Call for Entries
MAY 18 – JUNE 30, 2021
Eligibility Dates
WORK MUST HAVE AIRED DURING THESE DATES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 – MAY 31, 2021
VIDEO UPLOAD DEADLINE
JUNE 30, 2021
PAYMENT DEADLINE
JUNE 30, 2021
Student Production Awards
THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES

NATAS is a professional service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and related media and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry, best known for the coveted Emmy® Award.

Student Production Entries are judged by the Lone Star EMMY® Chapter’s broadcast professionals

RULES & REGULATIONS
FAQs
COLLEGE CATEGORIES
HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORIES
SUBMIT AN ENTRY
RULES & REGULATIONS

Purpose

To recognize outstanding student achievement in production by conferring awards of merit in the Chapter’s designated awards region. The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence by those studying media and journalism and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements by undergraduate college and/or high school students.

Eligibility

  • Projects conceived, produced and executed by students at a high school, university, college or technical/vocational school within the Chapter’s designated awards region are eligible for student award consideration.
  • Returning students who previously worked as professionals are not eligible.
  • No professional services may have been employed in the production of the entry.
  • Faculty involvement can only be advisory.
  • Entrants must be enrolled as a full-time student during the eligibility period.
  • Students may enter work that was produced as a class assignment, extra-curricular assignment or in conjunction with their academic experience.
  • Students who perform professional work may enter their work in the professional awards competition, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
  • No entry may be submitted to more than one Chapter's awards.
  • The entry does not need to have been broadcast, cablecast or webcast to be eligible.
  • Entry videos must as they were originally submitted to their advisor. There may not be any edits to the originally completed video except for edits to bring the entry length within the specified category time limit. When editing for time, use only straight cuts with one second of black to denote where content has been removed.
  • There is no limit to the number of entries a school may submit in each category.
  • Pornographic, violent, defamatory or offensive material is not accepted. The interpretation of the Awards Committee is final and absolute.
  • Ineligible entries may be disqualified during any phase of the competition.

Student Productions

Students are not considered peer professionals and as such, their regional student productions are not eligible for Emmy® Award recognition. If material is produced as part of a class, for which school credit is received, they are considered a student. If they are paid or working on a project with other “professionals,” and want to enter the Chapter’s Emmy® Award competition, they cannot enter as a student, but instead must pay the appropriate entry fees. The student is then prohibited from entering subsequent student production categories with other classmates.

Entry Submissions

A teacher, professor or advisor must approve the entry even if the student handles the submission or upload process themselves. There is no limit to the number of entries a school may submit.

Original Material

At least two-thirds of an entry must consist of original material, unless previously produced material has been given some unique and creative treatment. Entrants must specifically identify and give credit to all non-original material included in the entry. This includes music use.

Language(s)

Entries in English will be judged by English-speaking professionals. Entries in Spanish will be judged by Spanish-speaking professionals. Entries in other languages may be entered. Judging of these entries is subject to the availability of qualified judges who speak the language of the entry. We recommend that entrants in languages other than English or Spanish submit an English-language translation of the narration track.

Double Dipping

No single entry may be submitted in its entirety in more than one Programming category. The same student may not be listed on more than one entry for doing the same job using the same work. If a student was responsible for more than one role, they submit the video in the appropriate craft categories to be judged for that particular craft (i.e Writer, Editor, etc.).

Entry Errors and Omissions

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of those individuals or entities submitting entries pursuant to this notice. All submitting entities and/or individuals are advised to review submissions with respect to correct name credits and other information. NATAS shall accept all submissions that are not in conflict with any of its rules and regulations.

Intentional Falsification

The faculty advisor warrants that they are the party most responsible for verifying that eligibility requirements have been met. The intentional falsification of production credits or entry credits may be the basis for disqualification.

Fees

While a fee to cover administrative expenses may be charged, there may be no individual student entry fees. Membership is not a requirement for advisors or entrants.

College

$50 per entry

High School

$25 per entry

There are no individual student entry fees.

