30TH ASIAN TELEVISION AWARDS – Asian Television Awards

30^th ASIAN TELEVISION AWARDS

CATEGORY DEFINITIONS

The submitting company should represent a Broadcaster, VOD, OTT, Social Media Platform, Multi-Network Channel Operator, Mobile Content Provider, TV Production Company or UPGC.

Subject to specific requirements of a category:

There is generally no requirement that content submitted must premiere exclusively on terrestrial, cable or streaming. Joint airings via cable, satellite, streaming or terrestrial systems are permitted; and

Content submitted should conform to broadcast quality specifications and durations unless specified in the specific Category requirements.

Full details of Production Company and Crew should be provided.

Section I : Category Definitions – Programming

PR 20 – Best News Programme
News programme is defined as a programme presenting important recent events or developments, often presented “live”. Online news programmes are eligible.
PR 21 – Best Single News Story/Report (10mins or less)
A single broadcast or account presenting important recent events or developments, often a breaking news/ investigative report. Online news programmes are eligible
PR 22 – Best Current Affairs Programme
A programme offering analysis of important political and social events or issues of the present time, often presented as a packaged/ pre-edited programme. Programme may be on broadcast platform or online.
PR 23 – Best Talk Show
A programme made up mainly of interviews with a guest or guests.
PR 24 – Best Infotainment Programme
Infotainment is defined as a TV programme that deals with serious issues or current affairs in an entertaining way, usually in a magazine-style presentation.
PR 25 – Best Social Awareness Programme
A TV programme (usually non-fiction) that draws attention to an issue or cause of social importance.
PR 26 – Best Documentary Programme (one-off/ special)
Documentary is defined as a factual programme presenting facts and information, rather than telling a fictional story, especially about a political, historical, or social issue. (NB: Reality or Lifestyle shows are not eligible for this category)
PR 27 – Best Documentary Series
Documentary series is defined as a factual programme that continues over more than one episode or consists of a collection/ anthology of one-offs that constitute a central theme. Examples include a history series, modern civilisation, or a collection of programmes covering a certain event or social issues. Two (2) episodes must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
PR 28 – Best Natural History or Wildlife Programme
Natural History is defined as the study of the whole natural world. Wildlife is defined as wild animals, birds, and other living things.
PR 29 – Best Drama Series
Drama is defined as a TV programme portraying a fictional subject matter of a serious nature. Series is defined as a set of regularly broadcast consecutive programmes, with plot continuity from episode to episode. Two (2) episodes each of minimum 20 mins must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
PR 30 – Best Single Drama or Telemovie
A single, self-contained, TV programme or made-for-TV movie; fictional in nature
PR 31 – Best Entertainment (one-off/ annual)
A one-off or major annual televised entertainment or variety show.
PR 32 – Best General Entertainment Programme
A TV programme containing a variety of entertainment elements.
PR 33 – Best Comedy Programme
A TV programme that contains strong elements of humour.
(NB: Fictional drama with strong comedic elements are allowed)
PR 34 – Best Game or Quiz Programme
Defined as a television programme in which people compete for money, prizes, recognition or contracts.
PR 35 – Best Lifestyle Programme
A non-fiction programme focussing on lifestyle topics such as food, travel, health, beauty, fashion, interior design, parenting, leisure pursuits or interests.
PR 36 – Best Music Programme
A programme featuring live, televised or pre-recorded music performances.
(NB: Biographies of musicians/ artistes are allowed, but these should contain a substantial amount of actual musical performances)
PR 37 – Best Reality Show
Programmes in which the premise, circumstances or situations are manipulated for the purpose of creating the programme, unscripted reality, and docu-soaps. This includes all game shows or any program that gives a prize or is itself a contest and/or competition. (NB: Documentaries are not eligible for this category)
PR 38 – Best Adaptation of an Existing Format
Programme must be an Asian production, but format can have originated elsewhere.
PR 39 – Best Branded Content
Content that is funded or outright produced by an advertiser, designed to build awareness for a brand by associating with the content that shares its values. Advertisements and sales pitches are not eligible. Content must not be less than 1 min in duration.
PR 40 – Best Children’s Programme
A programme produced specifically for children or youth/teens
PR 41 – Best Preschool Programme
A programme or series produced specifically for preschool viewers.
PR 42 – Best 2D Animated Programme
A fictional or non-fiction programme that is predominantly 2D, either via computer or hand-made (2D animation must constitute at least 75 percent of the programme).
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off 2D specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or animated 2D feature films (long form) are eligible for this category.
PR 43 – Best 3D Animated Programme
A fictional or non-fictional programme that is predominantly CGI 3D (3D animation must constitute at least 75 percent of the programme). This category does not include Stop Motion, Clay animation, and Puppetry.
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off 3D specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or animated 3D feature films (long form) are eligible for this category.
PR 44 – Best Live Sports Coverage
Live sports coverage is defined as a TV broadcast of any sporting event as it is happening
PR 45 – Best Sports Programme
A programme focussing on sports related topic(s), usually presented in a magazine-style. (NB: Live Sports shows are not eligible for this category).

Section II : Category Definitions – OTT

Content submitted must first premiere on the internet/mobile. Joint premiere with cable or terrestrial is accepted.

ST 50 – Best Documentary Programme (OTT)

A non-fictional single programme created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series. One-off specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or feature films (long form) are eligible for this category)

2. ST 51 – Best Documentary Series (OTT)

A non-fictional series created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series.

(NB: The submitted series should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes.

