ELIGIBILITY PERIOD January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014

ENTRY DEADLINE All submissions must be received and complete with payment and supplemental materials by Friday, October 31, 2014, 6:00 PM (PT)

46th NAACP Image Awards OFFICE OF SUBMISSIONS Monday, August 18 – Friday, November 21, 2014 4929 Wilshire Boulevard | Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA | 90010 www.naacpimageawards.net T (323) 938-5268 | F (323) 938-8153 [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS HISTORY OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS _____________________ 3   KEY DATES ________________________________________________ 5   ELIGIBILITY PERIOD AND REQUIREMENTS _____________________ 5   SUBMISSIONS AND ENTRY FEES _____________________________ 6   SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS _________________________________ 7   AWARD CATEGORIES ______________________________________ 13   NOMINATION PROCESS ____________________________________ 14   CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES ______________________________ 15   STAFF/OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION ______________________ 17  

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HISTORY OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARDS Presented annually, the NAACP Image Awards is the nation’s premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice. The NAACP Image Awards is an exciting, star-studded salute to the best in entertainment. Honorees, presenters and performers have included many of the major celebrities in America as well as international political figures and dignitaries. There are 54 competitive categories in the fields of motion picture, television, recording and literature. There are also several honorary awards including the Chairman’s Award, President’s Award, Vanguard Award, Entertainer of the Year and the Image Awards Hall of Fame. The NAACP Image Awards originally aired late night for eight years in the “Saturday Night Live” time slot on the NBC network. In 1996, the NAACP Image Awards aired in primetime on the FOX television network, where they have become a major programming event. In 2008, the Image Awards was broadcast live and in 2012 returned to the NBC network. In 2014, the NAACP signed a five-year deal with TV One, which is currently the home of the NAACP Image Awards. To understand the importance of the NAACP Image Awards, it has to be placed in a social and historical context. Ideas and images create the belief systems that control our individual and societal actions. When it comes to forming ideas, reinforcing stereotypes, establishing norms and shaping our thinking nothing affects us more than the images and concepts delivered into our lives on a daily basis by television, motion picture, recordings and literature. Accordingly, there is ample cause for concern about what does or does not happen in these mediums when there is little or no diversity in either opportunities or the decision making process. The NAACP has been involved in the continuing struggle for greater participation by African Americans in the entertainment industry and portrayal of Black people on the screen since 1915, when the organization launched a nationwide protest against the showing of the movie “Birth of a Nation” by D. W. Griffith. The film, set in the period immediately after the Civil War, depicted Black people as savages and the reconstruction era in our nation as a period of corruption. It remains today one of the most controversial films ever made. Shortly after the NAACP’s crusade against “Birth of a Nation,” a group of independent Black filmmakers appeared on the scene: Emmett, J. Scott, George and Noble Johnson, and the legendary Oscar Micheaux defied the stereotypes and offered movies with Black actors in stark contrast to the images otherwise available. Films produced by these pioneers were tributes to Black endurance and ambition. These movies, referred to as “race films,” portrayed Black people as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and lovers. Plagued by financial and distribution problems, these films virtually vanished by the end of the 1940′s.

