Telly Awards Adds Microseries Song With Dozens of New Categories (Exclusive)

As the Telly Awards prepare for their 48th annual competition, they have added a full track for the rapidly growing microseries industry. The Telly Awards have added 56 new categories in the microseries space, covering both general fields and crafts. "Great stories drive engagement regardless of format, whether it is a documentary or a brand […]

As the Telly Awards heads into its 48th annual competition, it has added a whole new song to the fast-growing micro industry. The Telly Awards have added 56 new categories in the microseries space, covering both mainstream and craft areas.

Amanda Needham, CEO of the Telly Awards, said in a statement: “Great stories move you regardless of format – whether it's a documentary, a brand campaign or a new vertical series. We're adding micro-series and generative AI this season as formats evolve — but what makes a great story doesn't. Related Stories Taylor Swift's 'Patient Zero' Holds No.1 on Singles Chart for Second Week Taylor Swift has spent her 100th week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 as 'Life of a Showgirl' tops the second week of the 'Encore'.

The Telly Awards focus on video production from around the world, including series, commercials, branded content, films and shorts, social video, generative AI, immersive/interactive and more. Last year, Tellys received 14,000 entries from 55 countries, a new record. (Variety won six awards at the 47th annual Telly Awards — including a gold for "Variety's Behind the Show with Emily Longeretta," which won in the Social Video: Media & Entertainment category.) Popular at Variety

New microseries craft categories include 2D animation, 3D/CG animation, art direction, color grading, digital environments, directing, drone and aerial filming, editing, motion graphics and design, original soundtrack, production design, sound and sound design, use of animation, use of archival images, use of comedy, use of artificial intelligence, use of stock footage, vertical filming, vertical clip, virtual art direction, visual effects, voice acting and narration and writing

General categories include Action & Adventure, Animation, Beauty & Personal Care, Book Adaptation, Branded Entertainment, Comedy, Creator & Host, Culture + Lifestyle, DEI: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Documentary, Drama, Education & Discovery, Entertainment, Food & Drink, Game Show & Quiz, Historical, Holiday & Seasonal, Horror & LGBT News, and Thriller.

Also: Narrative, Unscripted, Procedural, Popular Interest & Awareness, Reality, Romance, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Social Impact, Sports, Telenovela, Workplace Culture & Young Adult.

The Telly Awards also announced new members of its judging panel: Carrie Easter, Head of Marketing, Fremantle U.K.; Nathan Isherwood, Head of Valar Studios, Valar Group; Joel Meyer, Executive Vice President, Lionsgate Television; Patricia Ramella, senior director, brand, marketing and digital, Latin America, Paramount; and Sabrina Telle, Director of Creative Strategy, Leica.

As it moves deeper into the world of microseries, the Telly Awards also signed on vertical streaming platform ReelShort as a partner (along with Nonfiction Hotlist).

"Vertical video isn't the future of storytelling, it's now," ReelShort global content director Sophie Xiong said in a statement. "We see the format evolving across established genres, talent and IP, creating new ways for audiences to discover stories they already love and new ones. Partnering with the Telly Awards is an opportunity to celebrate this evolution and recognize the creators and stories that drive the format forward."

You can see the 48th Annual Telly Awards on the site. The early entry deadline is December 11th, and the deadline will be announced at a later date.