Judging and Evaluation

Programming Categories are judged on three criteria: content, creativity and execution on a 10-point scale (maximum 30 points); and Craft Categories are judged on two criteria: creativity and execution (maximum 20 points). Judging panels are to be made up of qualified professional judges. Judges have the option of including constructive comments or feedback, to be returned to the student’s faculty advisor.

Awards

A crystal pillar is awarded to the school for entries validated by a professor or advisor. Students responsible for the production will each receive a certificate. Pillars may be purchased for students listed on winning entries after the awards.

Restriction on the Use of EMMY® Mark

Schools may refer to the fact that they are recipients of a NATAS Student Production Award, but may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion.

FAQs

How many people can be listed on an entry?

There is not a limit. All students listed must have participated in the production. Please include each student’s name and role. (Was the person a producer? A production assistant? etc.)

For craft entries, only students who performed that particular craft (i.e. Director, Editor, Writer, etc.) should be listed

What forms of payment are accepted?

Credit card is the preferred online method, but check, purchase orders and money orders are also accepted. If you are paying with a purchase order, check, or money order, please paperclip your payment to your invoice or entry form when mailing it to the office.

Can I pay for more than one entry at a time?

Yes, when you get to the “View Invoice” step prior to paying for your entry, there will be an option to “Add Another Entry.” You can also come back to Emmy® Express at a later time to add additional entries. Just log in to your account and click on the “Add Entry” link on the left side of the page. Schools can also submit checks for payment. Please contact admin@lonestaremmy.org with any questions.

Awards

A crystal pillar is awarded to the school for entries validated by a professor or advisor. Student Pillars may be purchased for individual students listed on winning entries after the awards. The cost is $150 per pillar.

Restriction on the Use of EMMY® Mark

STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARDS ARE NOT CONSIDERED EMMY® AWARDS! Schools may refer to the fact that they are recipients of a NATAS Student Production Award, but may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion.

Who is the "Submitter" of the entry?

This is the person who is completing the online entry forms on behalf of the organization. Ideally, the submitter is a faculty member. This is the first person we will contact if we have any questions or require additional information regarding the entry.

Definition of composite and lift

A composite is a sampling of segments of woek, which convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth or range of an entry. Craft Achievement categories (categories) may be composites (but it is not required).

The number of lifts for a composites allowed for each category varies so please read the category descriptions carefully. To differentiate between pieces, lay 1-2 seconds of black before the next piece begins. At the end of the entry please lay 10 seconds of black to indicate the end. No additional effects or music are allowed. The selected segments chosen for your composite MUST be described in the field named “description” as part of the entry form online.

Why is it rejecting the air date I input?

Make sure you have dashes (-) between the numbers, not slashes (/).

Can I make changes to my entry after submitted?

You may go back and edit your entry up until the deadline. To make updates/changes use the link e-mailed to you with your confirmation.

Video Guidelines
Video formats

PREFERRED FILE FORMAT

MP4 using H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec

For best quality, encode your video at its original size. Sizes 1920x1080 or 1280x720 are recommended. Your video should be at least 720p.

Entrants are responsible for the technical quality of their videos.

SUPPORTED FILE FORMATS

The system supports nearly any format other than DRM-encrypted media.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

For more detailed information regarding acceptable video formats, encoding and other settings, visit:
JW Player upload guidelines

UNSUPPORTED FILE FORMATS

· Quicktime (MOV) files that use the Apple Intermediate Codec (used in Final Cut Pro)
· DRM protected files from Microsoft (WMV) or the iTunes Store (M4V, MOV)
· WMV videos using the MSS2 video codec (for screencasting)

VIDEO UPLOAD STEP BY STEP

Preparing Your Upload

· Ensure that you have a video file in a format that can be uploaded.
· Videos must be uploaded through Emmy® Express.
· The browser window must remain open while the file is being uploaded.

