Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Kin,

On July 12, 2022 the Emmy nominations were released.  It came to my attention that multiple people who were supposed to be on ballots were not, including myself.  After a concerned call to the show I was supposed to be nominated for, I was informed that the Television Academy will no longer be recognizing anyone with “Background” in their title.  This arbitrary decision is elitist and is completely disrespectful to our artistry and craft. 

If you’ve ever run or worked in a Hair or Makeup Background Department, especially on a period/stylized show, you know exactly the time and effort that is invested into ensuring these departments succeed.  Very often our call times are as early as 3AM, with a 5 hour work call to get 500 background actors through, consistently working those hours and not stopping until the last actor is perfect.  

You might ask “Why would you do that?!”  I have one word.  Passion.  The TV and Film industry is fueled by the passion of the artists behind it. Whether it be Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe, Set Design or Props, everyone serves an individual purpose and our skill sets should not be diminished by a small group of people who deem us “not worthy”

What is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel without a period appropriate background? Or Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, or Stranger things?  All of these shows require a specific skill set to create an aesthetic to tell a story of a different time.  Without a talented background department, these shows would not be considered for nominations.  

This is beyond my excluded nomination.  This is about maintaining the recognition that we rightfully deserve.  We work years perfecting our craft to ensure we have the  knowledge and tools to create the art that's demanded of us.  How far will we let people push us into thinking that we are undeserving?  We are essential to the success of these shows and we are more than worthy of the acknowledgment.  

I.A.T.S.E. members and supporters, I urge you to sign this petition and let the Television Academy know that Background Artists need to be included in nominations as we are essential to the creative process.   

And to the members of the guild that made this adverse decision, I would like to invite you to spend a day running a background department on a 500 person day.  After you’ve walked a mile in our shoes, I can guarantee you’ll never question our worth again.  

Sincerely,

Sister Stephanie Cannone

I.A.T.S.E Local 798 Member