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When the next professed great American cinematic masterpiece that featured African Americans, “Gone with the Wind,” was released in 1939, African Americans were less strident in their criticism, but less than happy with the film’s portrayal of them. By and large they supported and applauded Hattie McDaniel who was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for her role in “Gone with the Wind,” becoming the first Black performer to win an Academy Award. Before the end of the decade, television would be invented and introduced to the American public. With television, as was the case with motion pictures, the question of characterizations and opportunities for qualified Black men and women continued to be a problem. At its annual convention in July 1951, the NAACP passed a resolution critical of the new television series “Amos ‘N’ Andy” and other programs stressing negative stereotypes. According to the resolution, shows like “Amos ‘N’ Andy” depicted Black people in a stereotypical and derogatory manner, and the practice of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, persons, or firms sponsoring or promoting this show, the Beulah show, or other shows of this type are condemned.” Again, in 1963 and 1964, the NAACP adopted resolutions to mount a nationwide campaign to improve opportunities for “Negro” performers in motion pictures and television. NAACP Labor Secretary, Herbert Hill, conducted extensive negotiations with the Motion Picture Producers Association (MPPA), the heads of several major Hollywood studios and television networks, and officials of the labor/craft unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Although the NAACP’s campaign to eliminate racial bias in the entertainment industry received support from the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild of America West, craft unions in Hollywood continued to openly and systematically exclude Blacks as electricians, cameramen, carpenters, propmen, and other craft positions. In 1967, at the height of the civil rights movement, the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch of the NAACP, concerned about the portrayal of the Black experience, established the NAACP Image Awards to honor outstanding Black actors, actresses, writers, producers, directors, and recognized those working in Hollywood who supported those artists. In 1980, Executive Director Benjamin L. Hooks appointed a committee to look into the status of equal opportunity in Hollywood. The main focus of the committee was to examine the lack of opportunities for African Americans in the film industry. Despite the monumental events that had taken place in the movement for equal education, voting rights, women’s rights and employment laws, the entertainment industry remained intransigent. As recognized by director Steven Spielberg at the 2000 NAACP Image Awards, the motion picture industry must confess its guilty hand in perpetuating the lack of diversity both in front of and behind the lens. As Mr. Spielberg then correctly stated, “there’s a lot to be done in the world we share. We still must acknowledge the painful absence of racial diversity within our very own industry. We need to hire studio executives of color. We need to foster young minority talent, both in front of and behind the scenes.”

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KEY DATES August 2014 18

Submissions open

October 2014 24 31

Last day for supplemental materials to be received in the Office of Submissions Last day for submissions (6:00 PM, pacific time)

November 2014 14 21

Online voting opens for Nominating Committee Office of Submissions closes

December 2014 3 9

Online voting closes for Nominating Committee Press Conference announcing Nominees

January 2015 17

46th NAACP Image Awards’ Nominees’ Luncheon

February 2015 5 6

46th NAACP Image Awards’ Non-televised Awards Dinner Live Red Carpet and 46th NAACP Image Awards

ELIGIBILITY PERIOD AND REQUIREMENTS The eligibility period for all projects is January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2014. Additional requirements per category are as follows: •

Motion Picture Categories Projects (and individual achievements within it) must have been initially released and distributed in the U.S. and had a minimum commercial theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York for seven (7) consecutive days.

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Television Categories Projects (and individual achievements within it) must have had an original broadcast, cable or broadband airdate. An entry in drama and comedy will apply to a series and not a specific episode. A series is a minimum of nine (9) episodes, with a ½ hour or 1-hour format.

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•

Recording and Literary Categories Projects must have been released/debuted and distributed nationally.

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Documentary (Theatrical and Television) Categories Theatrical projects must have been initially released and distributed in the U.S. and had a minimum commercial theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York for seven (7) consecutive days. Television projects must have had an original broadcast or cable airdate in the U.S.

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Writing and Directing Categories Projects must have been initially released and distributed in the U.S. and had a minimum commercial theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York for seven (7) consecutive days or an original broadcast, cable or broadband airdate.

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Animated or CGI (Theatrical and Television) Category Theatrical projects must have been initially released and distributed in the U.S. and had a minimum commercial theatrical run in Los Angeles or New York for seven (7) consecutive days. Television projects must have had an original broadcast or cable airdate in the U.S.

SUBMISSIONS AND ENTRY FEES Entries for the NAACP Image Awards must be completed online at www.naacpimageawards.net. Once you setup an account, you can begin the submission entry process. There is a $200 tax-deductible, non-refundable processing fee for each submission. The NAACP tax ID number is 13-1084135. Payments can be made at the completion of the online submission via PayPal credit card processing. For literary submissions, there is an additional $15.00 shipping fee to send product to the literary subcommittee members. If you would like to make a payment by mail, first complete the submission online, then send a copy of the submission form along with a check or money order payable to the NAACP Image Awards (please write the submission ID number in the memo section of the check) and mail to: NAACP Image Awards – Office of Submissions 4929 Wilshire Boulevard | Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA | 90010 If you would like to make a manual credit card payment, complete the submission online, and then send an email to [email protected]. Please indicate in the subject line: “Request a Manual Credit Card Payment for Submission ID #(46xxxx)” Page 6 of 17

