Annie Awards :: Categories

40th Annual Annie Awards Rules and Categories (FOR ENTRANTS)

Submissions are currently being accepted for the 40th Annual Annie Awards.

Honoring excellence in the field of animation, Annie Awards will be presented in 30 categories including best animated feature, television production(s), television commercial, short subject, video game and student film, as well as the achievement and honorary awards. The 40th Annual Annie Awards will take place on February 2, 2013 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, in Los Angeles, California.

CHANGES TO THIS YEAR’S RULES:

To be considered for the 40th Awards, projects that have either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, must be made available for screening by the members of the nominating committees or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released productions may, at the production’s discretion, be held for judging during the 41st award cycle.
Achievement Awards for Television are now referred to as Television / Broadcast and include not only general television and cable programming, but also internet, mobile, home video, educational and other venues, excluding theatrical feature films.
Individuals or Teams may be entered in all Achievement categories other than Character Animation (feature and television / broadcast) and Voice Acting (feature and television / broadcast).
Digital submissions will be in QuickTime Movie format and will be used, in whole or in part, both for the nomination judging and voting processes. Exceptions or additions to QuickTime submissions (i.e. paper submissions) will be noted for specific award categories with specific mechanical requirements. Digital submissions in other than QuickTime formats will be subject to additional charges or, in some instances, disqualification.
From the slate of eligible submissions, each Production and Achievement Category will be allowed a maximum of eight (8) to a minimum of three (3) nominated selections. If, during the nomination process, a category receives less than 3 nominees, the category may, at the discretion of the ASIFA Hollywood Board of Directors, be removed from the ballot.
Last year’s “Member’s Favorite” feature film award has been replaced, in favor of a new “Winsor McCay Member’s Choice Award”. All ASIFA members, worldwide, both professional and non-professional, shall be eligible to vote for the new McCay Award, via a special ballot which will be made available on the Annie Awards website at www.annieawards.org. Other annual Winsor McCay Awards will continue to be chosen through the usual juried process.
New Annie Award categories include: Best Student Production and the Winsor McCay Member’s Choice Award.

SUBMISSION ELIGIBILITY

Entries submitted for consideration must be from productions that were released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. An exception will be made for animated short subjects, student films and television commercials that were not released in the United States. These may be considered for an Annie Award providing they were originally released during the award eligibility period.

In lieu of being released, student films must have been completed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. (Please see specific Student Award rules.)

Entries submitted for consideration in the Production categories will be nominated based on the completed production in its entirety. Entries submitted for consideration in the Achievement categories will be nominated based on work from a single production; entries will not be nominated based on a body of work (e.g. an entire television season of writing). Teams may be entered in all Achievement categories except Character Animation and Voice Acting, provided that each person has received appropriate screen credit to be an eligible member of the team. Partial team submissions will not be accepted.

WHO MAY ENTER

Any member of ASIFA-Hollywood may enter submissions for Annie Award consideration, or may make recommendations for the Juried Awards. Both studios and individuals are eligible to submit entries for consideration. A person who is not a member of ASIFA-Hollywood may join the organization when submitting their entries. Annual professional membership dues are $150.

Students submitting for the Best Student Production Award need only have an affiliate membership ($45) and, unlike all other categories, can join ASIFA Hollywood after their project is nominated.

HOW TO ENTER AND SUBMISSION DEADLINE

An entry form must be filled out for each submission that is being entered for award consideration.

Entries will only be accepted through the online submissions interface. To enter, please visit http://submissions.annieawards.org. On that site, you will fill out an entry form, submit it online, pay for your entries, then print and return the required form for the project producer's signoff. Detailed instructions and support are both available within that system.

The deadline to receive entries (including required Producer Signoff Sheets and all fees) is Sunday, October 21, 2012 by 5pm.

All physical materials should be sent to:
Gretchen Houser
Annie Awards Event Director
40th Annual Annie Awards
5042 Wilshire Blvd #22470
Los Angeles, CA 90036

If paying by check, please make checks payable to "ASIFA-Hollywood" and mail to Gretchen Houser at the address above.

MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS — ENTRIES ONLY

For most categories requiring clips, all footage must be submitted as a QuickTime file only. No other format will be accepted. Clip submissions must be no longer than five minutes for most entries.

EXCEPTION: For the Special Production, Television Commercial, Short Subject and Student categories, the entire production must be provided.

