FAME Heads In A Bold New Direction - An Interview With Jeffrey Kippel & Mindy Blackstein

Jeffrey Kippel and Mindy Blackstein over at FAME recently announced bold changes that will take the organization in a new and exciting direction. With their release of the Body Proud Manifesto, FAME is aggressively reaching out to the natural community, and appears ready to take the reigns and lead the sport into the future. Muscle & Strength caught up with Jeffrey Kippel and Mindy Blackstein recently to talk about the new changes.

Muscle & Strength: What's going on over at FAME?

Jeff & Mindy: There's A LOT going on over at FAME.  :-)

Firstly, we have implemented the "Body Proud Manifesto" which follows a brand new, structured standardization universal point reward system for all who are body proud.  This system is very similar to that of other professional competition sports.  Once individuals reach a set point score they are eligible for rewards, bonuses and new titles to add to their status, including:  Fitness Model; Muscle Model; Bodybuilding, Fitness or Figure Athlete; or Swimsuit Model. Once a competitor earns such a status they are now eligible to compete in the Elite Level Events as an Elite Athlete or Model and vie for their Pro Status. These athletes are now setting a standard for what those titles actually mean.

Second, the shows themselves have been restructured. This actually makes judging much more straight forward; allows the competitors more time to shine; provides more opportunities for them to win awards; increases their exposure; and allows for more freedom of expression.

Third, the shows are open to competitors from all organizations and associations.  In fact, competitors earn points just by competing ANYWHERE!  That is the beauty of the Worldwide Point Reward System for all who are Body Proud.

Fourth, mega opportunities.  In fact, two of our most recent FAME pros were flown around the world as part of their prize package, all expenses paid, with well deserved VIP celebrity treatment.  Pierre Lajoie was flown to Europe where he was the special guest of FAME - CSNS, our competition branch in the Czech Republic.  He was asked to be a special bodybuilding guest poser at the show and was treated as a celebrity from the moment he arrived.  Pierre reported it was the trip of a lifetime and a dream come true.  Then, most recently, FAME flew Malachi Smith (who won the Overalls at the FAME International Championships and wowed us with his body proud story and overall message) to his homeland in Africa for the NTP - FAME East Africa Championships and VIP access to a Game Reserve.  While there, he was honored as a Body Proud Ambassador and was met with tons of media attention on his press junket  which united 10 African Nations in the spirit of fitness. Earlier this year,  FAME South Africa and Joanne Rossi of Force Events awarded a trip of a lifetime to South Africa to be the host of our international TV show and participate in a magazine 'safari' photoshoot.

Fifth, major prizes.

Sixth, the FAME Agency is back, newly revamped as the Body Proud Agency.  The role of the Agency is to act as representative, image consultant and publicist for each athlete brought on the roster.  Really, it's mission is to foster the growth of the individual; bring them publicity and help them reach their dreams.

Seventh, the FAME Magazine is better than ever, focusing on FAME Athletes and Body Proud Role Models.

Eighth, new events are being added around the world.  It seems there is more and more interest each day.  Hosting an event is a great opportunity for anyone who is passionate for this industry and has a business sense.  It's a great way to build their personal brand while embarking on a profitable business venture that they enjoy.

Ninth, Body Proud Nutrition is currently being formulated.  This is something different than what is already out there.  We can't share too much just yet, but we are very EXCITED.  It's a healthy dietary enhancement formula that is beneficial for everyone who is body proud and/or body proud inspired.

Tenth, the FAME World Championships are being held for the first time ever in the USA.  This year they are in Las Vegas, Nevada and take place beginning on 11:11, a very magical number for many people.  This MAGICAL weekend includes a FAME Idol, an Elite Level Show (for top athletes and pros of all organizations) and ends with a giant Awards Gala.  Come on out and experience the magic!

Muscle & Strength: What inspired you to make all these positive changes?

Jeff & Mindy: There was a need.  There was a definite void in the industry as everyone just kept following the way things were done previously.  We took 3 years off to evaluate the industry as a whole and listened to everything that was being said.   As such, we developed a brand new system so as to alleviate all concerns and bring the interest of the competitors to the forefront.  See specific details in the Body Proud Community.

Muscle & Strength: Tell me about the universal point reward system...how are some ways contestants earn points?

Jeff & Mindy: The Worldwide Point Reward System for all who are Body Proud allows individuals to collect points in 5 different Realms:

• Realm 1: Physique "Body As Art"
• Realm 2: Performance
• Realm 3: Transformation
• Realm 4: Publicity
• Realm 5: Lifestyle "Living Body Proud"

Realm 1, 2 and 3 are Competition and/or Showcase based.  Individuals earn points by participating in physique sporting events, whether from the FAME World Tour or other recognized organizations.

Realm 4 is really focused on helping the individual build their brand and experience within the media.  So individuals are awarded points based on the exposure they garner for themselves in the public eye whether through publications, TV and/or professional photoshoots.

Realm 5 allows individuals to collect points for elements associated with being a good role model for a healthy, active lifestyle.  They earn points based on their own personal growth; courses and books that they read; philanthropic actions they take;  living body proud and therefore leading by example.

So to summarize, an individual can earn points in any or all of these Realms.

In Realm 1 and 2 they earn points just by competing (and this includes their past competition experience) as well as by being nominated or declared a finalist or winner for any of the award-worthy elements, such as:  best transitions; most muscular; amazing stage presence; great choreography; wow-factor strength move, etc.