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS •

Motion Picture Categories Required Screeners Four (4) DVD/Blu-ray screeners are required to complete the submission. Once entry has been submitted online, please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards – Motion Picture Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 NOTE: The category of Outstanding Independent Motion Picture is voted on by a sub-committee – please provide seventeen (17) screening copies. Artwork Please upload project key art or headshot (if for a performer) during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Optional Screeners To educate and inform the NAACP Image Awards’ Nominating Committee of 300 about the project, we encourage you to provide them with a DVD/Blu-ray or a digital link to view the project online. There is an additional $100 handling fee for each project. 1. Each DVD/Blu-ray (300 are required) must be: a. Fully packaged – Each package must be in an appropriate mailing envelope and include a note indicating which category the project has been submitted for consideration. Note: please do not seal the packages. b. Postage paid and stamped – Each package must include paid postage and be properly stamped to be mailed within the U.S. DO NOT include RETURN ADDRESS on the packages. Note: If using dated metered mail, post-date at least 10 days ahead of the date you make your delivery to the NAACP Image Awards. 2. You may also provide a digital link for the nominating committee if you prefer. You will be able to select the option of a digital link while submitting online. You will be asked to pay the handling fee and provide a link with a password if one is required to access the site.

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If you have questions regarding the digital link, please send an email to [email protected]. Screening materials will not be accepted after October 24, 2014. •

Television Categories Required Screeners Four (4) DVD/Blu-ray screeners are required to complete the submission. Once entry has been submitted online, please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards – Television Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 Artwork Please upload project key art or headshot (if for a performer) during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Optional Screeners To educate and inform the NAACP Image Awards’ Nominating Committee of 300 about the project, we encourage you to provide them with a DVD/Blu-ray or a digital link to view the project online. There is an additional $100 handling fee for each project. 1. Each DVD/Blu-ray (300 are required) must be: a. Fully packaged – Each package must be in an appropriate mailing envelope and include a note indicating which category the project has been submitted for consideration. Note: please do not seal the packages. b. Postage paid and stamped – Each package must include paid postage and be properly stamped to be mailed within the U.S. DO NOT include RETURN ADDRESS on packages. Note: If using dated metered mail, post-date at least 10 days ahead of the date you make your delivery to the NAACP Image Awards. 2. You may also provide a digital link for the nominating committee if you prefer. You will be able to select the option of a digital link while submitting online. You will be asked to pay the handling fee and provide a link with a password if one is required to access the site.

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If you have questions regarding the digital link, please send an email to [email protected]. Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014. •

Recording Categories Required Screeners Four (4) CD/DVD/Blu-ray screeners are required to complete the submission. Once entry has been submitted online, please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards – Recording Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 NOTE: The category of Outstanding Jazz Album is voted on by a subcommittee – please provide seventeen (17) screening copies. Artwork Please upload project key art or headshot (if for a artist/duo or group) during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Optional Screeners To educate and inform the NAACP Image Awards’ Nominating Committee of 300 about the project, we encourage you to provide them with a DVD/Blu-ray or a digital link to view/listen to the project online. There is an additional $100 handling fee for each project. 1. Each CD/DVD/Blu-ray (300 are required) must be: a. Fully packaged – Each package must be in an appropriate mailing envelope and include a note indicating which category the project has been submitted for consideration. Note: please do not seal the packages. b. Postage paid and stamped – Each package must include paid postage and be properly stamped to be mailed within the U.S. DO NOT include RETURN ADDRESS on packages. Note: If using dated metered mail, post-date at least 10 days ahead of the date you make your delivery to the NAACP Image Awards. 2. You may also provide a digital link for the nominating committee if you prefer. You will be able to select the option of a digital link while

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submitting online. You will be asked to pay the handling fee and provide a link with a password if one is required to access the site. If you have questions regarding the digital link, please send an email to [email protected]. Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014. •

Literary Categories Required Books All entries must be accompanied by fifteen (15) original copies of the book with covers. In addition to the required copies, you may also provide a digital link that can be used with iBooks or Kindle applications. Please ship project to: NAACP Image Awards – Literary Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 In addition to the processing fee, an additional $15.00 will be added at time of check out to ship the books to the literary sub-committee members. Artwork Please upload project key art/book cover during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014.