EXCEPTION: In the case of the Character Design, Production Design and Storyboarding categories, paper copies of artwork will be submitted (no original artwork, please) and digital clips may be submitted on CD or QuickTime Movie file. Check with each category for specific submission requirements.

A paper or digitally scanned copy of the original entry form, signed by the producer or executive producer of the project, must also be included with the nomination material that is being submitted.

All video footage must be slated at the head of picture and other printed judging materials must be clearly labeled as follows:

40TH ANNUAL ANNIE AWARDS
CATEGORY NUMBER AND NAME
ENTRY NUMBER
(GENERATED ON YOUR ENTRY FORM BY THE ONLINE ENTRY SYSTEM)
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM AND CREDIT RECEIVED
PRODUCTION COMPANY
TITLE OF PRODUCTION

Entries that do not follow these submission and mechanical requirements are subject to disqualification.

COST OF ENTRY

The cost to enter is $100 per submission, except for Student Annies, which are $25 per submission. There is no fee for juried award submissions. Entry fees and membership fees (if needed) must accompany the entry and must be received no later than October 21, 2012 by 5pm. Entries not received by this deadline shall be charged an additional $250.00 late fee per entry, or shall be subject to disqualification.

Annie Award sponsors may have all or partial entry fees waived, depending on sponsorship level, as follows:

1. Platinum and Gold Sponsor - A waiver of all Annie Award entry fees.
2. Silver Sponsor - A waiver of Annie Award entry fees for a maximum of thirty (30) entries.
3. Bronze Sponsor - No Annie Award entry fees waived.

For further information about Annie Award Sponsorship, please visit www.annieawards.org or contact Gretchen Houser via email at Gretchen@annieawards.org or call (562) 235-0991

Entries received without the appropriate fees shall be subject to disqualification. Entry fees are non-refundable.

NOMINATION PROCESS

Nominating Committees will choose nominees from eligible entries. The Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood will appoint all Nominating Committees. A committee comprised of animation professionals qualified to judge that category will judge entries in each category.

Each committee must choose from 3 to 8 nominees from the pool of eligible entries. If a Nominating Committee feels there are less than 3 entries worthy of recognition, it will be considered a "hung committee" and must reconsider its findings to expand the nominee selection. If, after due consideration, the committee's nomination slate remains less than 3, the ASIFA Board of Directors will decide if the category will remain on the ballot or be suspended for that award cycle.

A Nominating Committee may, of its own volition, nominate a production, individual or team that was not submitted for award consideration, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood.

VOTING PROCEDURES

ASIFA-Hollywood members who are animation professionals, who have been recognized for their work in a creative capacity on a qualified production, shall be eligible to vote in all categories.

Student members and non-animation professional members of ASIFA-Hollywood shall not be eligible to participate in Annie Award voting except for the "Winsor McCay Member's Choice Award".

ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE

Only members of ASIFA-Hollywood in good standing as of November 4, 2012 shall be eligible to participate in the 39th Annual Annie Awards voting. Voting will be conducted online, by secret ballot. Online balloting shall begin on January 14, 2013 and end on January 16, 2013.

Invitation to Vote: All ASIFA-Hollywood professional members who have not already done so will be required to register to vote. Their registration information must include:

Member's full name
Member's current email address
Member number
Either a current resume or a brief (150 words or less) description of the member's professional experience must be attached. Additionally, a link to the member's IMDB page and/or personal Web

40th ANNUAL ANNIE AWARD CATEGORIES

PRODUCTION CATEGORIES

1. Annie Award for Best Animated Feature
An Annie Award for Best Animated Feature shall be awarded to an animated feature in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an animated feature must have originally been released theatrically in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

If the feature has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a screening of the production or a DVD screener must be provided for the members of the best animated feature nominating committee. If materials are not readily available for judging, late released features may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging next year, during the 41st Award cycle in 2013.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate the file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

2. Annie Award for Best Animated Special Production
An Annie Award for Best Animated Special Production ("stand alone" broadcast specials, home video entertainment productions, theme park ride animation, educational films, live installations and similar projects) shall be awarded an animated special production in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an animated special production must have been originally produced for, and released in the United States, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Compilations or animated productions that originally premiered in other media (e.g., theatrical or series television/broadcast) and were later released for home video shall not be eligible to receive this award.

