The biggest changes you'll find in 2008 are in the Special Achievement Categories and Team Coverage.  The Special Achievement Categories (Station Excellence, News Excellence, and Community Service) no longer restrict the number of entrants or statuettes, however each entrant must pay the separate and appropriate fee.

Also, Team Coverage is now a statuette eligible category. This is the first year the academy has not limited Team Coverage to a plaque-only award. As with Overall Station Excellence, the number of entrants is not limited, however each must pay the separate and appropriate fee. 

Our best piece of advice to you, please read the categories carefully and consider content first, when choosing an entry point in our 2008 Call for Entries. Also, it is important to fully read the rules before beginning the entry process. Good luck!

Do I have to be a Lone Star EMMY Chapter member to enter?

You do not have to be a member to enter, but your entry fees are discounted if you are. You can join at the time of entry. Fill out a membership application and submit a SEPARATE payment for your dues. For memberships to be validated for EMMY Express, please allow two hours for processing.

What does it cost to enter?

Special Achievement Categories (categories 1, 2, 3):
Overall Station Excellence, News Excellence, and Community Service

EMMY Member: $125 per name up to a total of eight (8) entrants*
Non-Member: $150 per name up to a total of eight (8) entrants*
*An unlimited number of names may be added for a charge of $200 per extra entrant.

News, Program, Spot & Commercial entries (categories 4 - 37)

EMMY Member: $85 per name up to a total of eight (8) entrants*
Non- Member: $150 per name up to a total of eight (8) entrants*
*An unlimited number of names may be added for a charge of $200 per extra entrant.

Craft entries (categories 38-48)

EMMY member: $50 per name up to a total of two (2) entrants*
*An unlimited number of member names may be added for a charge of $85 per extra entrant.

Non- member: $115 per name up to a total of two (2) entrants**
**An unlimited number of names may be added for a charge of $180 per extra entrant.

Student entries (category # 49)

Processing fee: $40 per total entry

How do I enter?

All entries must be submitted online through EMMY Express. All entry fees must be paid in full by the entry deadline, June 9, 2008. Unpaid entries will be disqualified from the judging process. The Lone Star EMMY chapter does not accept personal checks. All final payments must be made by credit card, corporate check or money order. Make money orders or corporate checks payable to: LONE STAR EMMY CHAPTER.

How do I use EMMY Express?

It is fairly simple, just follow all the instructions provided on each page and EMMY Express will prompt you along. The correct fee must accompany each entry. Payment must be made by corporate check, money order, or credit card. For each entry: Attach two copies of the entry form attached to the DVD case / sleeve with a rubber band and must be delivered or shipped to the Lone Star EMMY Office.   For stations or companies paying for more than one entry, entries must be made online. Please contact the Lone Star EMMY office if you do not find your stations name on the drop down list. You will be given a login id and password. All entries will be sent to administrator for approval.

If you are paying a single entry or for multiple entries online with one credit/debit card (visa or MasterCard only) we must receive two copies of the online receipt with each submitted entry. Be sure to enter the billing address for the card holder. You must complete an entry form and transaction for each entry. To repeat the entry process, simply click on the "add another entry" button located at the bottom of the "view invoice page" or proceed to step 5 (choose a payment option). You will have the choice to pay by credit card, pay later with credit card or pay by mail later with a corporate check. If you have any problems please contact the Emmy office at 214-941-3669.

If your credit card is denied please return to the Emmy Express Online go to bottom of page and insert invoice number to resubmit payment. Please make sure you have put the correct billing address of the card holder.

New Feature This Year! EMMY Express now offers the ability to use multiple credit cards to accommodate multiple entrants on the same body of work. You will be prompted at STEP 5: Choose a Payment Option to Pay online now with multiple credit cards. Each entrant will be be able to pay for their entrant fee with their own credit card. Please follow the instruction above.

To make a partial payment, please use the Option 1B - Pay online now with multiple credit cards. Select two credit cards to pay – go to Step 4. You will see the Invoice Amount. Please enter the amount you would like to charge to Card 1. For example:

• Card 1 enter the amount you would like to pay – for example if you would like to pay $85, then enter that amount.
• Card 2 enter the remaining amount left on the invoice – for example the invoice is $170, then you would enter $85.

Select continue. Click "Pay Now” for Card 1 amount: $85 Enter your correct billing address and finalize the transaction. When you have reached the end of the process, close the window and close the other window to pay Card 2.

