2025 NYC Web Fest Submission Rules and Guidelines

PLEASE NOTE: The same rules apply for Web Series, Short Films, Pilot Episodes, Micro Episodes, and Podcasts.

Definitions

Web Series
A web series is a serialized project with a minimum of three episodes. It can be fiction or non-fiction, and episodes can vary in length depending on the format (Short Form, Medium Form, or Long Form).

Pilot Episode
A pilot is the first episode of a series. Pilots are typically standalone submissions and may or may not have additional episodes produced.

Short Film
A short film is a standalone project with a total runtime of 25 minutes or less. It is not part of a series and is not intended as a pilot.

Podcast
A podcast submission is an audio-based entry and may be either fiction or non-fiction. Podcast submissions must include a minimum of two episodes, with a combined runtime of no less than 10 minutes and no more than 60 minutes.

Micro Episodes
Micro episodes are short-form, typically under 3 minutes per episode. These are often designed for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts. Micro series submissions must include a minimum of 3 episodes.

2025 NYC Web Fest Timeline

Submissions Open: April 1 – July 31
Official Selections Announced: August
Award Nominees Announced: September
Festival Dates: Friday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 5th
Festival includes Screenings, Industry Panels, and Awards Ceremony

Payments

Submission fees vary by submission date:
- Early Access: April 9 – April 30
- Main Entry: May 1 – June 15
- Last Call: June 16 – July 31
All payments are due at the time of submission
All entry fees are non-refundable
Payments are processed securely via Stripe in U.S. Dollars

Costs to Submit

Web Series
Short Form Series (under 10 minutes per episode)
$55 (Apr 9–30) / $65 (May 1–Jun 15) / $75 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Medium Form Series (10–20 minutes per episode)
$65 (Apr 9–30) / $75 (May 1–Jun 15) / $85 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Long Form Series (20–30 minutes per episode)
$75 (Apr 9–30) / $85 (May 1–Jun 15) / $95 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Pilot Episodes (First episode of a potential series)
Short: $50 (Apr 9–30) / $60 (May 1–Jun 15) / $70 (Jun 16–Jul 31)
Medium: $60 (Apr 9–30) / $70 (May 1–Jun 15) / $80 (Jun 16–Jul 31)
Long: $70 (Apr 9–30) / $80 (May 1–Jun 15) / $90 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Short Films (Standalone projects under 25 minutes)
$50 (Apr 9–30) / $60 (May 1–Jun 15) / $70 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Micro Episodes (Minimum 3 episodes, each approx. 3 minutes or less)
$40 (Apr 9–30) / $45 (May 1–Jun 15) / $50 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

Podcasts (Minimum 2 episodes; total runtime 10–60 minutes)
$45 (Apr 9–30) / $55 (May 1–Jun 15) / $65 (Jun 16–Jul 31)

General Submission Terms

All fees are in U.S. Dollars
Must be 18 or older to submit
Web Series must have 3 or more completed episodes (max length: 30 minutes per episode)
Pilots must include only one episode
Short Films must be 25 minutes or less
Provide a link to your project (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) — private links are accepted, but passwords must be included
Each submission must include a short synopsis and list of credits
Please classify your project under the correct genre — we will contact you if clarification is needed
PORNOGRAPHY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
You may submit multiple projects — each requires a separate form and fee
Non-English projects must be dubbed or subtitled in English
All content must be the intellectual property of the submitter with proper rights secured for all included materials (music, footage, etc.)
No proxy submissions
NYC Web Fest reserves the right to use submitted materials (title, images, clips) for promotional purposes and during award presentations
All submissions will be judged by the same criteria.
Selected entrants will be notified via email
By participating, you agree to hold harmless NYC Web Fest from any liabilities associated with participation or award acceptance

Please Note:
All 2025 in-person NYC Web Fest events will follow venue capacity and local safety regulations. NYC Web Fest reserves the right to amend guidelines, selection criteria, awards, screening formats, or events as needed.

All City, State, & Federal laws apply.

By submitting to the NYC Web Fest, you agree to the Official Rules, Guidelines, and Terms.