Debbie Tucker Green and Esther May Campbell feature debuts get production support.

The BFI Film Fund is to back feature directorial debuts Second Coming from Debbie Tucker Green and Light Years from Esther May Campbell, both of which are currently in development.

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The backing concludes the first round (Jan-Mar) in a new editorial process giving first time directors working with budgets under £2m the chance to be considered for funding every three months. 

BAFTA TV winner Tucker Green, writer of Channel 4 drama Random, makes her debut on Second Coming, a London-based family drama about the impact of pregnancy and a woman struggling with her mental state. Film4 is developing and co-financing with Hillbilly Films.

BAFTA short winner Esther May Campbell, who has directed episodes of Skins and Wallander, makes her debut on Third Films-produced Light Years, which charts the day in the life of an eight year-old girl on a journey to find her mother.

Ben Roberts, director of the BFI Film Fund, commented: “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.”

The closing date for round two awards is 31 May 2013. Further awards will be announced on a quarterly basis.