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 ca…