Q&A: Canada's Next Top Model Judge and Photographer Mike Ruiz
Source: AOL
Posted: 06/25/09 3:25PM
Filed Under: Canada's Next Top Model
By CHRIS JANCELEWICZ
Canada's version of Nigel Barker is renowned photographer-to-the-stars Mike Ruiz. He's certainly got the look: chiselled muscles, nearly-translucent teeth, and an excessively charming demeanour. In this third season of Canada's Next Top Model, critics and fans alike are raving about the show's high-quality feel, and Ruiz is a big part of it.
Born in Montreal and raised in Repentigny, Quebec, Ruiz was a model for a decade. He decided to pursue acting, but quickly found it to be unsatisfying and unfulfilling. When he received a camera under the Christmas tree at age 28, it was as if the stars aligned. He instantly fell in love with photography, and has had a long, successful career - with many more years to come.
Ruiz sat down with AOL Canada to talk about his first season on CNTM.
Everyone I speak to about this season of 'CNTM' agrees that it's the best one yet.
I think that's due, in large part, to Jay Manuel. He's executive producing, and I can say I've never seen anyone work so hard on anything. He oversees anything. I watch him with my mouth hanging open. He's adjusting lights, making sure tapes are being slotted, it's unbelievable.
So much happens in every episode!
I haven't seen any finished episodes, but Jay showed me one rough cut, and it's completely riveting.
Did you watch the one where you took off your shirt and jumped into the pool?
No! [laughs] I saw a clip on YouTube. I was a bit bloated that day.
[Co-judge] Yasmin was even sweating it up when she saw you in the pool.
No, she has to react that way. She's a sweetheart.
Anyway, let's move away from your nakedness. What made you want to be a part of this season of 'CNTM'?
A lot of things. The fact that I wanted to spend some time back in Canada, that I wanted to be involved in some capacity with Top Model. Nigel [Barker] already has my part covered in the States, so Canada was a great platform. Also, I'm friends with Jay, and he helped me get on board.
How is your chemistry with the other judges?
It is really good. The dynamics are really good. We're all opinionated to just the right amount, to keep it from getting completely volatile, but it certainly gets heated. We're all very passionate in expressing our opinions. It's all very intelligent, too. Yasmin has a specific point of view, and so does Jeanne - it elevates the credibility of the whole process, of what we're trying to do.
Jeanne and Jay are often at odds, from what I can see.
They love each other deeply, but they have some good dynamics going on. Jay's a fiery one, and needless to say, so is Jeanne.
What do you think you add to the panel that was missing?
I bring a unique perspective, because I worked in front of the camera as a model for a long time, and then I became a photographer. I've also worked with so many personalities and celebrities - they've given me a certain skill set. And having been a model, I have some compassion for these girls.
You also worked on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' as well. How was that?
It was awesome. I'll be back doing the first episode of the second season.
Is there any particular celebrity that you enjoy working with?
I've bonded strongly with Kathy Griffin. She's a very giving, generous person. I love being in the same room with her. She always gets a bad rap. She voices things that everyone wants to say, but don't have the balls to.
Back to 'CNTM'. Out of all the contestants this season (and I know you know who wins), who surprised you the most?
Maryam surprised me considerably. You know what it was? She has this militant sort of focus. She has her eye on the prize. Initially, I didn't see the model side of her. But as the episodes went on, it emerged. I was kind of scared of her, actually. It was do-or-die for her. She wasn't living in the moment, but instead focusing on the end.
I like Nikita and her sailor's mouth.
I love her. Of all the girls, if I had to hang out with any of them, it would be her. She's funny, witty, deprecating.
Is there anything you have to say about the winner of this season, whoever it may be?
She was pretty and deserved to win. [Laughs] No, clearly we all felt she was the clear-cut winner. All the judges' opinions shifted throughout the competition. At the end of it all, the girl we chose deserved it, and is the most likely to continue on as an international success. It was a clear-cut decision.
Check out Mike Ruiz on 'Canada's Next Top Model' every Tuesday on CTV at 8 pm.
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