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Documentary Categories Required Screeners Eighteen (18) DVD/Blu-ray screeners must be submitted to complete the submission. Please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards Documentary Motion Picture Department or Documentary Television Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 | Los Angeles, CA, 90010 Artwork Please upload project key art during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014.

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Writing Categories Required Screeners Twelve (12) DVD/Blu-ray screeners must be submitted to complete the submission. Please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards Office of Submissions – WGA 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 Required Script A .pdf file of the project’s script must also be uploaded or emailed to [email protected] with the subject line: NAACP Image Awards Submissions – Writing Category Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014. Artwork Please upload writer’s headshot during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf.

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Directing Categories Required Screeners Twelve (12) DVD/Blu-ray screeners must be submitted to complete the submission. Please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards Office of Submissions – DGA 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014. Artwork Please upload director’s headshot during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf.

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Animated or Computer Generated Image (CGI) Category Required Screeners Four (4) DVD/Blu-ray screeners are required to complete the submission. Once entry has been submitted online, please send screeners to: NAACP Image Awards Motion Picture Department or Television Department 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 Artwork Please upload project key art or headshot (if for a performer) during submissions online entry. File should be 300 dpi (color preferred,) and acceptable formats include .jpg, .eps, or .pdf. Optional Screeners To educate and inform the NAACP Image Awards’ Nominating Committee of 300 about the project, we encourage you to provide them with a DVD/Blu-ray or a digital link to view the project online. There is an additional $100 handling fee for each project. 3. Each DVD/Blu-ray (300 are required) must be: a. Fully packaged – Each package must be in an appropriate mailing envelope and include a note indicating which category the project has been submitted for consideration. Note: please do not seal the packages. b. Postage paid and stamped – Each package must include paid postage and be properly stamped to be mailed within the U.S. DO NOT include RETURN ADDRESS on packages. Note: If using dated metered mail, post-date at least 10 days ahead of the date you make your delivery to the NAACP Image Awards. 4. You may also provide a digital link for the nominating committee if you prefer. You will be able to select the option of a digital link while submitting online. You will be asked to pay the handling fee and provide a link with a password if one is required to access the site. If you have questions regarding the digital link, please send an email to [email protected]. Screening materials will not be accepted after Friday, October 24, 2014.

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AWARD CATEGORIES   Television Categories • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Literature Categories

Outstanding Comedy Series Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Outstanding Drama Series Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special Outstanding News/ Information (Series or Special) Outstanding Talk Series Outstanding Reality Series Outstanding Variety (Series or Special) Outstanding Host in a Talk, Reality, or Variety (Series or Special) Outstanding Children’s Program Outstanding Performance by a Youth in a Youth/Children’s Program (Series or Special)

• • • • • • • •

Motion Picture Categories Outstanding Motion Picture Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture • Outstanding Independent Motion Picture • • • •

Documentary Categories • Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical) • Outstanding Documentary (Television) Writing Categories • Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series • Outstanding Writing in a Dramatic Series • Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Television) • Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical)

Recording Categories Outstanding New Artist Outstanding Male Artist Outstanding Female Artist Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration Outstanding Jazz Album Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) • Outstanding Music Video • Outstanding Song • Outstanding Album • • • • • •

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto Biography Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry Outstanding Literary Work – Children Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens

Directing Categories • Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series • Outstanding Directing in a Dramatic Series • Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Television) • Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Theatrical) Animated or Computer Generated Image (CGI) Category • Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance

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NOMINATION PROCESS   Judging Nominating Committee and Sub-committees are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalist, literary agents and others) and NAACP board members, executives, and staff. Entries received are viewed and evaluated online, during special screenings, industry screenings, and individual research. Based on the member’s evaluation, the member then determines their top five (5) selections per category and applies the following criteria to each selection: •

Fair, Accurate and Inclusive Representations

•

Originality

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Impact

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Cultural Responsibility/Integrity

