THE MID-ATLANTIC CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES PRESENTS THE STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARDS
The deadline to submit entries for this year’s contest is Friday, February 27, at 5:00 PM.
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, the material is considered to be the work of a student. If a student works on a project submitted for Emmy® consideration by a professional, and is included on the entry for that project, they cannot enter as a student but instead must pay the appropriate professional entry fees. Student award recipients or their institutions from any NATAS Chapter’s high school or college competitions may not use the Emmy® name or replica of the Emmy® figure in any form of commercial advertising or promotion for their recognition.
Student Production Awards
Crystal pillars presented to recipients of separate contests among high school and college students, with the intention to recognize outstanding student achievements in production. Rules and category options for Student Production Awards are outlined in the Regional Awards Manual.
Student Productions
Content conceived and created by full-time students at a university, college, technical/vocational school or high school. Student Productions may not include any professional services and faculty involvement can only be advisory.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIP
NATAS has no student chapters, but it does offer student memberships.
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.
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 high school students.
STANDARD RULES AND REGULATIONS
ELIGIBILITY
- Projects conceived, produced and executed by students at a high school 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. No edits to the originally completed video are permitted 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.
- Ineligible entries may be disqualified during any phase of the competition. The interpretation of the Awards Committee is final and absolute.
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 industry professionals and want to enter the Chapter’s Emmy® Awards competition, they cannot enter as a student but instead must pay the appropriate Emmy® Award entry fees. The student is then prohibited from entering or being listed with other classmates on any Student Production Award submissions during the same awards eligibility year.
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 as well as use of video or graphic templates.
Videos that include popular or otherwise copyrighted music not specifically licensed for the project may not be submitted. If permission has been granted, documentation is required and should be uploaded as supporting documentation with the entry.
Use of video or graphics templates must be divulged in the essay for the entry citing the source for the template, how it was used and what the entrant learned by incorporating a template as part of the project.
VIDEO RATIO/FORMAT
Vertical video submissions are allowed in any category.
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. We recommend that entrants in languages other than English submit an English-language translation of the narration track (or use subtitles).
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 performing the same production role/job for the same content submitted to more than one category. If a student was responsible for more than one role, they may 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 at any point in the competition including after awards recognition has been announced.
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.
JUDGING AND EVALUATION
Programming Categories are judged on three criteria: content, creativity and execution on a 7-point scale (maximum 21 points); and Craft Categories are judged on two criteria: creativity and execution (maximum 14 points). Judging panels are to be made up of qualified professional and academic 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. Duplicate pillars may be purchased for students listed on winning entries after the awards presentation.
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.
CHAPTER BOUNDARIES (DESIGNATED AWARDS AREA):
The Mid-Atlantic Chapter accepts student entries from Pennsylvania (except Erie), New Jersey, and Northern Delaware.
ELIGIBILITY PERIOD: Entries must have been produced in the Mid-Atlantic Region during the eligibility period February 16, 2025- February 15, 2026.
ENTRY DEADLINE: All entries must be received AND uploaded by 5:00pm on Friday, February 27, 2026. All payments must be received within 30 days of entry submission. Please plan accordingly.
PAYMENTS: Handling fees made online are processed through a secure third party and an automatic receipt will be sent by e-mail.
Otherwise, please make checks payable for $35 per entry to: “NATAS Mid-Atlantic” and send to
NATAS Mid-Atlantic, 85 Overlook Circle, Garnet Valley, PA 19060
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: Online entry forms must be completed AND video entries uploaded no later than 5:00pm on Friday, February 27, 2026. The earlier you upload, the easier it will be to allow time for adjustments and problems. Please make a genuine effort to start early to avoid getting caught in a “pipeline jam”.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Executive Dir. Tara Faccenda, tara@natasmid-atlantic.org or 610-859-8886
REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT PRODUCTION AWARD CATEGORIES
For over a decade the regional chapters of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences have hosted the Regional High School Student Production Awards. These competitive Awards include programming and craft categories. For winning entries, a crystal pillar with the Student Production Awards logo is presented to the school recognizing the achievement of the student production. The students receive individual certificates from their regional chapter.
Regional recipients will automatically advance to the National Student Production Awards. Recipients of these national awards will be announced at an event later in the year. For more information visit the website: https://theemmys.tv/nspa/
Programming Categories
NOTE: The same material may not be entered in more than one programming category.
H-01. Newscast
For outstanding achievement in a traditional, studio-style newscast, produced daily or less than daily, but broadcast, streamed or otherwise distributed as a live or recorded live program. Newscast may include pre-recorded packages or reports as well as in studio or on location live reports. Post edits are not permitted except for the removal of breaks. Entry will be judged on overall content, presentation, writing, format, teases, etc. Entry Time Limit: 30 minutes
H-02. Hard News Report
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of timely news, information or current events. Entries may contain spot news coverage, investigations as well as coverage of controversial issues. 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. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-03. Feature News Report
For outstanding achievement coverage of a feature news topic or story. Features are generally defined as stories that have a personal, emotional or creative slant and include elements that go beyond the scope of straight factual information found in a hard news story. Judges will look for well-organized material paying close attention to the use of appropriate sound bites, visual elements and narration to develop the story and create a connection with the audience. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-04. Short Form
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a short-form treatment of a single 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. 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. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-05. Long Form
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of a long-form treatment of a single 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. 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. Entry Time Limit: 30 minutes
Note: The original video must be a minimum of 10 minutes. If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants may select up to three (3) segments/excerpts to bring the entry to the specified category time limit. One (1) second of black should be included between segments/excerpts.
