David Yates

David Yates

Born: October 8, 1963
in St. Helens, Merseyside, England, UK
David Yates (born 30 November 1963) is an English director and producer of film and television, best known for directing the final four films in the Harry Potter franchise.

His first two Potter films (Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince) became the highest-grossing entries in the series since the first instalment, which was later surpassed by Yates' Deathly Hallows - Part 2, making him the most commercially successful British director in recent years. He achieved international attention for his award-winning short films early in his career, which led to him becoming a prolific television director with credits including the BBC costume drama The Way We Live Now, the acclaimed political thriller State of Play and the BAFTA-lauded two-part drama Sex Traffic. Due to the success of these dramas and subsequent projects, Yates is considered as one of Britain's most celebrated directors of film and television.

His work on the Harry Potter series brought him critical and commercial success along with accolades, such as the British Academy Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing. Yates won the Directors Guild of Great Britain Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement for the six-part political thriller State of Play (2003).

Throughout his works, Yates uses hand-held cameras to visually provoke the subject matter; the technique is noted as one of his directorial trademarks. Yates is married to Yvonne Walcott, who is the aunt of Arsenal football player Theo Walcott.

Movies for David Yates...

David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived
Title: David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived
Character: Self (archive footage)
Released: November 16, 2023
Type: Movie
As Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double in the Harry Potter films, David Holmes’ work has been seen worldwide by millions of people. Tragically an on-set accident ended what David calls “the best job in the world,” leaving him paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Like the on-screen character he helped bring to life, David is determined to continue seeking adventure and living life to the fullest despite mounting obstacles.
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Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
Title: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 2022
Type: Movie
An enchanting making-of story told through all-new in-depth interviews and cast conversations, inviting fans on a magical first-person journey through one of the most beloved film franchises of all time.
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(K)nox: The Rob Knox Story
Title: (K)nox: The Rob Knox Story
Character: Self
Released: April 9, 2021
Type: Movie
A young actor is stabbed to death just days after filming his big break in the Harry Potter franchise.
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Daniel Radcliffe: Being Harry Potter
Title: Daniel Radcliffe: Being Harry Potter
Character: Self - Director
Released: October 10, 2012
Type: Movie
Made-for-television documentary about Daniel Radcliffe and his role as Harry Potter.
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When Harry Left Hogwarts
Title: When Harry Left Hogwarts
Character: Self
Released: November 11, 2011
Type: Movie
BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews was given unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes of the final days of the final two Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1 and 2. Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don't, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history. Special feature on select editions of Deathly Hallows 1 & 2.