PROCESSING

· Once the file has been uploaded, processing will begin.
· If you don't want to wait, you may close the browser window. The video will be processed in the background.
· NOTE: If you close the browser window, you must come back to approve the video upload

APPROVAL​

· After upload and processing, you must double check the video and approve the upload.
· If you close the browser window during processing, you must come back later to approve it.

COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY CATEGORIES
PROGRAMMING
C-01
NEWSCAST
For outstanding achievement in a newscast, produced live, daily or less than daily, but broadcast, streamed or otherwise distributed as a live program. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of breaks. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc.
Time limit: 30min
C-02
NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – SERIOUS NEWS
C-03
NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – LIGHT NEWS
For outstanding reporting achievement in a presentation of timely news, information and current events. Entries may contain spot news coverage, investigations and feature stories on any newsworthy subject. Coverage of controversial issues is welcome. Entries will be judged on the basis of editorial content and pictorial coverage, which demonstrates awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Preference will be given to individual pieces demonstrating reporting and field production. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the individual report.
Time limit: 10min
C-04
SHORT FORM – FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a short-form treatment of a single fictional subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: 10min
C-05
SHORT FORM – NON-FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a short-form treatment of a single non-fiction subject. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: 10min
C-06
LONG FORM – FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single fictional subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: Minimum 10 minutes – maximum 30 minutes.
If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
C-07
LONG FORM – NON-FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single non-fiction subject. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time Limit: Minimum 10 minutes – maximum 30 minutes.
If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
C-08
SPORTS
For outstanding achievement in a presentation or compilation of up to three unedited pieces of sports news and information. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the presentation. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: 10min
C-09
SPORTS – LIVE EVENT
For outstanding achievement in the production of a live or live-to-tape sports event or game. A composite is required and may include examples of: Show Open, Graphics Package, Use of Replays, Inserted Pre-Produced Segments, Use of Statistical or Other Prepared Material, Highlights, Standard Coverage (e.g. Routine Innings or Downs) and any additional material at entrant's discretion.
Time limit: 30min
C-10
PUBLIC SERVICE (PSAs)
For outstanding achievement in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.
Spots may be 5-seconds to 2 minutes in length
C-11
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/COMMUNITY SERVICE
For outstanding achievement in a presentation or compilation consisting of up to three unedited pieces of content with current social, civic or other issue-oriented subject matter. Advocacy of a point of view is encouraged. Content, creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Entry will be judged on awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness.
Time limit: 10min
C-12
MAGAZINE PROGRAM
For outstanding achievement in a program consisting of various stories of regional interest, usually on current events or entertainment in a format that often includes interviews and interspersed with links by presenters who appear in the reports. Could cover “pre-produced” or “recorded and edited” morning announcements. Designed to entertain and inform. Judges will look at the overall content, creativity and execution of the entire program as a complete product.
Time limit: 30min
C-13
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT / CULTURAL AFFAIRS
For outstanding reporting achievement in a presentation of content devoted to cultural or artistic significance, or a compilation of up to three unedited pieces.
Time limit: 10min
C-14
COMMERCIAL
For outstanding achievement in commercial production advertising a product, business or service that is conceived, written, created and produced for a class/school project.
Spots may be 5-seconds to 5-minutes in length
C-15
MUSIC VIDEO
For outstanding achievement in replication, reinterpretation or original material in a music video. Judges will evaluate content, creativity and execution.
Time limit: 5min
CRAFT
C-16
ANIMATION / GRAPHICS / SPECIAL EFFECTS
For outstanding achievement in animation, graphics, and/or special effects demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
C-17
TALENT
For outstanding achievement in on-camera talent demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals in the areas of news anchoring, reporting, host/moderator, sports play-by-play, analyst, etc. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
C-18
DIRECTOR
For outstanding achievement in directing demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
C-19
PHOTOGRAPHER
For outstanding achievement in photography demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
C-20
EDITOR
For outstanding achievement in editing demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
C-21
WRITING
