SUBMISSIONS, NOMINATIONS & VOTING
HMMA Submissions, Nominations and Voting:
GENERAL INFORMATION
All submissions are reviewed by the HMMA Selections Committee. The first round of initial selections are placed in a database for a second round of reviews to reach a final consensus of nominations. Winners are determined by the Hollywood Music In Media Academy. Voting is internal, confidential and winners are only revealed during the awards show, then posted for public access the following day.
The Hollywood Music In Media Academy (Voting Body) was created as a statutory body to determine the selection of winners via a voting ballot of designated categories within the Hollywood Music In Media Awards.
ELIGIBILITY & DEADLINES
• Eligible submissions are projects submitted in categories found in the official submission form
• Music In Visual Media eligibility release period is January 1st to December 31st of the current year. Exceptions can be considered if release date was after submission deadline of the prior year. If you have questions, contact support@hmmawards.com
• Submission deadline for most Music In Visual Media categories this year is October 15, 2023.
• Submission deadline exceptions for specific Film categories could be extended if circumstances warrant and permit.
• Voting is conducted from Oct. 24, 2023 through Nov. 7th, 2023.
• HMM Academy Voting Body will receive notices, instructions and link(s) to electronic voting ballots.
• To be considered for nomination, HMMA must have access to the project submitted. Portion(s) of the project(s) that best represent the music may be submitted in lieu of entire project. Many films not officially released are reviewed by HMMA committee members at film festivals and/or private screenings. HMMA is provided encrypted link(s) to review a project.
• The link of a visual file in submission form should not exceed 15 minutes in length. Edited clips that best represent music supporting visuals are preferred, whether a continuous 15 minute clip or an edited clip of multiple scenes. If deemed necessary or warranted, HMMA will request access to entire project.
• Submissions received and found ineligible, entry fee is forfeited.
• As deemed by the HMMA, submissions may be reassigned to a different, specific category other than what was chosen in the original submission. Examples include: "Original Score - Short Film" to "Original Score - Animated Short" or "Original Song - Independent Film" to "Original Song - Independent Film (Foreign Language)" and so on.
• All submissions will be researched to confirm validity through various means, and via online resources including IMDB.com.
• Original SCORE should comprise a minimum of 50% of the total music in the film.
• Original SCORE for franchise films, sequels and prequels, 80% of score should be original music.
• Only the principal composer(s) or songwriter(s) responsible for the conception and execution of the work as a whole shall be eligible for an award
Additional Submission Policies and Guidelines
All works submitted must be the Artist’s original work. Anyone submitting works for consideration represents they are the creators of the works submitted, own the rights or has authority to enter the works for nomination consideration.
• There is no limit to the number of submissions made to any category, and no limit from any authorized person or entity.
• Projects can be submitted to more than one category. Each submission will be considered a single paid entry.
• Submission fees are per entry.
• All entries are online only. It is the responsibility of the person submitting to ensure the functionality of links and/or web portals where the material is hosted
• There are no submission fee refunds.
• The Hollywood Music in Media Awards, while accepting entries over a period of months, reserves the right to open and/or close submission deadline(s) at its discretion.
• Music will be evaluated based on melody, composition, lyric (when applicable) and music-to-picture enhancement and augmentation. Quality of performance and production will also be considered.
• The HMMA reserves the right to re-categorize entries and/or combine categories as deemed necessary or appropriate.
• Winners will be announced only at the Main Event in November and online thereafter.
• All submissions will be reviewed. In most cases, this is confirmed by play/view count. However, some may not register as view/play because the minimum time of play is not met or some other technical issue.
• All Music Genre categories (independent music with no visual counterpart) are now the Hollywood Independent Music Awards. Independent music artists are urged to join the HIMA Global Network to receive vital info regarding the HIMA and music submission call for entries.
Definitions
DOCUMENTARY
A Documentary is a presentation of factual information about real people, places, and events, generally -- but not always -- portrayed through the use of actual images and artifacts.
INDEPENDENT FILM
An independent film, independent movie, indie film, or indie movie is a feature film or short film that is produced outside the major film studio system, in addition to being produced and distributed by independent entertainment companies. The budget for Independent film should not exceed 20 million dollars.
MOBILE VIDEO GAME
A mobile game is a video game that is played on a mobile phone, tablet, smartwatch, PDA, portable media player or graphing calculator.
SHORT FILM
A short film (fiction or non-fiction) is defined as an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less, including all credits.
VIDEO GAME (Console & PC)
A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface or input device -- such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing devices, to generate visual feedback for a player.