If the special production has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the special production nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released special productions may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file. Additionally, clips from the production, not to exceed five minutes (5:00) in length, must also be submitted on a separate QuickTime file. Please slate the files as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

3. Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject
An Annie Award for Best Animated Short Subject shall be awarded to an animated short subject in recognition of creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an animated short subject, no longer than 20 minutes in length (longer projects should be submitted in the Special Production category), must have been originally exhibited or released on any media (e.g., theatrical, television, Internet) in the world between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Individual segments from an animated television program, television specials, pilots or television commercials are not eligible to receive this award. Animated main title, interstitials, DVD bonus material, music videos and trailers may also be considered for this honor.

If the short subject has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the short subject nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released short subjects may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire production on a QuickTime Movie file must be submitted. Please slate the file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

4. Annie Award for Best Animated Television Commercial
An Annie Award for Best Animated Television Commercial shall be awarded to an animated television commercial in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an animated television commercial must have originally appeared on television anywhere in the world between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. In cases where multiple commercials were part of an advertising campaign, each spot must be submitted as a separate entry.

If the television commercial has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the television commercial nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released commercials may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire commercial on a QuickTime Movie file must be submitted. Please slate the file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

5. Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production For Preschool Children
An Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production for Preschool Children (especially produced for ages infant through 5 years old) shall be awarded to an individual episode of an animated television series in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award an animated television program for preschool children must have originally appeared on television in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. This award must be given to an individual episode from an animated television series. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry. Re-runs or animated productions that originally premiered in other media (i.e. theatrical, home entertainment or other special productions) and were later shown on television are not eligible for this award. Productions entered in this category shall not be eligible for an Annie Award for Animated Television Production Produced for Children or General Audience categories.

If the television production for pre-school children has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the television production for pre-school children nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released preschool programming may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire program must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file. Additionally, clips from the production, not to exceed five minutes (5:00) in length, must also be submitted on a separate QuickTime file. Please slate the files as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

6. Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production For Children
An Annie Award for Best Animated Television Production for a Children's Audience (especially produced for ages 6 through 12 years old) shall be awarded to an individual episode of an animated television series in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award an animated television program for children must have originally appeared on television in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. This award must be given to an individual episode from an animated television series. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry. Re-runs or animated productions that originally premiered in other media (i.e. theatrical, home entertainment or other special productions) and were later shown on television are not eligible for this award. Productions entered in this category shall not be eligible for an Annie Award for Animated Television Production Produced for Preschool or General Audience categories.

If the television production for children has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the television production for children nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released children's programming may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire program must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file. Additionally, clips from the production, not to exceed five minutes (5:00) in length, must also be submitted on a separate QuickTime file. Please slate the files as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

7. Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated Television Production
An Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated Television Production shall be awarded to an individual episode of an animated television series in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award an animated television program for general audiences must have originally appeared on television in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. This award must be given to an individual episode from an animated television series. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry. Re-runs or animated productions that originally premiered in other media (i.e. theatrical, home entertainment or other special productions) and were later shown on television are not eligible for this award. Productions entered in this category shall not be eligible for an Annie Award for Animated Television Production Produced for Preschool or Children's categories.

If the animated television program for general audiences has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the animated television program for general audiences nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released general audience programming, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

8. Annie Award for Best Animated Video Game
An Annie Award for Best Animated Video Game shall be awarded to an animated video game in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award an animated video game must have originally been commercially released in any format (console, online or mobile) in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

If the video game has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the video game nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released games may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips demonstrating game play and cinematics must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate the file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Game demos and/or full game copies may be submitted to supplement video clips. Please label this supplemental material as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

9. Annie Award for Best Student Film
An Annie Award for Best Student Film shall be awarded to an animated student produced film in recognition of creative excellence in the art of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, the submitted production must be entirely the work of an individual student or team of students from an accredited post-secondary program anywhere in the world and must have been produced between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012. (This is the only category this year allows films from 2011.) Faculty may advise on the production, but all work, from concept through finished film, must be the work of a student or students who had not graduated at the time the film was completed.

If the student film has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of the student film nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late released films may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire production on a QuickTime Movie file must be submitted. Please slate the file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORIES

For the purposes of the Achievement Awards, qualified individuals or teams who have worked on an animated, theatrically released feature production shall be considered eligible in all Achievement Feature categories.