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Overall Quality

  Nomination Process and Notification Once the top five (5) nominees in each category have been selected, a press conference is held to announce approximately 30% of the nominees. A press release is also distributed with the full list of nominations. An email is then sent to the “person to be notified if the project or performer is nominated” section completed during the online submission entry process. That individual will be sent a link to login to the online NAACP Image Awards Nominee Contact System, and will be asked if they are still the primary contact. If they answer no, a window will pop-up and they will be able to have an email sent to the correct individual. If they answer yes, they will proceed to the site and confirm/update the following information: 1. Primary contact 2. Secondary contact 3. Add additional contacts (agent, manager, publicist, assistant, publisher) 4. Name(s) for nominee certificate(s) 5. RSVP for events

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a. Nominee guest allocation for each event is as follows: i. Individual nomination – two (2) RSVPs ii. Motion picture, television program, or group/duo nomination – four (4) RSVPs b. The RSVP is for the events around the awards show, and does not apply to the live awards show broadcast. Please be aware that the NAACP Image Awards Nominee Contact System will be the only way a nominee can confirm their attendance for the Image Awards events, certificates and trophies.

CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES Certificates If a project is selected as a NAACP Image Awards nominee, the will be issued a certificate. Certificates are distributed at the Nominees’ Luncheon. Should the nominee have a scheduling conflict, the certificate will be mailed to the primary contact information provided in the NAACP Image Awards Nominee Contact System. Certificate allocation is as follows: 1. Individual nomination – one (1) certificate   2. Motion Picture, television program, or group/duo nomination – four (4) certificates   Trophies If a project is selected to receive a NAACP Image Awards, the primary contact will be notified and asked to login to the contact system. Trophy allocation is as follows: 1. Individual winner – one (1) trophy   2. Motion Picture, television program, or group/duo winner – three (3) trophies   Additionally, contact will need to provide: 1. Name of the individual(s) to receive a trophy 2. Ground shipping information for each individual receiving a trophy Upon approval, additional trophies may be purchased at a cost of $400 each for categories that are non-individual based. Literary category winners are based on authors and illustrators are considered individual winners.

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For Your Consideration Campaigns th

The Office of Submissions for the 46 NAACP Image Awards will accept banner advertisements for the For Your Consideration campaigns. Ad placements can be through email distributions, the submission website and on the nominating committee digital screeners website. Ad space is open to all submissions, but is limited in availability.

Online Campaign •

Email Marketing Banner Ad An email banner ad will run once on select emails sent to a variety of lists: Ø Ø Ø Ø

300 – person Nominating Committee 7,000 – person special events 20,000 – person general interest, 350 – person media/publicists

Sample email marketing banner ad (specs: 598 x 105 pixels)

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Submission and Nominating Committee Digital Screeners Web Site A leader-board banner ad will be placed at the top of a select web-page on the Submission Site or the Nominating Committee digital screeners web site. There are several pages for each site, and each can accommodate a different banner ad. Ads will run during four different 3-week periods. All ad space will be utilized regardless of the number of ads purchased, and will be ran based on seniority (determined by purchase date). Sample digital screener site banner ad (Specs: 728 x 90 pixels)

For more information and rates on the digital ads, please email [email protected].

Special Screening If you are interested in hosting a screening of your project for the nominating committee and NAACP voting members, please contact Junie Harris at [email protected]. Note: Please be aware that all costs associated with a screening are the responsibility of the host.

 

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STAFF/OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have any questions regarding Submissions, please reach out to the appropriate coordinator. Office of Submissions Office Hours 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday Fax No. (323) 938-8153 General Office Information Motion Picture and Documentary (Theatrical) Coordinator Alyssa Stanley [email protected] Direct dial: (323) 938-2791 Television and Documentary (Television) Coordinator Sheila Cutchlow [email protected] Direct dial: (323) 938-2792

Recording Coordinator Darone Bowers [email protected] Direct dial: (323) 938-2789 Writing Categories Writers Guild of America, West [email protected] (323) 782-4589 Directing Categories Directors Guild of America [email protected]

Literary Coordinator Charles Johnson [email protected] Direct dial: 323-938-2787 NAACP Hollywood Bureau | NAACP Image Awards 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 310 Los Angeles, CA, 90010 T (323) 938-5268 F (323) 938-5045 www.naacpimageawards.net facebook.com/naacpimageaward twitter.com/naacpimageaward youtube.com/naacpimageawards instagram.com/naacpimageawards

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