abilities to transform ordinary objects and fashion into creative masterpieces. Each week one of the 10 Makers will be eliminated and the last one standing will take home the $100,000 grand prize.

As each project is completed, the Makers will unveil their work for the judges, including the leading authority on Steampunk, Thomas Willeford; Matt King, creator, writer and director of the series "The World of Steam," and Kate "Kato" Lambert, the British model, entrepreneur and founder of Steampunk Couture, a clothing line featuring neo-Victorian, sci-fi and shabby chic fashion.

The STEAMPUNK'D "Makers' are:

· Ave Rose (Culver City, CA) - Known for her mechanical art pieces, she has been described as the "Frankenstein of steampunk" for her ability to bring new life to dead insects like butterflies and bees. Combining fantasy and nature in her sculptures and wearable art, Ave says she wants to show that women can create amazing art too.

· Charles Mason (Hillsboro, OR) - A pastry chef by day, Mason's steady hand and passion for detail also play into his steampunk designs. Utilizing materials of all kinds including scrap metals and leather, he enjoys repurposing masks, props and armor.

· Edward Thayer (Jackson, MI) - A single father of six kids, as well as a builder and automotive customization specialist, he earned the nickname "Steampunk Eddie" while being commissioned to do work for a new steampunk-themed brewery. Especially fond of clocks and gears, he uses old clock parts, copper, and other people's junk to design his pieces. a self-described 'Gear Head'. He loves everything about working with gears and is well-versed in the history of where they come from and what they represent. He is also extremely fond of clocks and loves working them into his pieces

· James Neatherly (Nashville) - An X-ray technician, father and husband, designing custom watches is his steampunk forte. He enjoys making everything by hand (no machines) and his leatherwork pieces are constructed using traditional tools such as mallets, bevelers, and Exacto blades.

· Josh "JW" Kinsey (Portland, OR) - Drawing inspiration from the vintage industrial motif long before it was even referred to as steampunk, JW aspired to be a professional artist from an early age. His work has been displayed across the country in various restaurants, commercial buildings, galleries, and in New York City's new Freedom Tower.

· Karianne Gottschalk (Detroit) - A former tattoo artist and costume designer, Karianne played competitive hockey for more than 20 years. This tough STEAMPUNK'D Maker specializes in fabricating weapons, bracers, guitars and intricate leather masks.

· Morgan Olsen (Los Angeles) - Recognized for her rocker look and ensembles, Morgan has worked as a professional costume and fashion designer for 13 years. This outspoken designer is just as comfortable with a needle and thread as she is with drills and metal and is experienced in creating last-minute custom clothing pieces, props and large-scale art installations.

· Niki Phillips (Tallahassee, FL) - A single mom and adult novelty shop purveyor, Niki is known for the dark and gothic tone of her Steampunk designs. Using mostly found materials from thrift shops and garage sales, Niki particularly enjoys constructing goggles, jewelry, and modified NERF� guns.

· Tayliss Forge (Irvine, CA) - Cosplay model and artisan crafter Tayliss Forge spends most of her time making Victorian and Steampunk costumes and accessories for her online business, Nonconformity Accessories. Through the application of an unusual water technique with tooling leather, this time sorceress creates corsets, bracers and purses that contour to the shapes of the body.

· Tobias McCurry (Seattle) - A self-described "super geek" and theater trained performance artist, Tobias is well-known in the Steampunk community for his fire-breathing and stiltwalking. Drawn to rivet work and armor pieces, he often uses materials like copper, brass and metals in his costuming.

STEAMPUNK'D is executive produced by Kimberly and John Ehrhard ("Hogan Knows Best," "Miami Social") of Pink Sneakers Productions and Jennifer J. Duncan.

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The leader in game show entertainment across multimedia, GSN presents original and classic game shows, competitive skill-based programming, as well as games via its 80-million subscriber television network, a dedicated GSN.TV website and through digital game sites. GSN's cross-platform content gives game lovers the opportunity to win cash and prizes, through GSN's popular TV game shows and GSN Games free casual games, mobile and social games, and skill-game tournaments. GSN's television network is distributed throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Canada by all major cable operators, satellite providers and telcos. GSN is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and DIRECTV. For further information, please visit GSNTV.com.