For outstanding achievement in writing in all forms, including both fiction and non-fiction. This award is designed to encourage clarity of thought as well as creativity. Style and substance both count heavily in determining the winner. Scripts must be fair and accurate and must demonstrate logical organization of editorial content so that a viewer will easily understand the story that is being told.
Time limit: 15min
HIgh School CATEGORIES
PROGRAMMING
H-01
NEWSCAST
For outstanding achievement in a regularly scheduled newscast. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of breaks. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, enterprise, writing, format, teases, etc.
Time limit: 30min
H-02
NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – SERIOUS NEWS
H-03
NEWS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT – LIGHT NEWS
For outstanding reporting achievement in a regularly scheduled presentation of timely news, information and current events. Entries may contain spot news coverage, investigations and feature stories on any newsworthy subject. Coverage of controversial issues is welcome. Entries will be judged on the basis of editorial content and pictorial coverage, which demonstrates awareness of broadcast journalistic standards including accuracy and fairness. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites. Preference will be given to individual pieces demonstrating reporting and field production. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the individual report.
Time limit: 10min
H-04
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/PUBLIC AFFAIRS
For outstanding achievement in presentation of content devoted to cultural or artistic significance, or a complication of up to three unedited pieces.
Time limit: 10min
H-05
MUSIC VIDEO
For outstanding achievement in replication, reinterpretation or original material in a music video. Judges will evaluate content, creativity and execution.
Time limit: 5min
H-06
SPORTS
For outstanding achievement in a presentation or compilation of up to three unedited pieces of sports news and information. In-studio set-up or anchor link work will not be considered as an asset unless it materially contributes to the editorial content of the presentation. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: 10min
H-07
FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single fictional subject. Dramatizations or student originated soap operas or plays are permitted. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time Limit: 30 minutes. If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
H-08
NON-FICTION
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single non-fiction subject. Subject matter can include (but is not limited to) investigations, examinations of social issues, personal relationships, sports lifestyles, music, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and historical retrospectives. Content creativity and execution will be important elements in judging the entries. Judges will particularly look for well-organized material, paying close attention to clearly written narration and appropriate sound bites.
Time limit: 30 minutes. If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants are permitted to make three edits to bring the entry to time.
H-09
PUBLIC SERVICE (PSAs)
For outstanding achievement in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area causes.
Spots may be 5-seconds to 2 minutes in length
H-10
MAGAZINE PROGRAM
For outstanding achievement in a program consisting of various stories of regional interest, usually on current events or entertainment in a format that often includes interviews and interspersed with links by presenters who appear in the reports. Could cover “pre-produced” or “recorded and edited” morning announcements. Designed to entertain and inform. Judges will look at the overall content, creativity and execution of the entire program as a complete product.
Time limit: 10min
H-11
COMMERCIAL
For outstanding achievement in commercial production advertising a product, business or service that is conceived, written, created and produced for a class/school project.
Spots may be 5-seconds to 5-minutes in length
CRAFT
H-12
ANIMATIONS / GRAPHICS / SPECIAL EFFECTS
For outstanding achievement in animation, graphics, and/or special effects demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft, or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
H-13
DIRECTOR
For outstanding achievement in directing demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft, or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: ???min
H-14
EDITOR
For outstanding achievement in editing demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft, or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
H-15
PHOTOGRAPHER
For outstanding achievement in photography demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals. Entries may contain a single example of the craft, or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
H-16
TALENT
For outstanding achievement in on-camera talent demonstrating the skills of one or more individuals in the areas of news anchoring, reporting, host/moderator, sports play-by-play, analyst, etc. Entries may contain a single example of the craft, or a composite of material as originally transmitted.
Time limit: 15min
H-17
WRITING
For outstanding achievement in writing in all forms, including both fiction and non-fiction. This award is designed to encourage clarity of thought as well as creativity. Style and substance both count heavily in determining the winner. Scripts must be fair and accurate and must demonstrate logical organization of editorial content so that a viewer will easily understand the story that is being told.
Time limit: 15min