3. ST 52 – Best Drama Series (OTT)

A fictional programme or series created specifically for internet audiences. The storytelling must be standalone, and may not be derivative of an existing linear programme or series.
(NB: The submitted episode should fit the duration of a televised half-hour time slot. Several episodes of the same series may be submitted as a single entry totalling approximately 20-30 minutes. One-off specials (approximately 20-30 minutes) or feature films (long form) are eligible for this category)

4. ST 53 – Best Original Drama Series (OTT)

A minimum of two episodes with a combined duration in excess of 40 mins. Each episode should be no less than 20 mins. There is no upper limit to the total duration. Drama Series must be a set of consecutive episodes with plot continuity from episode to episode. Plot must be original and not an adaptation from any published content whether it is film, book, comic or video.

5. ST 54 – Best Original Entertainment Programme (OTT)

Content containing a variety of entertainment elements. May be standalone or a series. Programme concept must be original and not an adaptation from any published content whether it is film, book, comic or video.

Section III : Category Definitions – Performance

PE 60 – Best News Presenter or Anchor
PE 61 – Best Current Affairs Presenter
PE 62 – Best Talk Show Host
PE 63 – Best Quiz or Game Show Host
PE 64 – Best Entertainment Presenter or Host
PE 65 – Best Sports Presenter or Commentator
PE 66 – Best Actor in a Leading Role
PE 67 – Best Actress in a Leading Role
PE 68 – Best Actor in a Supporting Role
PE 69 – Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Section IV : Category Definitions – Technical & Creative

TC 70 – Best Cinematography (Documentary)

The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

2. TC 71 – Best Direction (Documentary)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

3. TC 72 – Best Editing (Documentary)
The preparation of the final version of a programme, determining length and order of shots and scenes for inclusion.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

4. TC 73 – Best Cinematography (Drama)
The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

5. TC 74 – Best Direction (Drama)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

6. TC 75 – Best Editing (Drama)
The preparation of the final version of a programme, determining length and order of shots and scenes for inclusion.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

7. TC 76 – Best Production Design (Drama)

The designing of sets to create the visualisation of the content for effects, authenticity, accuracy and consistency.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

8. TC 77 – Best Original Screenplay
The development and writing of an original fictional screenplay for a drama, comedy, sitcom, or sci-fi programme (one-off) or series.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

9. TC 78 – Best Scriptwriting

The development and writing of a fictional or non-fictional programme or series. Adaptations are accepted.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

10. TC 79 – Best Theme Song

A theme song written specifically or commissioned for a drama or telemovie
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

11. TC 80 – Best Extended Reality Project

These are projects that make use of Augmented Reality (leveraging and integrating real world attributes), Virtual Reality (creating completely virtual elements) or both AR and VR to create impact. Project Demo Video of max 2 mins required.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

12. TC 81 – Best AI Application

These are projects that make use of Artificial Intelligence in editing, scriptwriting, voice-overs, translations and sub-titling or video effects during production. A description of how AI is applied is required including the names of any AI software deployed.

Section V : Category Definitions – Short Videos & Micro Dramas

Content submitted must first premiere on mobile on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitch, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Douyin, Weibo, Kuaishou or Xiaohongshu. Video submission formats in vertical mobile format is acceptable. All videos per episode must be more than 1 min and less than 15 mins. Trailers, Promotional videos and advertisements are not allowed.

DG 80 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Factual)

A video or programme series depicting facts and information, typically about political, social or historical issues

2. DG 81 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Social)

A video or programme series highlighting current social trends and issues.

3. DG 82 – Best Short Form Video Series / Programme (Entertainment)

Short form comedies, impersonations, skits, game shows, talk shows and videos which generally provide entertainment.

4. DG 83 – Best Music Video

Content that integrates song with imagery, and is produced for promotional, commercial or artistic purposes. Music and songs may be original, licensed or royalty free.

5. DG 84 – Best Micro Drama

6. DG 85 – Best Micro Drama – Original

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Script may not be an adaptation or derivation of existing literature, books, comics, videos or movies.

7. DG 86 – Best Micro Drama – Contemporary

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Story is set in modern settings and need not be original.

8. DG 87 – Best Micro Drama – Period or Costume

These are drama series with episodic duration of under 2 mins. Either a minimum of 10 episodes must be submitted or a total video duration of 10 mins must be provided. Videos are not allowed to be composited. Story is set in a historical setting and need not be original.

Section VI : Category Definitions – ASEAN

ASEAN refers to the definition of the Association of Southeast Asian Countries. Content submitted must fulfil the following requirements:

first premiered on a platform (could be terrestrial, digital or cable) available in ASEAN

commissioned and produced by ASEAN entities. Where there are co-productions, all co-production partners should be ASEAN entities

content submitted must be original, adaptations are not allowed

AS90 – Best Southeast Asian Drama Series
Series is defined as a set of regularly broadcast consecutive programmes, with plot continuity from episode to episode. Two (2) episodes must be submitted. Both submitted episodes must have been broadcasted between the eligibility dates.
AS91 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Direction)
The supervision of the actual making and filming of a television programme.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)
AS92 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Original Screenplay)The development and writing of an original fictional screenplay for a drama, comedy, sitcom, or sci-fi programme (one-off) or series.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)
AS93 – Best Southeast Asian Drama (Cinematography)
The art or technique of photographing and lighting moving images.
(NB: please provide full details of Production Company or crew)

. . . .

Download the PDF file of the Category with Definition here:

30th ATA Category Definitions Download