Another New Feature This Year! EMMY Express allows you to modify your entry after the process has been completed and an email is received by the original submitter. The link is on the bottom of the email receipt - Emmy® Express - Email Copy of Emmy® Entry, "Use this link to modify your entry until June 9,2008." You have the ability to change information or add entrants to the entry.

Another New Feature! To get the member rate for an entrant, the email address associated with their membership must be provided to allow verification of active membership status. If the email address is not found, the non-member rate will be charged. If a non-member rate is charged for someone who is an active member or who will immediately be renewing their membership, select pay later or don't select a payment method. The emailed copy of the entry will contain a link allowing the entry to be updated with the verified membership status so the entry price can be updated before payment. Active/renewed memberships must be manually updated, please allow two hours for processing before updating EMMY Express.

Who is a “producer”?

“Producers”are those directly responsible for the content and execution of the material presented in the entry. Anchors, hosts, reporters, writers, photographers, editors, assignment editors, producers, directors and qualified others may qualify as a "producer" if their contributions are significant to the entry’s award-worthiness.

Must I use the title “producer” on my entry? No. You need not use the actual title "producer" unless it applies. Please use your appropriate credit as related to the entry.

How many people can be listed on an entry?

Except where noted, there is no limit on the number of individuals who may be listed on an entry, but each must pay a separate and appropriate entry fee. If entry exceeds 8 entrants (2 for craft entries), a higher entry fee will be imposed for each additional name. See entry fee structure for details. All entrants must be directly responsible for the entry’s production.

Can we just list the entrant as “Staff”, “News Team” or “Company X”, etc.?

You may NOT list any entrant name as "Staff," "News Team", "Company X", etc. EMMY Statuettes are awarded to individuals, not to their employers, stations or companies. All entries must include the name and production credit for at least one individual.

How can I add my name to an entry already submitted?

Please find the submitter of the entry, ask them to forward the entry. At the bottom of the entry is a link to modify the entry. Go to Step two; change number of entrants to add you name; ie from one entrant to two. Insert your email address to get the member rate, b e sure to leave one space in between each email address. (To get the member rate for an entrant, the email address associated with their membership must be provided to allow verification of active membership status. If the email address is not found, the non-member rate will be charged. If a non-member rate is charged for someone who is an active member or who will immediately be renewing their membership, select pay later or don't select a payment method. The emailed copy of the entry will contain a link allowing the entry to be updated with the verified membership status so the entry price can be updated before payment. Active/renewed memberships must be manually updated, please allow two hours for processing before updating EMMY Express.)

Follow the remaining directions to finalize the entry. To pay for entry fee; either make a full payment or partial payment.

To make a partial payment, please use the Option 1B - Pay online now with multiple credit cards. Select two credit cards to pay – go to Step 4. You will see the Invoice Amount. Please enter the amount you would like to charge to Card 1. For example:

• Card 1 enter the amount you would like to pay – for example if you would like to pay $85, then enter that amount.
• Card 2 enter the remaining amount left on the invoice – for example the invoice is $170, then you would enter $85.

Select continue. Click "Pay Now” for Card 1 amount: $85 Enter your correct billing address and finalize the transaction. When you have reached the end of the process, close the window and close the other window to pay Card 2.

Can I add nominees later?

Only the individuals listed on the entry form are eligible to become nominees and receive statuettes or plaques. Names may be added to the entry form up until two weeks before nominations are announced, subject to appropriate entry fees and late penalties.

What should I include with my entry?

Include two (2) copies of the entry form (you will be prompted to print from EMMY Express upon completion of the online entry process) along with your DVD-R. If paying by corporate check or money order, please include with your entry. All items should be affixed to the DVD case/sleeve. Only one (1) entry per DVD. Please repeat the process for each entry.

ENTRY FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT COMPLETELY! PROGRAMS ENTERED IMPROPERLY MAY BE DISQUALIFIED. RULING OF THE AWARDS COMMITTEE IS FINAL.

A one page written synopsis is highly encouraged. EMMY Express also provides space for brief written descriptions to be included with entry. These descriptions will be read out loud to each judging panel.

What format should I use?

Entries will be accepted only on DVD-R

What do I put on my DVD-R?

