ABOUT JOY HOUSE PRODUCTIONS
Joy House Productions is a production company that produces films and projects that champion diversity which have social impact for national and international audiences.
MISSION STATEMENT
We are committed to tell meaningful and impactful stories through our projects, which connects and empowers people, through our collaborations with creatives alike. Our purpose is to have positive representations through storytelling which is compelling and thought provoking that inspires change for the better.
VISION
To be innovative and a leader in storytelling, empowering our audiences through our projects and to collaborate with creatives alike promoting inclusivity whilst delivering impactful messages that initiate social change.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We promote representation through all our projects and celebrate creatives from all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive community in which we work in.
Founded by Joy Hopwood in 2000, Joy has written, directed and produced five feature films: It’s Our Time, co-produced with Erica Long (Channel 9), The Gift that Gives (Channel 9), Get a Life, Alright (Channel 9). Rhapsody of Love (Paramount) co-produced with Ana Tiwary, and The Script of Life (Amazon Prime) and a play, The Wong Side of Life, performed at the Concourse Theatre.
Also in its 11th year, is the Joy House Film Festival, a short film festival with the main theme of joy and sub-theme of diversity that awards prizes for Best film, Cultural Impact Award and Changemaker Award for Women.
ABOUT JOY HOPWOOD
Joy Hopwood is an award-winning independent filmmaker and a trailblazer in Australian media. She made history as the first regular Asian-Australian presenter on ABC TV’s Play School, and her creative voice extends beyond the screen. Joy has contributed to several acclaimed publications, including Growing Up Asian in Australia (Black Inc., edited by Alice Pung), Reflecting on Life (Pearson Education), and Chinese Australian Women’s Stories (CHAA and the Jessie Street Library).
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Joy is a founding member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance's Diversity Committee. She has been twice nominated for the prestigious Australian of the Year Awards, in recognition of her contributions to the arts and philanthropy. Her community work includes serving as an ambassador for the NSW Cancer Council and Mission Australia, as well as launching Kindness is for Free, an anti-bullying and anti-racism school initiative under The Wong Side of Life.
Joy is the founder and director of the annual Joy House Film Festival, now in its 11th year, which celebrates joy and diversity by spotlighting emerging filmmakers from around the world.
A committed storyteller, Joy uses film, literature, and visual art to explore themes of social impact, compassion, and empowerment. She currently serves on the committee for Women in Film and Television (WIFT), where she champions the advancement of women both in front of and behind the camera.
"Through authentic storytelling and by working together, we can create a kinder and more compassionate society in which we live in."
— Joy Hopwood
LINDA UNG - CINEMATOGRAPHER / EDITOR
Linda Ung has worked as a cinematographer and an editor on two of Joy’s films.
She is an accomplished filmmaker known for her captivating storytelling, visual artistry and compelling cinematic creations.
Linda's filmography showcases her versatility and her ability to explore various genres and themes. Whether she delves into thought-provoking dramas, heartwarming narratives, or captivating documentaries, Linda brings a fresh perspective and an unwavering commitment to amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Linda's cinematic journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of film and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to tell their stories authentically.
What sets Linda apart as a filmmaker is her keen eye for detail and her ability to create immersive cinematic experiences. Her mastery of visual composition, combined with her adeptness at capturing nuanced performances, transports audiences into the worlds she creates on screen.
With each new project, Linda continues to push boundaries and redefine the art of filmmaking. Her unique perspective, combined with her unwavering dedication, promises an exciting future filled with captivating stories and profound cinematic experiences. Her work is poised to touch the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide.
SUSAN LUMSDON - CINEMATOGRAPHER
Susan Lumsdon will be working on Joy’s 6th romantic comedy, Her Last Laugh, scheduled for filming in January 2026.
Susan’s an award-winning Australian cinematographer, based in Sydney. She is the DP of award winning Sci-Fi RISEN, which was shot in Australia and Canada in extremely challenging conditions on Arri Alexa with Panavision anamorphic lenses and was the cinematographer for the Netflix series, Scattered Barriers and House of Life.
LARA CROSS - SOUND RECORDIST / POST SOUND
Lara Cross has been part of Joy’s team since the start of her feature filmmaking career in 2018 on her 1st feature, The Script of Life, doing audio post and then continued doing sound recording and audio post for Rhapsody of Love, The Gift that gives and It’s Our Time. She has also worked on other successful television shows like: Colin from Accounts, ABC’s Mother and Son and The PM’s Daughter and the blockbuster, Interceptor.
“I’ve found a really great place where I can be my best self, I get to help people every day to work on their dreams, we connect to tell stories and bring magic to life. Making art happen.
VILLAIN SOUND
Villainsound has worked on all of Joy’s films. They are more than just professional equipment, software and experience, Villainsound is about sharing a creative and positive experience while we work, everyday.
Villian Sound
KATIE ORD - ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Katie will be working as Associate Producer on Joy’s 6th romantic comedy, Her Last Laugh.
She is a writer/director/producer. Her writing, directing or producing credits include: Her Last Laugh (2026) Joy House Productions, A Life In Transactions (2025) Ord Short Films and has featured in A Gift that Gives (2024) Joy House Productions and From All Sides (2024) Bina Bhattacharaya.
She also enjoys directing for theatre working with Newtown High School of the Performing Arts and independent companies Slanted Theatre & The Other Theatre. She is currently studying a Juris Doctorate in Law at the University of Sydney.
TAMMY DANG - SENIOR PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE & ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Tammy is the Senior Production Executive at Joy House Productions, working closely with Joy across the company’s slate, with a focus on production, graphics, promotional and music videos. Tammy is a filmmaker and is multi-skilled with a background in law, and Screen & Sound production, from UNSW (University of New South Wales).
STEPHEN WONG
Stephen Wong has been part of Joy’s team since 2018 and has worked on all her productions. He is a team player and is multi-talented in his skills set as photographer, videographer, graphics & digital designer.