H-06. Public Affairs/Community Service
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of content with current social, civic or other issue-oriented subject matter. Entry may be a single story or a multi-part series of stories on the same topic. 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. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-07. Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs
For outstanding achievement in a presentation of content devoted to cultural or artistic significance. Entry may be a single story or a multi-part series of stories on the same topic. NOTE: For multi-part series submissions, one (1) second of black must be inserted between each story. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-08. 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 hosts or presenters who introduced pre-produced segments. Hosts may also conduct live or pre-recorded interviews that are included in the program. Magazine programs are designed to both entertain and inform. Pre-produced or recorded and edited morning announcements may be submitted in this category. Judges will look at the overall content, creativity and execution of the entire program as a complete product. Entry Time Limit: 30 minutes.
H-09. Sports Story
For outstanding achievement in a sports news, information or feature story. 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. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes
H-10. Sports Program
For outstanding achievement in a sports program or special. Entry may be live or edited and must have, as its basis, content not to be taken from a newscast. This category is for shows such as pre/post-game shows, sports interview/discussion programs, season recap shows, etc. Entries may include pre-produced segments. Post-edits to enhance the award worthiness of the original program are not permitted except for the removal of PSAs, interstitials or commercials. Entry Time Limit: 30 minutes.
Note: If the original presentation ran more than 30 minutes, entrants may select up to three (3) segments/excerpts to bring the entry to the specified time limit. One (1) second of black should be included between segments/excerpts.
H-11. Live Sporting Event/Game
For outstanding achievement in the production of a live or recorded live sports event or game. A composite is required and may include up to eight (8) segments or excerpts that provide examples of: show open, graphics package, use of replays, pre-produced reports, use of statistical or other prepared material, highlights, standard coverage (e.g. routine innings or downs) and any additional material at entrant’s discretion. Entry Time Limit: 30 minutes.
Note: One (1) second of black should be included between segments/excerpts.
H-12. Public Service Announcement (PSA)- Norman Felsenthal Young Producers Award
For outstanding achievement in announcements that effectively focus interest in and marshal support for worthy community or area cause. Entrants must identify use of non-original material (music, video or graphics templates, AI generated content) included in the entry. Videos that include copyrighted music for which permission has not been granted should not be submitted. Spots may be 5 seconds to 2 minutes in length.
H-13. Commercial
For outstanding achievement in a production advertising a product, business, service, school or school department, or a community or school event that is conceived, written, created and produced for a class/school project. Spots may be 5 seconds to 5 minutes in length.
H-14. Multimedia Journalist (MMJ)
For outstanding achievement by a single individual covering a single or multi-part news story. The MMJ is reporter, writer, photojournalist and editor. Entry may not be submitted in any other programming or craft category. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes NOTE: This category is intended for solo projects. Collaborative or group projects must be submitted in one of the other appropriate categories
H-15. Video Essay
For outstanding achievement by a single individual covering a single or multi-part story. The video essay creator is the photographer and editor, weaving together elements captured in the field to tell the story without a reporter or professional talent track. Entry may not be submitted in any other programming or craft category. Entry Time Limit: 10 minutes.
NOTE: This category is intended for solo projects. Collaborative or group projects must be submitted in one of the other appropriate categories. In addition, Video Essay submissions must not include any on-camera or voice-over narration. Visual elements, Interview soundbites and nat sound are permitted to tell the story
H-16. Promotional Video
For outstanding achievement in the production of a video promoting the school or a school department. Hype videos for school sports, clubs or programs may be submitted. Entrants must identify use of non-original material (music, video or graphic templates, AI generated content) included in the entry. Videos that include copyrighted music for which permission has not been granted should not be submitted. Entry Time Limit: 5 minutes
CRAFT CATEGORIES
NOTE: Only those who performed the specified craft should be listed on the entry.
Composite entries that include more than 1 example of the craft are permitted. One (1) second of black should be inserted between elements of a composite entry.
Demo reels created as part of a student’s learning experience or for a job or college application process are permitted. The entrant must disclose the purpose of the demo reel in the essay for the submission.
Demo reels created solely for the purpose of submitting an entry in a craft category for this competition are not permitted.
H-17. 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 prepared for class or extra-curricular assignment. Demo reels are permitted only if created as part of the student’s learning experience or for a job or college application process. Entry Time Limit: 15 minutes.
H-18. Talent – News or Sports
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 prepared for class or extra-curricular assignment. Demo reels are permitted only if created as part of the student’s learning experience or for a job or college application process. Entry Time Limit: 15 minutes.