10/04/2013 - Support part of new editorial process

The British Film Institute (BFI) Film Fund is supporting Debbie Tucker Green’s Second Coming and Esther May Campbell’s Light Years [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]. This support for feature debuts is part of a new editorial process giving first time directors working with budgets under £2 million the chance to be considered every three months.

Debbie Tucker Green (photo) is a BAFTA (Best Single Drama for Random, Channel 4) winning writer and director. Second Coming, produced by Hillbilly Films and developed and co-financed by Film4, is set in present day London and is about the impact of pregnancy and a woman struggling with her mental state. Esther May Campbell is another BAFTA award winner (Outstanding Short Film for September, 2009). Light Years, produced by Third Films, follows a day in the life of an 8-year-old girl in an intense journey to find her mother.

Ben Roberts, Director of the BFI Film Fund, said, “Given the volume of applications we receive for projects with first time directors, we wanted to make a commitment to regular reviews of emerging filmmakers that is fair, open and inclusive. Debbie’s and Esther’s films are brilliant examples of the type of new work we hope to champion - bold, unique films from filmmakers who are prepared to take risks."

Applicants who receive a positive decision in principle will be issued with a Letter of Intent, enabling some of the projects to secure the final stage of their funding by demonstrating the Film Fund’s commitment and endorsement.

The closing date for round 2 awards is 31 May 2013, and subsequent deadline dates will be published at bfi.org.uk/filmfund.