The College Television Awards unofficially known as the “Student Emmy Awards” is open for submissions. The name is confusing because it doesn’t deal strictly with television except that the awards are given out by the Emmys Foundation. Also, the awards are given to the producer of the film, which mirrors the hierarchy in television.

About the College Television Awards

The College Television Awards is a national competition recognizing excellence in college student-produced video, digital and film work. Each year, we receive entries from hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide. Winners are honored with a personalized trophy at the gala in Los Angeles, receive cash awards, industry recognition and the opportunity to network with top television executives.

Entries are judged online by members of the Television Academy who are professionals working in each respective discipline. Viewing is restricted to competition judges and staff only. Finalists’ work in each category proceeds to Blue Ribbon Panels for selection of winners in mid-February.

As with the Primetime Emmy® Awards, entries are awarded based on excellence in overall production.

But you can submit your student film in one of the following categories: Animation, Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Children’s film, Alternative film. There is also a Television Series and a Newscast category if you do want to submit a pilot or episode. The entries must be submitted by the producer of the film and students must have held the key positions of Producer, Director, and Writer.

There is also a special $10,000 prize called the Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship which recognizes student filmmakers whose work sheds light on people with disabilities, helps emerging artists gain recognition and increases visibility for artists with disabilities. You can submit your film in this category if it fits the criteria.

There is no entry fee for your first submission and your film must have been produced in 2013. Do not mail a DVD copy. You must have a Vimeo account to upload your videos for submission. Visit the emmys foundation website for complete rules and entry form. Submission deadline is Jan. 14, 2014.

In addition to the College Television Awards, the Emmys Foundation also offers the Mister Rogers Memorial Scholarship Program which awards four $10,000 scholarships to graduate students ONLY to support and encourage them to pursue a career in children’s media and further the values and principles of Fred Rogers’ work. The scholarships are project-based and are not to be used for tuition. Click here for more information and to download the application.

Good luck everyone!