Head of Hopscotch Films Troy Lum to address delegates at 2012 Caxton Seminar and Awards
Troy Lum, one of Australia’s most successful film industry executives and the distributor of this year’s smash hit Australian comedy The Sapphires, will address delegates at the 2012 Caxton Seminar and Awards, the Caxton Committee announced today.
A critically-acclaimed favourite at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival, The Sapphires opened in Australian cinemas earlier this month and has been an instant box-office hit for Australia’s leading independent film distributor Hopscotch Films, headed by Lum.
As managing director of Hopscotch Group, Lum is also the director of production company Hopscotch Features. The outfit has three films in production this year: Lovers And Sons starring Naomi Watts; sci-fi fantasy I, Frankenstein; and Saving Mr Banks starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell. Lum serves as executive producer on these titles.
Lum joins an outstanding and inspirational line-up of guest speakers confirmed for Caxtons 2012, which will be held from Friday October 12th to Sunday October 14th at Hamilton Island, and which is now open for delegate registration.
Lum was the head of distribution company Dendy Films from 1998-2002 where he acquired and released seminal titles such as Amelie, Buena Vista Social Club and The Blair Witch Project.
In May 2002, alongside Frank Cox and Sandie Don, Lum launched Hopscotch Films.
With Lum at the helm, Hopscotch releases have included the hits Bowling For Columbine, Touching The Void, Fahrenheit 9/11, Somersault, Downfall, Mrs Henderson Presents, The Lives Of Others, Pan’s Labyrinth, Mongol, The Wrestler, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Mao’s Last Dancer, Bright Star, The Kids Are All Right and Incendies.
In 2004, Lum was named as one of the ‘Top 50 Young Film Executives in The World’ by The Hollywood Reporter.
Says Justin Drape, chairman of the Caxton Committee: “Troy has an expert understanding of what makes a powerful story and what audiences will respond to, so the seminar is an invaluable opportunity for everyone in our industry to hear his thoughts on storytelling and learn from one of the smartest guys in the film industry.”
Caxtons 2012 speakers already announced include Commonwealth Bank chief marketing & online officer Andy Lark, PHD Media Australia strategy director Chris Stephenson and special group creative director and founding partner Tony Bradbourne.
And in a Caxtons first, one of advertising’s legendary creatives, chairman and global director of TBWA\Worldwide, Lee Clow, will make a special ‘virtual’ appearance at the event, with an interactive live-streamed address to delegates.
Meanwhile, judging of this year’s Caxton Awards is currently under way and finalists are expected to be announced on August 27. The 2012 Caxton Seminar and Awards will be held from Friday to Sunday, October 12th to 14th, at Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays.