NoBudge F.A.Q's:
Can I submit my film if it's already available online?
Yes. Feel free to submit any film regardless of premiere status or existing availability. NoBudge is not an exclusive platform.
What type of films do you screen?
Narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, web series, sketch comedy, music/dance videos.
Do I get feedback with my submission?
No, we don't offer feedback on film submissions. But you will be notified whether your film is selected or not.
How do I submit for a live screening in Brooklyn or L.A.?
Submit the same way you do for the online platform and make a note in the Cover Note section that you are interested in screening live. However, not all accepted films are guaranteed placement at a live screening. Priority is given to filmmakers who can attend the screening, and for shorts under 20 minutes long. Note: your official notification via FilmFreeway corresponds to whether or not you are accepted to our online platform -- it does not reflect an automatic inclusion in our live screenings.
Can I re-submit if my film wasn't accepted previously, or if I want to submit to the live screenings?
If you've made significant changes to the film, you can re-submit. (Please denote the editing changes in your cover letter). Otherwise, all programming decisions are final and films that were not selected can not be reconsidered for future live screenings.
If selected, will I be able to choose my release date?
Yes, we can accommodate your preferred time frame as long as we have enough notice. Ordinarily we book our schedule around 6-8 weeks in advance. Once selected, filmmakers have a 1 year period to set a date for a NoBudge release. Since our programming shifts over time, films that were accepted over a year ago are not guaranteed a release.
Can I submit a project that features unlicensed music or other unlicensed material?
No, we can't screen work that includes unlicensed material.
Do you accept films from outside the United States?
Yes. As long as it's in English or has English subtitles.
Can I ask for a waiver?
We don't grant waivers. Sorry. We think it's only fair that everyone submits on equal footing. We do offer discounts for FilmFreeway Gold members and NoBudge subscribers.
When do films screen online?
Anytime. Depending on a film’s strategy, a film may premiere directly online, or it may wait till after a festival run. If your film is chosen for NoBudge, you have complete control over the screening availability.
How will you post my film, if accepted?
We upload all of our films to our streaming platform, which is available to watch on the web, as well as through our apps on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, and Android.
Who decides if a film is accepted?
The films are all watched and selected by filmmaker and actor, Kentucker Audley.
When will I hear back?
All films will be notified within 1 week if they are accepted or not.
Can I submit a web series?
Yes, we consider serialized content. If we accept, we would post all of the episodes at once, rather than a separate post for each episode. If the total run time is under 25 minutes, submit it as a short film. If over 25 minutes, please submit as feature film.
How does NoBudge publicize films?
We post about every film via our Instagram, Tiktok, X, Threads and Facebook accounts and send out a recap email to our mailing list. However, we are a small site with no advertising or publicity budget, so it’s largely the responsibility of the individual filmmaker to generate exposure / traffic.
Is NoBudge a distribution company?
No. We curate self-released films. We encourage our filmmakers to seek out additional channels to spread their film.
*Please note: we don't accept all films on the basis of having no budget. We are a curated site. Thank you.*