Qualified individuals or teams who have either worked on an animated production for television or other broadcast venue shall be eligible to be considered in the Television/Broadcast categories. The Animated Effects in an Animated Production category is open to all animated productions.

10. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Production shall be awarded to an Effects Animator or Effects Animation Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen credit on a single animated production, in any medium (e.g., theatrical, television, special production, video game, etc.), that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Each clip must include a slate at the head of each shot indicating which effect, or effects, the artist or team animated. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

11. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in a Live Action Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in a Live Action Production shall be awarded to an Effects Animator or Effects Animation Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen credit as an Effects Animator on a single live action production, in any medium (e.g., theatrical, television), that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

If the project for which this individual or team is nominated has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of this category's nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late projects may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Each clip must include a slate at the head of each shot indicating which effect, or effects, the artist or team animated. . Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

12. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Television or Broadcast Venue Production shall be awarded to a Character Animator for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit a Character Animator, on a single character, or multiple characters in a single animated television or other broadcast venue production, that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. This award shall only be given to a single individual. It may not be given as a team award. In cases where multiple animators have worked on the same character or characters, each artist's work must be submitted as a separate entry for consideration.

If the project for which this individual is nominated has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of this category's nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late projects may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Each clip must include a slated at the head of each shot indicating which character or characters, the artist animated. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

13. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an a Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Feature Production shall be awarded to a Character Animator for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as a Character Animator or Lead Animator, on a single character, or multiple characters in a single feature production, that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. This award shall only be given to a single individual. It may not be given as a team award. In cases where multiple animators have worked on the same character or characters, each artist's work must be submitted as a separate entry for consideration.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Each clip must include a slate at the head of each shot indicating which character or characters, the artist animated. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

14. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in an a Live Action Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Live Action Production shall be awarded to a Character Animator or Character Animation Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen credit for Character Animation on a live action production, for a single character, or multiple characters in a single production, that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

15. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Television or Broadcast Venue Production shall be awarded to a Character Designer or Character Design Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen credit for Character Design on an animated television production originally appearing on television or other broadcast venue in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. A Character Designer or Design Team may submit either a single character, or multiple characters from a single production for consideration in this category. In the case of an animated television series, where a Character Designer or Design Team has created a character or multiple characters for more than one episode, designs from each episode must be submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum of ten (10) character model sheets (no original artwork, please). Each sheet submitted may be no larger than 11 x 17. A QuickTime Movie file or two (2) CD's with a digital copy of each page of artwork that is being submitted (JPEG 300dpi) will also be required. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

16. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Character Design in an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to a Character Designer or Character Design Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

If the project for which this individual or team is nominated has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of this category's nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late projects may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum of ten character model sheets (no original artwork, please). Each sheet submitted may be no larger than 11 x 17. A QuickTime Movie file or two (2) CD's with a digital copy of each page of artwork that is being submitted (JPEG 300dpi) will also be required. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

17. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Television or Broadcast Venue Production shall be awarded to a Director or a Team of Directors, for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, individual(s) must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as Director(s) on an episode of an animated television series or animated television special production originally appearing on television or other broadcast venue in the United States, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. A team of Directors is also eligible to receive this award provided that each person received identical screen credit as Director on the production. This award must be given to a Director or Team of Directors of an individual episode from an animated television series, special television production or other broadcast venue series. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: The entire production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file. Additionally, clips from the production, not to exceed five minutes (5:00) in length, must also be submitted on a separate QuickTime file. Please slate the files as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

18. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Directing in an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to a Director or a Team of Directors, for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, individual(s) must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as Director(s) on an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. A team of Directors is also eligible to receive this award, provided that each person received a screen credit as Director or Co-Director on the production.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted. In the event the feature has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a screening of the production, or a DVD screener, for the members of the directing nominating committee shall be required.

19. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded for creative excellence for music in the field of animation.

Eligibility: The entire music production, including main title underscore and songs, shall be judged for award consideration in this category. Partial submission will not be accepted (i.e. songs only). Only original music and songs that were written for the production shall be eligible for this award. Main title music in a series shall only be eligible to be honored in its first season. To qualify to receive this award, an individual or a team of individuals must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as Composer(s) and/or Lyricist(s) on an animated television or other broadcast venue production that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production featuring a representation of the music (score and/or songs), must be submitted on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

20. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded for creative excellence for music in the field of animation.

