The Academy of Film Arts and Sciences expands from 17 to 18 branches after a vote by the organization’s board of directors on Friday afternoon.
A manufacturing and technology division has been established that will become the new home of “approximately 400 individuals formerly classified as Members-at-Large,” the Academy said in a statement. Those members were informed of their reclassification shortly before the announcement.
It will consist of “members working in key technical and production positions in all phases of filmmaking from pre- to post-production … including stunt coordinators, script supervisors, choreographers, music supervisors, colorists, line producers and associate producers.”
On the Academy’s already expanded board of directors, the new chapter will be represented by one governor—as opposed to the three representing each of the other 17 departments, plus the three general governors—following the next board election.
Members of each branch can participate in their branch’s board race between April 24 and 28, and elections will be held for all branches from June 5 to 9.
The Academy’s full announcement follows:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Directors today announced the formation of the Production and Technology Branch, which consists of approximately 400 individuals formerly classified as Members-at-Large. The new branch represents members working in key technical and production positions across all stages of filmmaking, from pre- to post-production.
Industry members include chief technology officers, senior division heads in technology and creative services, and conservation and restoration specialists. In addition, credited production roles including stunt coordinators, script supervisors, choreographers, music supervisors, colorists, line producers and associate producers will be part of the industry.