David Yates is a British film director best known for his work on the Harry Potter series. He directed the final four films, starting with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007 and concluding with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in 2011. His direction helped shape the darker tone of the later films, contributing to their critical and commercial success. In addition to the Harry Potter films, Yates directed the Fantastic Beasts series, which expands the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. His work has earned him recognition in the film industry, making him a prominent figure in contemporary cinema.