Eligibility: The entire music production, including main title, underscore and songs, shall be judged for award consideration in this category. Partial submission will not be accepted (i.e. songs only). Only original music and songs that were written for the production shall be eligible for this award. To qualify to receive this award, an individual or a team of individuals must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as Composer(s) and/or Lyricist(s) on an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

21. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded to an individual or team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the area of, and received appropriate screen credit for Production Design on an animated television or other broadcast venue production, that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum of ten (10) sheets of designs (no original artwork, please). Each sheet submitted may be no larger than 11 x 17. A QuickTime Movie file or two (2) CD's with a digital copy of each page of artwork that is being submitted (JPEG 300dpi) will also be required. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

22. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Production Design on an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to an individual or team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the area of, and received appropriate screen credit for an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum of ten (10) sheets of designs (no original artwork, please). Each sheet submitted may be no larger than 11 x 17. A QuickTime Movie file or two (2) CDs with a digital copy of each page of artwork that is being submitted (JPEG 300 dpi) will also be required. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

23. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded to a Storyboard Artist or Team of Storyboard Artists for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of and received screen credit as Storyboard Artist(s) on an animated television or other broadcast venue production originally appearing on television in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum number of fifty (50) storyboard pages (four panels per sheet, or less), from one or more sequences of a television or other broadcast venue program may be entered. Storyboard pages may be no larger than 11 x 17. Each storyboard page must be numbered in the lower right hand corner indicating the specific page number of the total number of pages being submitted (i.e. 1 of 40, 2 of 40, etc.). Please do not submit a story reel. Instead, a QuickTime Movie file displaying each individual storyboard panel on screen, without sound, for two seconds each, is required, followed by the completed sequence(s), including audio, from the finished program. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

24. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to a Storyboard Artist or Team of Storyboard Artists, for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as, Storyboard Artist(s) on an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple episodes from a series may be entered, provided that each episode is submitted as a separate entry.

If the project for which this individual or team is nominated has either not been released to the public or screened for the membership of ASIFA-Hollywood by October 21, 2012, a submission of required materials must be provided for the members of this category's nominating committee or, if materials are not readily available for judging, late projects may, at the production's discretion, be held for judging during the 41st Award cycle.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A maximum number of fifty (50) storyboard pages (four panels per sheet, or less), from one or more sequences of a theatrically released animated feature film may be entered. Storyboard pages may be no larger than 11 x 17. Each storyboard page must be numbered in the lower right hand corner indicating the specific page number of the total number of pages being submitted (i.e. 1 of 40, 2 of 40, etc.). Please do not submit a story reel. Instead, a QuickTime Movie file displaying each individual storyboard panel on screen, without sound, for two seconds each, is required, followed by the completed sequence(s), including audio, from the finished production. Please label all material submitted as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

25. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded to either a female or a male voice artist for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, a voice artist must have provided the voice for a single character in an animated television or other broadcast venue production originally appearing in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple voice characterizations may be entered, provided that each character is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production showcasing the voice actor's performance on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

26. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to either a female or a male voice artist for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, a voice artist must have provided the voice for a single character in an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple voice characterizations may be entered, provided that each character is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production showcasing the voice actor's performance, on a QuickTime Movie file, not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length. Please slate as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

27. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded to a Writer, or a Team of Writers, for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility:To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as, a Writer(s) on an animated television or other broadcast venue production, originally appearing the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production on a QuickTime Movie file not exceeding five minutes (5:00) in length in addition to the complete episode. Please slate as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also required is a PDF file of the complete script along with a copy of the entry form.

28. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Writing for an Animated Feature Production shall be awarded to a Writer, or a Team of Writers, for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received screen credit as, a Writer(s) on an animated theatrical feature that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

29. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Television Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Editing in a Television / Broadcast Production shall be awarded to an Editor or Editorial Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen editorial credit in a single animated television production that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Multiple programs in a series may be entered, provided that each program is submitted as a separate entry.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: Clips from the production on a QuickTime Movie file not exceeding six minutes (6:00) in length. Each clip must include a story reel / animatic and the final version of the scene to which it correlates. Multiple scenes from the production may be included. Please slate the QuickTime file as instructed under Mechanical Requirements. Also include a copy of the entry form with the material submitted.

30. Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in an Animated Feature Production
An Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Editing in a Feature Production shall be awarded to an Editor or Editorial Team for creative excellence in the field of animation.

Eligibility: To be eligible to receive this award, an individual or team must have worked in the capacity of, and received appropriate screen editorial credit on an animated feature production that was originally released in the United States between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

JURIED AWARDS

31. June Foray Award
The June Foray Award may be given to an individual who has made a significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation. The Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood shall select by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote a single award recipient. This award recipient may be selected from the pool of submitted recommendations or may be chosen from outside the recommendation pool. At its discretion, the Board of Directors may elect not to give this award.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A detailed statement describing the person's involvement in animation and how he or she has made a positive and significant impact on the animation industry and the art form. Also include any supplemental material that supports the recommendation such as articles or letters of recommendation. Be sure to label supplemental material so that it can be clearly identified and send statements to Gretchen Houser, Annie Awards Event Director, 40th Annual Annie Awards, 5042 Wilshire Blvd #22470, Los Angeles, CA 90036.

32. Ub Iwerks Award
The Ub Iwerks Award may be given to an individual or company for a technical advancement that has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation.

A jury appointed by the Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood shall select a single nominee to be presented to the Board of Directors. This nominee may be selected from the pool of submitted recommendations or may be chosen by the jury from outside the recommendation pool. At its discretion, the jury may elect not to select a nominee.

The Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood, by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote, shall then either ratify the selection made by the jury, choose another recipient, or at its discretion elect not to give this award.

Mechanical Requirements for Entry: A detailed statement describing the technical achievement and how that achievement has made a significant impact on the art or industry of animation. Also include any supplemental material that supports the recommendation such as brochures, letters of recommendation or video, which demonstrates the technical innovation. Be sure to label any video materials as indicated above under Submission and Mechanical Requirements. Other supplemental material should be similarly labeled. Also include a copy of the recommendation form with the material submitted. Please send completed submissions to Gretchen Houser, Annie Awards Event Director, 332 Eliot Lane, Long Beach, CA 90814.

33. Winsor McCay Award
A Winsor McCay Award may be awarded to a maximum of three individuals in recognition of lifetime or career contributions to the art of animation in producing, directing, animating, design, writing, voice acting, sound and sound effects, technical work, music, professional teaching, or for other endeavors which exhibit outstanding contributions to excellence in animation.

An individual currently serving on the Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood is ineligible to receive the Winsor McCay award. The Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood shall select by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote up to two award recipients. This award recipient may be selected from a pool of submitted recommendations or may be chosen from outside the recommendation pool. At its discretion, the Board of Directors may elect not to give an award.

The additional Winsor McCay Award will be a "member's choice" selection. All ASIFA members, worldwide, both professional and non-professional, shall be eligible to vote for the Member's Choice McCay Award from a roster of nominees submitted by the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, via a special ballot which will be made available on the Annie Awards website at www.annieawards.org.

34. Annie Award for Special Achievement in Animation  
An Annie Award for Special Achievement in Animation may be given to an individual, individuals, or a company for unique and outstanding achievement, made between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, not recognized by other Annie Award categories. This special award will be given by the Board of Directors of ASIFA-Hollywood only by a unanimous vote, and only when such recognition is warranted.

35. Certificate of Merit  
Certificates of Merit shall be awarded to an individual or organization for service to the art, craft, and industry of animation. The Board of Directors of ASIFA- Hollywood, by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote, shall choose one or more Certificate recipients or, at its discretion, elect not to award any Certificates.

39th Annual Annie Awards Key Dates
September 3, 2012 Call for Entries
October 21, 2012 Deadline to receive Annie Award entries and materials
November 4, 2012 Deadline to renew or join ASIFA-Hollywood to be able to participate in the Annie Award voting
December 3, 2012 Annie Award Nominations announced
December 14, 2012 Deadline to reserve an ad or become an Annies Sponsor
December 16, 2012 Materials for Annie Awards ballot and ceremony due
January 2, 2013 Online Balloting Begins
January 9, 2013 Bios, photos for Annie Awards Program Book due
January 9, 2013 Deadline to receive Sponsor advertising art
January 13, 2013 Deadline to cast Annie ballots
February 2, 2013 40th Annie Awards at UCLA's Royce Hall