NoBudge is a streaming platform and live screening series for young and emerging filmmakers. We focus on low-budget, no-budget, and DIY indie films. "One of the best places to sample what’s happening in low-budget cinema worldwide," says Glenn Kenny of The New York Times. Our mission is to provide a supportive home for indie filmmakers working with limited resources and without major industry connections.

We premiere new short films and features online, and also host live screenings bi-monthly in Brooklyn, New York at Nitehawk Cinema (Williamsburg).

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"NoBudge celebrates the creative freedom often only found in work made free from commercial considerations. It’s a place to discover fun, stimulating short works from artists you didn’t previously know."
-Vulture

"Like a great film festival shorts section beamed into your home, NoBudge is one of the internet’s top showcases for independent work." -Eric Allen Hatch, Endcrawl.

"One of the most singular streaming outlets on the block." -The Guardian.

"One of the premier destinations for true independent movies."
-No Film School.

"Should be on every film fan's bookmark list"
-Film School Rejects.

"With the hurdles of theatrical distribution increasing all the time, NoBudge stands as a valuable alternative — a way for cash-strapped directors to have their work seen and written about without having to worry over the financial and logistical headaches."
-Village Voice

Featured by The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vulture, The Guardian, Indiewire, Filmmaker, Village Voice, The Wall St. Journal, No Film School, Paste, Film School Rejects.

Awards & Prizes

The NoBudge Short Films of the Year
Each year, we name our top shorts of the year.

Rules & Terms

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?

All types. Narrative, documentary, experimental, animation, web series, sketch comedy, music/dance videos.

Is there a fee to submit to NoBudge?

Yes, there is a $35 submission fee for shorts (under 30 minutes) and $50 for features (over 30 minutes). There is a discount for FilmFreeway Gold members, and NoBudge subscribers.

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.

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.

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 its films?

We post about every film via our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram 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.*

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Keagan Afonso

    Mr. Audleys amazing platform for independent filmmakers is just as good as its accoladed to be (Indiewire/NYT/Filmmaker Magazine highly regarding the platform).
    Im very appreciative for No Budge to accept my work as its being featured on what is essentially the Criterion Channel for independent shorts and the films ive seen featured on No Budge are all amazing & thoughtfully picked by its programmer. This platform is not only creatively rewarding ( your film gets exposure like non other ) but also financially rewarding as No Budge gains financial success - so will your work

    September 2021
    Helpful
  • Yuliya Antonova

    NoBudge is a real thing. A great platform for showcasing your short films and also a meeting place for aspiring filmmakers. So glad to be able to premiere my short film there!

    June 2021
    Helpful
  • Alyssa Trawkina

    NoBudge is the best! Very recommended.

    February 2021
    Helpful
  • Nick Verdi

    NoBudge is the real thing!! By filmmakers (or A filmmaker) for filmmakers, this resource has the best vibes for young struggling nobody filmmakers to see each other and be seen by some pretty cool “industry” connected eyes (NYT reviewers, independent filmmakers like Alex Ross Perry, Robert Greene and Amy Seimetz), feels like a virtual version of those cool art house theaters you might read about from the late 60’s New York scene... Kentucker is good at communicating with the filmmakers and should really be supported for all he is doing! Grade A all the way!

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • John de Menil

    A great platform. Kentucker will champion your short film in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

    October 2020
    Helpful