THIS summer while some of us took a break at home or abroad, one Crediton woman was treading the red carpet and meeting some of the Hollywood A-Listers.

She was Joyce Harris whose son, James, is a former Crediton lad, educated at Queen Elizabeth’s before going on to Exeter College.

James had always wanted to do something in film and so went to the University in Surrey, before working in London.

He had his own film company by the time he was 30 and still visits Exeter College to talk to students about his work and how he got there, including the hard work.

James and a friend from University, Mark Lane, launched The Tea Shop and Film Company and, during the past 18 months, have been collaborating with British film financier The Fyzz Facility including their latest, a shark thriller 47Meters Down which has been released by the Weinstein Company in North America and eOne in this country.

That was the premiere that Joyce was invited to in Los Angeles, where James now lives with his American girlfriend. James’ first film was with another Crediton man, Harry Treadaway whose twin brother Luke was in the film A street Cat Named Bob among a number of others.

Joyce’s one disappointment was not to see the Hollywood sign up on the hill, but she had a wonderful time.

“It was a proper red carpet, the police had closed the road, the stars were there, it was great fun and amazing. I also had chance to see a bit of the area, too,” said Joyce.

In this country, James’ films with Tea Shop have included Cockneys v Zombies, Tower Block, and the company is now working on a raft of titles including, with Orlando Bloom, starring in Roman.

Sue Read