Small Budget Production Initiative
Supporting Washington's Next Generation of Filmmakers
The Small Budget Production Initiative (SBPI) is designed to better support emerging Washington State filmmakers by offering funding assistance for motion picture projects with budgets between $20,000 – $1M. Projects seeking an early stage funding commitment can apply during open application windows throughout the year, and fully funded projects can apply at any time.
The Season 7 application window is open August 17-24, 2026.
Whether you’re ready to apply, still building your budget, or looking to learn more about the program, choose the option below that best matches where you are in the process.
Fully funded projects may apply at any time. We recommend using the resources below to help prepare your application.
Projects that are not fully funded must apply during an open application window. We recommend checking out the resources below to prepare ahead of time.
Season 7 Application Window: August 17-24, 2026
Get your questions answered in real time at an upcoming virtual info session with Washington Filmworks staff.
Friday, August 14 at 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 22 at 12 p.m.
Learn About the Program
All the information you need to determine eligibility and navigate the Small Budget Production Incentive Program.
Looking for a quick snapshot of what Washington Filmworks offers our local filmmakers? Spend 5 minutes reading our two-page overview and see how you (and your production) can qualify.
Ready to do a deep dive to learn all the “ins and outs” of the Small Budget Production Initiative? Find a comfy chair and a block of time to read up on how to qualify.
If you qualify for one of our funding programs, find out if you’re eligible for a 10% uplift with enhanced incentives!
You are guests and should treat locations, as well as the public, with courtesy. If we do not all work toward building a good relationship with the local communities in which we work, we will see less production, resulting in fewer jobs for us all. Please adhere to the following guidelines.
Prepare Your Application
Ready to apply? You can find application materials here. Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Curious what our application looks like? Check it out here to help prepare!
Washington Filmworks works closely with each production in an effort to expedite the funding assistance process and reduce associated costs to the production.
In order to recognize the accountability and effectiveness of tax policy, the legislature requires that each production that obtains Washington Filmworks (WF) funding assistance complete and submit a Department of Commerce Production Survey at the completion of the WF Completion Package review process.
Not Sure if This Program Is for You?
Program Eligibility Tool
Use this interactive tool to determine which program is right for you!
Program Comparison Chart
Curious about each program? See how they compare by the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions.