In Realm 3, individuals earn points for getting up on stage and sharing their personal body proud story, their triumphs, and obstacles.  Points are awarded here because often one person's story is what inspires others to lead a more healthy, active body proud lifestyle (which is further honed within the Body Proud Community where they can actually network and interact) and it is also very intrinsically rewarding for that participant as well.

In Realm 4, points are accumulated for each magazine feature, radio interview, television appearance etc with a higher weight applied to those mediums with more viewership.

In Realm 5, individuals earn points whenever they read a book about personal development; take a course relating to nutrition, fitness and/or spirituality; and whenever they make positive changes in their lifestyle which can include bettering their eating habits; becoming more present and less reactive, etc.

Overall when individuals accrue points in all these realms it really helps them lead a much more happy, confident and healthy lifestyle, while inspiring those around them to do the same.

Muscle & Strength: How are you handling the task of managing/overseeing these points? It seems like a lot of work would go in to keeping track of points in the system...

Jeff & Mindy: This is an easy one.  There is a specially designed back-end system that is about to be launched.  A lot works on the 'honor system' as we trust people to be honest with their uploads, which is the very nature of the Body Proud Community itself.  There is also both random and deliberate checks to ensure everything is running smoothly.  Plus as individuals reach the point score of Ambassador, Athlete, Model, Pro, Body Proud Role Model then their file is reviewed by the Body Proud Organization Heart and Headquarters (BPOHHQ) prior to said recognition is announced.

Muscle & Strength: I want to back track a bit...can you provide us with some background on FAME and Body Proud. You seem to do things differently in general then the rest of the industry. Tell us about how FAME came to be, and what your goals were at that time?

Jeff & Mindy: FAME came to be after Jeff participated in non-tested events and became completely bewildered by what went on back stage as far as steroids and needles.  We decided to run a natural event so that all those who train with out the use of illegal performance enhancing drugs could compete on an even playing field.  At that time, there were no natural shows in Canada, where we had run first series of shows. Mindy, who had never competed and only watched events, brought the audience perspective to the forefront.

As such, we modified the format of the way shows had been running up until that time, to bring more entertainment value to the scene. We created new categories - Fitness Model Search, Figure and added new components Fit Duos, Toned Twosomes.  Over the years of observing how competitors were treating each other and knowing how they should be treating one another spurred another change, and that was to instill our personal beliefs into the organization, that which soon became the foundation of the 'body proud' concept.  This lead to a much more fun, friendly approach to the competition scene and all those who share our values as competitors now feel as though they are part of our big FAME Family.  It's pretty incredible because we have "FAME Family" members all over the world, and in many different languages.

As far as our goals, originally they were to provide a fair forum for natural athletes to proudly display their accomplishments via a fun competition experience.  These goals soon became modified to include our body proud ideals which is to remove the stereotype of egotistic muscleheads to that of individuals who take pride and care of their body, life and overall health.  Training and sculpting ones best physique is something to be admired not mocked; it's something to be inspired by and not afraid of; and it's something to be proud of and which deserves a big pat on the back because it is these very people who are, and can, inspire the planet to live a much more positive, healthy, active lifestyle (just by looking at - and getting to know- them!). To feel body proud is to be body proud and to be body proud is to feel confident, happy and loving life!

Muscle & Strength: Tell me about the experience of the Body Proud Transformation and Showcase Events...

Jeff & Mindy: The Body Proud Transformation Showcase events are truly a magical experience.

Competitors are invited to take the microphone during the competition weekend and share their personal "body proud" story of trials and triumphs.  With two minutes in the spotlight, participants are celebrated as they share an honest introspective reflection of their life journey, amongst family, supporters and fans. Tears are shed; friendships are formed; applause is loud and heartfelt; and inspiration is widespread.

At the kickoff event for the 2010 FAME World Tour, we heard from Honnor Moore, Malachi Smith, Julie Perez and Amy Barnes.  Both Honnor and Julie recently rehabilitated themselves from the confines of a wheelchair; Honnor because she was pushing past a degenerative disease and Julie because she was left paralyzed after a drunk driving accident.  Malachi also changed his life around completely after hitting rock bottom with a heroin addiction.  Amy, who was a victim of domestic violence successfully lost over 300 pounds and, in the process, removed herself from that environment.

Those are only a few examples. The truth is that everyone has their own story.  And everyone who is listening can always relate to someone(s) story no matter how dramatic or significant it may seem to the masses.  In fact, one mom can inspire ten thousand others; a fit grandparent grabs the attention of the senior market; someone who successfully overcame anorexia by making healthier choices undoubtedly inspires others to do the same; and those who have found ways to manage an illness becomes the exact motivator one needs to reclaim their own health.

So, overall the Body Proud Showcase events impact the lives of many. They inspire others to set and attain their own body proud goals and they quickly increase the fan base of each and every competitor who participates.  A true magical experience.

Muscle & Strength: Where will FAME be in 10 years? What are your ultimate goals for FAME?

Jeff & Mindy: In 10 years from now,  the FAME World Tour is in even more countries and cities worldwide, known very well by mainstream society. In fact, FAME Pros are getting multi-million dollar endorsement contracts (similar to other professional sports), in part due to the new Worldwide Point Reward System for all who are Body Proud.  The FAME Hotel in Vegas and an Excotic Retreat become the places to be and act as the heart and headquarters for both the Body Proud Community and FAME World Tour.  People everywhere use the term 'body proud' as part of their regular vocabulary.  Similar to Virgin and Trump, there are FAME entities worldwide, all which continue to serve in its purpose: to inspire the planet to be body proud in mind, body (health & appearance), heart and spirit.