Writers

Requirements for membership in the Writers Peer Group

Please note that requirements (as outlined below) must be met within the four (4) years preceding one's application for membership or membership review; also, such requirements apply in each instance to the production and/or distribution of nationally exhibited audio visual works. All episodes should be a minimum of thirty (30) minutes in length unless defined otherwise specifically for short form programming. Credits from self-published programs alone do not qualify for membership in the Television Academy. Individuals who have received a Primetime, Daytime, or Children's & Family Emmy Nomination, specific to this peer group, within the past four (4) years are eligible for Active membership.

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Active Status:

Employment for a minimum of two (2) years and also solo or shared ON-SCREEN credit on programs for national exhibition in the form WRITTEN BY, CREATED BY, TELEPLAY BY, STAFF WRITER, STORY EDITOR, EXECUTIVE STORY EDITOR, CO-PRODUCER*, PRODUCER*, SUPERVISING PRODUCER*, CONSULTING PRODUCER*, CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER*, or EXECUTIVE PRODUCER* on at least:

Two (2) long form programs defined as a television movie or special running one and one-half (1.5) hours or more in length

Or Five (5) episodes of scripted programs in the drama, comedy, variety, or animation genres in any combination

Or Ten (10) episodes of scripted daytime dramas

Or at least one hundred twenty (120) minutes of professional short form programs that have had broad domestic or verifiable international consumer release. Short form programs shall have an average content length of fifteen (15) minutes or less. In all cases, individuals must have verifiable proof of having written all or a significant part of the programs, such determination to be made by the Governors of the Writer's Peer Group. Production values must be equivalent to network quality and have wide verifiable distribution.

Or for Documentary and Documentary series, WRITTEN BY credit on Two (2) long form documentaries running one and one-half (1.5) hours or more in length, or Five (5) episodes of a documentary series.** 

Or a qualified body of work relevant to the peer group that warrants a waiver of the above requirements. Body of Work designation has all benefits of Active membership with the exception of running for Peer Group Governor.

*titles must reflect work performed in a writing capacity.

** Writers who work in structured, unstructured, game shows or reality competition programming must apply to the Reality Peer Group.

Associate Status:

Employment by a person in one (1) of the above listed categories for a minimum of two (2) on-air writing credits, or six (6) weeks staff writing. In the case of short-form programs, at least sixty (60) minutes of programs which meet the same additional criteria as those listed above.

updated 4.27.23

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