Harry Potter director in hometown to inspire youth

David Yates, a renowned film director, recently returned to his hometown of Swindon to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. He is best known for his work on the Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts films. Yates made his first movie in Swindon over thirty years ago, and during his visit, he aimed to provide guidance and encouragement to young aspiring filmmakers. He generously donated to the Short Film Fund, which is designed to support local talent in the area. Yates emphasized that the support he received as a young filmmaker was crucial to his success, stating, 'This is where it all started, my filmmaking journey started, I probably wouldn’t be making movies if I hadn’t have been here. ' Growing up in Gorse Hill, Yates wrote a script titled 'When I was a girl,' which was inspired by his own experiences of losing a parent and navigating life. He completed the script in just three weeks and brought it to Create Studios, which was known as Media Arts at the time. He expressed his desire to write and direct the film, and Martin Parry, who was leading the organization, offered him the necessary support and funding. This pivotal moment ignited Yates's entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed in the film industry. Over the years, Yates directed four Harry Potter films and three in the Fantastic Beasts series. He also created several short films and worked in television, directing episodes of popular shows like The Bill and State of Play. His breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While there is uncertainty about the future of the Fantastic Beasts series, Yates feels a strong desire to give back to the community that helped him. He remarked, 'I feel like I owe this place a lot – you’re always grateful to the people who give you your first break. ' Yates is committed to ensuring that young filmmakers in Swindon have access to the same opportunities he had, believing that supporting others creates a positive cycle of creativity and success.