Entries must be submitted exactly as aired. Entries will be accepted on DVD-R only. The readability of the DVD-R is the responsibility of the entrant. DVD-Rs that cannot be read/played cannot be judged and entry fees will not be refunded. The following guidelines shall apply:
• DVD-R format (DVD minus-R).
• DVD-Rs must be finalized and ‘compatibility tested’ on a different DVD player than the one used to burn the entry.
• Brand-name disks are recommended.
• Printed DVD labels (paper labels) are not suggested; instead, use a permanent marker to legibly PRINT identifying marks on the disk. Ink jet or laser printing that can be applied directly to the DVD face (printable media) is acceptable.
• Use a clear sleeve or case. Use Call For Entries Blank or preprinted DVD-R Labels on the case/sleeve.
• One entry per DVD-R

Where do I write my one page synopsis?

For most categories, you can write the synopsis in the description field provided when you fill out your entry on EMMY Express. For Special Achievement categories(1-3) and Investigative Reports category (11) CLICK HERE FOR ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS

May I submit the same work in two places?

You may NOT enter a single, stand-alone piece of work in more than one category. You may enter segments or packages from full-length programs already entered elsewhere, but only if you ARE NOT listed as a “producer” on the full-length program.

Your COMPOSITE ENTRY in a Craft category may include work already entered elsewhere, but only if you ARE listed as a "producer" on the non-craft entry.

Material included as part of a composite entry in any of the Special Achievement Categories (Station Excellence, News Excellence, Community Service and Team Coverage) may be entered in other categories.

What do you mean by a "composite entry"?

A composite is defined as a sampling of three or more representative segments or elements that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents or of coverage of a special event. The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted, are to be “as aired” with no internal edits or post production work, such as music or special effects. Unless otherwise noted, a straight lift from a long work may be included as an element of a composite, but there must be no editing of the lift.

The benefit of submitting a composite is that it shows the breadth and depth of your work. Also, you may use work submitted for EMMY consideration in another category as part of that composite, but only if you are listed as a "producer" on the non-craft entry.

Entering single works in the Craft achievement categories is generally best left to those who work on program-length works, such as newscast directors, technical directors, program-length writers, etc.

May I enter the exact, same Craft composite in two different craft disciplines?

No. Once a composite is created for a craft entry, it essentially becomes its own stand-alone entry. As we state, no single piece of work may be entered in more than one category. You may however use up to one-third of a craft composite as part of a separate composite in a different discipline, such as photographer/editor or reporter/writer.

What do you mean by “Program/Segment”?

Categories with a Program/Segment designation allow for entry of a full-length program or a complete segment from a full-length program. Time limits are noted in the category description. To bring longer formatted programs into time compliance, the entrant may take three complete lifts from the original program.

What do you mean by “Short Form”?

Think “spot length” – or generally 1:00 minute or less. Examples would be PSA, commercials, news promotions, pre-produced cold opens, teases, etc.

What’s the difference between “24 hours” and “No Time Limit”?

WHEREVER these terms appear, “24 hours” refers to a final product assigned, shot, edited and aired within a 24-hour period. Anything that takes longer must be entered in “No Time Limit”.

What should I put on my DVD-R for the Special Achievement Categories such as Overall Station Excellence and News Excellence?

For these entries, the written synopsis you provide is just as important as what goes on the DVD-R. Clearly define your station or news department’s mission and outreach so that the judges understand what you do, with what you have. The video should compliment the synopsis. Time codes are extremely helpful as judges are only required to view 50% of the submitted material. These categories are not about creating a sleekly produced “marketing” video. In fact, post-production editing is not allowed.

My station does several hours of news in a row. Can we submit all of them as a single newscast?

No, unless the same show producer is responsible for the complete program and it’s considered a single newscast for rating purposes. Remember, no entry may be longer than 60 minutes.

What’s the difference between Breaking News and Spot News?

Breaking News: This is the “I am here at the bank robbery and the bullets are flying over my head” story. Preparation limit is unnecessary since it must be simultaneous. May include taped elements.

Spot News: This is the “I am here at the bank where this morning the bullets were flying over my head, and in the 2 hours following the police chased the robber to the state line.” The goal is to extend what was done in the simultaneous report to allow the entry of the longer form report.

What falls under General Assignment?

This is the basic news reporting done day-in day-out by a News Department. This is for the coverage of planned events and done as planned assignments. No time limit entries should be carefully reviewed to insure that these were assigned reports and not pitched or created reports that would fall under Feature or Special Reports.

How do I shorten a full-length program to comply with entry time limits?

Full-length programs may be shortened by taking up to three (3) complete lifts from the program. In other words, a maximum of three edits is permitted to bring longer programs to the time limit. We encourage the use of the synopsis to help judges navigate the entry.

Who gets to keep the EMMY Statue?

