Former ABC Play School presenter gets a life

Joy Hopwood has come a long way since her early days as a presenter on ABC’s Play School. She owns her own film production house and is about to see her latest independent movie screen on national television after receiving successful cinema screenings.

She explained that Get a Life, Alright! is a story about a young struggling actor who gets a lucky break after delivering flowers on a movie set and falls for the leading actress, becoming a target for jealousy, all thanks to fame.

“What may appear to be just another romantic comedy, Get a Life, Alright! has a strong theme about the importance of female friendships —which is an integral part of this film — and mental health explored in a nuanced way.”

This is the first diverse romantic comedy-musical made by an enthusiastic team of women. Hopwood co-wrote, produced, and directed this movie which stars a talented ensemble cast of local actors headed by Abril Tolnay, Satish Kala & Aileen Huynh & local actors Yannick Lawry & Dilshan Rain and many more.

When asked about the difficulties in producing movies Hopwood paused momentarily.

“Making movies requires a lot of passion and the love of storytelling. If you’re motivated by money then the movie making business is not an industry to get into as it requires luck, preparation, determination, timing and a good team.”

A majority of the film was shot in Hopwood’s studio with restaurant scenes filmed at an Indian restaurant called Masala Theory. Various filming locations were also utilised in Mumbai.

The filming experience was enjoyed by a tightknit cast and crew.

“It was great working with a team on both sides of the camera – some with lots of experience and some who were totally new to the industry with life stories almost as complex and colourful as the characters in the film itself!” laughed cast member Yannick Lowry.

And what was it like working with Joy Hopwood on set?

“She lives up to her name – it was a joy! She’s a very pure person and a very sweet lady. She’s a great director and she knew what she wanted,” quickly added fellow cast member Dilshan Rain.

There was a feeling of satisfaction knowing that all the hard work had paid off with the news that her movie would be screening on a television network.

“This is the first time that an indie rom-com musical has been picked up by a major network. I hope it paves the way for more diverse content to be licensed to networks like Nine and that more filmmakers are inspired to make films.”

Producing movies is a hard and long road to success and Hopwood has advise for up-and-coming filmmakers.

“You’re only as good as your team and it’s important to choose not only talented and hard-working crews and actors, but also the ones that  have no egos and who are flexible to various circumstances and see the project through to the very end.”

Looking ahead Hopwood is currently in post-production for The Gift That Gives and is also casting for her next feature It’s Our Time. She hopes that one day a mainstream streamer or network will give her a three picture deal – and she wouldn’t rule out working in Hollywood. “All my movies champion diversity in front of or behind the camera – we’re slowly starting to see change in the industry, but hopefully funding bodies will give emerging and mid-tier filmmakers opportunities as there needs to be changes at a grass roots level in order for our industry to grow.”

Screening on Friday 21^st July 12:00pm on 9GO then available to view on 9 catchup.