The International Academy of Web Television

The International Academy of Web Television is the newest addition to the to the International Academy. It is just like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science except for all productions produced for the interent.

The IAWTV was founded in 2008 and is devoted to the advancement of the arts and sciences of web television production. The following year the IAWT held the first Streamy Awards to honor and recognize excellence in web television production. The winners are selected by the members of the IAWTV.

It was only fitting that the web community would get their own organization to recognize and honor the achievements of the web community. Over the past few years the web has seen a boom of orignal content and series allowing it to become the go to place for getting your ideas out to the public. It has also seen an increase of high profile names come to act, direct and produce online content.

This is due to sites like Youtube, My Damn Channel and Funny or Die just about everyone can create and upload their content to be viewed by millions. They aslo allow for things to go "viral" which could lead them to be nominated for a Streamy or Webby award. By constantly creating high quality content the IAWTV can invite you to become a member, which to some is a very high honor.

Having an organization like the IAWTV shows just how far long web content has come over the years and how wildly recognized it is. With so many networks moving towards more reality based programming it is becoming more and more difficult to get your original idea told. By taking advantage of the IAWTV and the vast number of upload sites more and more are being picked up by the big talent agencies and networks to create their original content.

A lot of my friends in Los Angeles are members of the IAWTV. They tell me about the workshops that members hold where they share scripts and help each other flesh out ideas. This is a big thing especially when you are looking for help finishing an idea or looking for others to help write future scripts. If I were still living in LA I would take advantage of these workshops to help me with my scripts. However, I look forward to taking advantage of everything the web has to offer and the opportunities it can bring in the near future.