Emmy Statuettes will only be given to individual recipient(s) who were properly listed on the entry forms and for whom entry fees were properly paid. Each recipient will receive a separate statuette. Individual recipient(s) will retain possession of the Emmy Statuettes, even if an employer pays entry fees. .

Can I purchase Duplicate Statues, Certificates, and Plaques?

Stations, studios and production companies may order a duplicate statuette for public display at their place of business (one each; up to a maximum of three per winning entry).

Nomination Certificates will be awarded to all nominees following verification of nomination. Nomination plaques may be purchased at a cost of $100 plus shipping.
Individual Production Certificates may be purchased by individuals designated by the entrant of an Emmy-awarded entry at $25 per each certificate. These certificates can be purchased after the Emmy Awards Presentation. Production plaques may be purchased at a cost of $125 plus shipping. Companies may purchase plaques from the Academy indicating that a program or individual entry produced under its auspices was presented with an Emmy Award.

What’s the deadline?

All entries and checks must be received by Monday, June 9, 2008 at 5 pm. No late entries will be accepted.

Where do I send my entry?

Entries and payment should be delivered or mailed to –

LONE STAR EMMY AWARDS
408 West 8th Street, Ste 201
Dallas, TX 75208
214.941.3669

Are there any other rules I should know about?

Here's everything else you need to know about entering the Lone Star Emmy Awards.

PURPOSE: To recognize outstanding achievements in television by conferring annual awards of merit in the Chapter's designated award region. The presentation of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in the television industry and to focus public attention on outstanding cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements in television.

ELIGIBILITY: Traditional entries must have been produced for the Chapter's designated awards area and must have had their first broadcast or cablecast in that awards area during the eligibility period. Entries must not have been available for viewing by more than 50% of the U.S. television homes during the eligibility year. Entries that are available to more than 50% of the U.S. television homes should be submitted to NATAS’ national awards (see exceptions). “Advanced Media entries must have been intended for consumption and be ‘of interest’ to a regional audience, even though internet and portable content may be viewed around the world! It is advised that broadband content intended for a wider audience (a national audience) be submitted for consideration in the Academy’s national competitions".
Pornographic, violent, defamatory or offensive material is not accepted. The ruling of the Awards Committee is final and absolute. No entry may be submitted to more than one Chapter's awards. Entries must be submitted as originally shown. There may not be any post-broadcast changes, except as noted in the category descriptions.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE 50% RULE:
1. Local station news coverage that may receive national exposure should
be submitted to regional Emmy® Award competitions.
2. The treatment of a local community issue by a super station that is
directed specifically to those living inside the station's home market
maintains its eligibility in regional Emmy® Award competitions.
3. A local program that later receives national distribution may compete in
both regional and national awards competitions, but not in the same
eligibility year.
4. Local segments that are eligible to participate as entries in national
Emmy® Award competitions (i.e. News & Doc, “Best Of,” Community &
Public Service) may compete in both regional and national awards
competitions under prevailing rules.
5. Advanced Media entries that can be seen worldwide via web or portable
delivery are eligible for regional competition if they were primarily
intended for consumption in the Chapter’s designated awards area.

PROGRAM LENGTH COMMERCIALS (INFOMERCIALS) AND CLOSED CIRCUIT PROGRAMS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE:
To be eligible entries must have been distributed to the general public via broadcast, cablecast, or broadband by a television station, a cable company, satellite, internet, portable device or similar distribution system.

MEMBERSHIP: Membership in The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is not required to enter the Emmy® Awards.

ORIGINAL MATERIAL: At least two-thirds of a program entry must consist of original material, unless previously produced material has been given some unique and creative treatment that, in the opinion of the chapter awards committee, results in an original program. Entrants must identify all non-original material, including its location in the program.

Advanced Media entries must be original work designed for broadband distribution or portable delivery, and must be submitted as originally posted. Pre-purposed or re-purposed material originally produced for traditional media is not eligible. If such material is included in the entry, the producer(s) must provide evidence that the broadband product is not merely a copy of the otherwise produced programming.

COMPOSITES: A composite is defined as a sampling of three or more representative segments or elements that convey to a judging panel the scope, breadth, or range of an individual’s talents or of coverage of a special event. The elements within a composite, unless otherwise noted, are to be “as aired” with no internal edits or post production work, such as music or special effects. Unless otherwise noted, a straight lift from a long work may be included as an element of a composite, but there must be no editing of the lift.

LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH: Spanish-language entries may be entered and will be judged by a panel of Spanish-speaking, peer judges.

Programs in languages other than English or Spanish may also be entered; however judging of these entries in their native language is subject to the availability of qualified, peer judges who speak the language of the entry. Therefore, NATAS requires that these entrants submit a DVD with English subtitles or with English on a second audio channel, a précis or English transcript.

JUDGING PROCEDURE: Entries made to this Chapter will be judged by panels assembled by other NATAS Chapters. These panels shall be comprised of no fewer than 6 judges who shall be certified as peers. No more than 4 judges on a panel may be employed by the same station or company. Judges may not have a conflict of interest, which is described as having a direct involvement in the production of an entry, or having a personal relationship with a member of the production staff of an entry. Group ownership, by itself, does not necessarily create a conflict of interest.

NON-COMPETITIVE JUDGING: Entries are judged against a standard of excellence and do not compete against each other. There may be one award, more than one award or no award given in each category. Any exceptions will be noted in the category description.

JUDGING REQUIREMENT: The success of the Emmy® Awards process depends on the willingness of qualified professionals to serve as judges. Peers in another television market are serving this Chapter's entrants. This Chapter will judge other Chapter's entries. By entering, you agree to serve as a judge when asked.

INTENTIONAL FALSIFICATION: The intentional falsification of production credits by an entrant may be the basis for the disqualification of the entry.

ENTRY ERRORS AND OMISSIONS: The National Academy of Television Arts and 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. The National Academy shall accept all submissions that are not in conflict with any of its rules and regulations. Ineligible entries may be disqualified at any stage of the competition.

ENTRY FORMAT- BROADCAST/CABLE:
Entries will be accepted on DVD only. The readability of the DVD is the responsibility of the entrant. DVDs that cannot be ‘read’ cannot be judged and entry fees will not be refunded.
The following guidelines shall apply:
• DVD-R format (DVD minus-R).
• DVDs must be finalized and ‘compatibility tested’ on a different DVD player than the one used to burn the entry.
• Brand-name disks are recommended.
• Printed DVD labels (paper labels) are not suggested; instead, use a permanent marker to legibly PRINT identifying marks on the disk. Ink jet or laser printing that can be applied directly to the DVD face (printable media) is acceptable.
• Use a clear sleeve or case.
• One entry per DVD.

ENTRY FORMAT- ADVANCED MEDIA:
Entries must be submitted on CR-R or DVD-R. Entries must be screened in their native format (compression rate, frame rate, etc) as originally produced, so that peer judges can simulate the original viewing experience. Video content should be submitted in formats compatible with the following players:
• Quick Time version 6 or better,
• Real Player version 10 or better,
• Windows Media Player version 9 or better,
• Adobe Flash version 9 or better.

A one page written description must accompany each entry submission.

CD-Rs / DVD-Rs must be labeled with the following information:
• Category Number
• Entry Title
• Station/Production Company
• Exact Running Time of Submission
AWARD OWNERSHIP: Emmy® Awards are presented to individuals, not to their employers. Ownership of the Emmy® statuette is retained by the individuals and The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, even if an employer pays entry fees. Stations, studios and production companies may order a duplicate statuette for public display at their place of business (one each; up to a maximum of three per winning entry).

WHO RECEIVES THE AWARD? Producers, craftsperson and other statue-eligible entrants as listed on the entry form receive the Emmy® statuette, except where noted. Others who work on a nominated or winning entry may order production certificates or plaques.

CRAFTS ACHIEVEMENT: In the Crafts Achievement Awards, those who actually perform a specific discipline receive the Emmy® statuette. Supervising or directing the work of others does not qualify for Crafts Achievement Awards, except for achievements in directing areas.

PROMOTION: Emmy® winners may refer in advertising and publicity to the fact that they are an Emmy® recipient and, for one year after the award was bestowed may use a replica of the Emmy® statuette in such advertising. A ® registration mark and the appropriate copyright notice: © NATAS/ATAS must accompany any portrayal of the Emmy® statuette or moniker.

EMMY Express

Stations or Companies paying for more than one entry

For stations or companies paying for more than one entry, entries must be made online. Please contact the Lone Star EMMY office if you do not find your stations name on the drop down list. You will be given a login id and password. All entries will be sent to administrator for approval.

Individual entrants please submit entries here

2008 EMMY Categories

2008 EMMY Rules & FAQ

Super Panel Tips, Helpful Hints & Checklist

One Page Synopsis Form

Call For Entries Blank DVD-R Labels