The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has formed a Production and Technology Branch to include about 400 individuals previously classified as members-at-large. The branch “represents members working in key technical and production positions in all phases of filmmaking, from pre- to post-production,” AMPAS says, listing chief technology officers, senior department heads in tech and creative services, and preservation and restoration specialists as among the inductees. In addition, credited production roles — including stunt coordinators, script supervisors, choreographers, music supervisors, colorists, line producers and associate producers — will be part of the branch.

“The purpose of the new branch is to have different people with various backgrounds to be a part of the Academy, not just the classic arts but the science heavy and tech inclusive group that have distinguished themselves in their separate fields,” an Academy member told IndieWire, continuing, “it is a more specific branch definition for members-at-large and more inclusive. For example, colorists, script supervisors, stunt coordinators that don’t have a branch definition will now have one. Also, new members don’t have to be in the specific branches to be admitted into the Academy.”

Membership requirements “to be considered for invitation” to the Production and Technology Branch are detailed by the Academy: prospects must “be actively engaged for the past eight years in the theatrical motion picture arts and sciences in a key creative or technical position” in either production or technology. In addition, they must meet the criteria specific to their group.

Those in production must ​​have credited roles on “at least eight theatrical feature films” that “reflect the high standards of the Academy.” Alternatively, they may have served for five consecutive years as head of visual effects, virtual production, music, sound or other departments.

On the technology track, aspiring members must have either served five consecutive years in a head technical position or “have made scientific and/or technological contributions which produced leading creative tools and/or systems for the crafts involved in the creation of the theatrical motion picture experience.”

“The news comes after Friday’s meeting of the 54-person Board of Governors for its annual post-mortem that takes place after the telecast to discuss areas of opportunity and potential changes moving forward,” Variety reports, noting that the 95th Oscars ceremony on March 12 “drew nearly 20 million viewers.”

The Academy’s prior most recent new branch was for casting directors, established in 2013. The Production and Technology Branch brings the number of AMPAS branches to 18 and will see a new branch member elected to the Board of Governors for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Academy noted in a press release.