TV Academy Petition
TELEVISION ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION FOR LOCATION MANAGERS/SCOUTS
June 2007;
Long believing that Location Professionals are among the unsung heroes of the TV industry, LMGA Chairman Orin Kennedy has been leading the campaign for location managers and scouts to be accepted as members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (ATAS) for the past three years.
The mission of ATAS is to promote creativity, diversity, innovation and excellence through recognition, education and leadership in the advancement of the telecommunications arts and sciences. With over 13,000 members divided into 27 peer groups, the Television Academy represents television professionals from every field. It was those last two words that inspired the LMGA Board Chairman to approach ATAS for the membership inclusion of location professionals based on their artistic and creative collaboration in the final visual TV production.
Despite many starts and setbacks, the Guild has received the most encouraging news to date: The TV Academy has finally opened its doors to location professionals, though the details of how that is to happen need to be worked out. Thanks to Kennedy’s personal tireless efforts and unstoppable diligence, and the assistance and support of many others, 117 applications have been submitted to the ATAS Membership Committee, along with enthusiastic letters of support from Production Designers, Directors and Producers that will influence the next decision. LMGA members Tim Hillman from CSI: NY and Veronique Vowell from Cold Case were the first to garner such letters, followed by many others. We are now confident that our petition will be brought before the Governors of ATAS for their discussion and eventual approval.
For further information about the TV Academy, please visit their website: www.emmys.tv