AIMEG Certification Standards

AI Media Production Certification Framework v1.0

1. Introduction

The AIMEG Certification Mark — "AI Production: AIMEG Certified" — is the definitive credential for media content created with artificial intelligence tools under human creative direction. This document defines the standards, criteria, and audit procedures required to earn and maintain AIMEG certification.

Certification is voluntary but becomes mandatory for productions seeking AIMEG collective bargaining protections, awards eligibility, and preferred platform partnerships.

2. Certification Categories

2.1 AIMEG Certified — Production

Awarded to individual films, series episodes, commercials, or other media projects that meet all AIMEG standards for human creative oversight, fair compensation, and ethical AI use.

2.2 AIMEG Certified — Creator

Awarded to individual professionals who demonstrate competency in AI-assisted media production through examination, portfolio review, or accredited training completion.

2.3 AIMEG Certified — Studio

Awarded to production companies that consistently meet AIMEG standards across their production slate and maintain internal compliance protocols.

2.4 AIMEG Certified — Platform

Awarded to distribution platforms that commit to surfacing AIMEG certification marks, sharing certified production revenue data, and respecting AIMEG residual obligations.

3. Production Certification Requirements

3.1 Human Creative Oversight Standard (HCOS)

All AIMEG-certified productions must demonstrate meaningful human creative direction. The HCOS is measured across five dimensions:

Minimum HCOS Score: 70 out of 100 points across all dimensions.

3.2 AI Dependency Level (ADL) Declaration

Productions must declare their ADL at registration:

• ADL-1: AI used for reference/pre-visualization only
• ADL-2: AI generates assets; human makes final decisions
• ADL-3: AI generates majority of outputs; human supervises
• ADL-4: Highly automated pipeline; human provides direction and QC

ADL determines rate multipliers, residual obligations, and credit requirements (see AIMEG Rate Sheet).

3.3 Compensation Compliance

• All covered creative roles paid at or above AIMEG minimum rates
• PH&W contributions (18.5%) remitted to AIMEG Creator Welfare Fund
• Contracts provided in writing to all covered workers
• Payment within 15 business days of invoice or completed milestone

3.4 Credit Integrity

• AIMEG certification mark displayed accurately (opening or end credits per budget tier)
• All AI-era creative roles credited (prompters, pipeline engineers, creative supervisors)
• No false or misleading claims regarding human involvement
• IMDb / festival submissions include AIMEG certification ID

3.5 Data & Training Transparency

Productions must disclose:

• Whether training data used in custom models was licensed or ethically sourced
• Whether any performer likeness was used for synthetic generation (and if so, whether consent was obtained)
• Whether any traditional crew roles were displaced by AI (and if so, what retraining/transition support was provided)

4. Creator Certification Requirements

4.1 Pathways to Certification

Pathway A: Examination

• Pass the AIMEG Certified Creator Exam (100 questions, 75% minimum score)
• Exam covers: AI tool competency, creative direction principles, ethics, labor standards, IP fundamentals
• $150 examination fee; one free retake within 12 months

Pathway B: Portfolio Review

• Submit portfolio of 3+ AI-assisted productions with documentation
• Portfolio reviewed by AIMEG Standards Committee
• $250 review fee

Pathway C: Accredited Training

• Complete an AIMEG-accredited training program (minimum 40 hours)
• Programs offered by partner institutions and AIMEG directly
• Training fee set by provider; AIMEG certification fee of $100

4.2 Continuing Education

Certified creators must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually to maintain certification. Accepted formats:

• AIMEG workshops and webinars
• Accredited partner courses
• Industry conference attendance (with proof)
• Published research or thought leadership in AI media

4.3 Certification Renewal

Creator certifications are valid for 2 years. Renewal requires:

• Proof of continuing education
• Active participation in at least one certified production OR 20 hours of pro bono/volunteer AI media work
• Current membership in good standing
• Renewal fee: $75

5. Studio & Platform Certification

5.1 Studio Certification

Requires:

• Minimum 3 AIMEG-certified individuals on staff or under contract
• Internal compliance officer designated
• Written commitment to AIMEG standards on all productions
• Annual audit by AIMEG (or designated third party)
• Clean disciplinary record (no decertifications in past 24 months)

5.2 Platform Certification

Requires:

• Technical capability to display AIMEG certification marks on content pages
• Agreement to share certified production revenue data with AIMEG for residual calculations
• Commitment to promote AIMEG-certified content in discovery algorithms (non-exclusive, non-discriminatory)
• Quarterly reporting on certified content performance
• Annual platform fee (negotiated based on volume)

6. Audit & Enforcement

6.1 Random Audits

AIMEG conducts random audits of 5% of certified productions annually.

6.2 Complaint-Driven Audits

Any member or third party may file a complaint triggering an audit. Frivolous complaints may result in disciplinary action.

6.3 Audit Process

1. Notice issued to production representative
2. Document production within 14 days (contracts, payroll, call sheets, QC logs)
3. AIMEG auditor reviews and may conduct interviews
4. Findings issued within 30 days of document receipt
5. Production has 14 days to respond or remediate

6.4 Sanctions

• Minor violations: Warning with 60-day remediation period
• Moderate violations: Suspension of certification for 90 days
• Major violations: Revocation of certification; public decertification notice; 12-month ban on reapplication
• Willful fraud: Permanent ban; potential legal referral

7. Appeals

Productions and creators may appeal certification decisions to the AIMEG Standards Committee within 30 days. Appeals must be in writing and include:

• Specific grounds for appeal
• New evidence not previously considered
• Requested remedy

The Standards Committee shall render a decision within 45 days. Decisions of the Standards Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors.

Effective Date: May 18, 2026
Last Reviewed: May 18, 2026
Next Review: July 1, 2026
Contact: certification@aimeg.net