The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers announced it plans to provide administrative support for the Hollywood Post Alliance. The move is part of a larger plan to eventually combine the two organizations. SMPTE made the announcement yesterday during the Entertainment Technology in the Internet Age conference at Stanford University. A roadmap has been endorsed by both boards that will steer HPA toward consolidation within SMPTE as a separate affiliate organization.

The organizations have a tentative plan to consolidate by May 2015, according to Barbara Lange, SMPTE executive director.

With 6,000 members, global standards-setting body SMPTE will be 100 years old in 2016. Founded in 2002, HPA is “a trade association that provides support for the postproduction, digital FX and content creation services communities,” explains The Hollywood Reporter.

“The impact of technology on creativity is increasingly important to those who create, own, support and consume content,” said Leon Silverman, HPA president. “The HPA’s focus on the creative community combined with SMPTE’s commitment to standards and both organizations’ commitment to community and education provide a powerful platform for industry.”

“The ability for HPA to join forces with the foremost international standards organization for our industry allows the HPA to enable a global conversation about creativity and technology,” added Jerry Pierce, HPA board VP and a technical consultant to NATO. “We are excited about the opportunities for both organizations to provide value to our members.”