What is the ATAS Casting Director Peer Group?

In 1985, due to the efforts of a CSA "Academy Recognition Committee" (headed by then member Gary Shaffer), The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences officially welcomed Casting Directors into their membership ranks. Casting Directors who are members of the Academy are part of an artist's collective officially labeled ATAS Casting Director Peer Group.

In 1989, the Academy began recognizing the contributions of Casting Directors with the first Casting Emmy for "Oustanding Achievement in Casting for A Miniseries or a Special." Today, Casting Directors receive Emmy statuettes in four different casting categories, including "Mini-Series, Movie or Special," "Drama Series," "Comedy Series" and most recently, "Daytime Drama."