David Yates, one of Britain’s most renowned filmmakers, recently returned to his hometown of Swindon to offer advice and guidance to the next generation of filmmakers.
Best known for directing several films in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises, Yates reflected on his early beginnings in the Wiltshire town, where he made his first film over 30 years ago.
Yates donated to the town’s Short Film Fund, a collaboration with Create Studios, a community interest company dedicated to supporting aspiring creatives.
His aim was to provide young filmmakers with the same opportunities he had received in Swindon, which he credits as instrumental in his success. “This is where it all started.
My filmmaking journey began here, and I probably wouldn’t be making movies if I hadn’t been here,” Yates said, recalling how he wrote his first script, When I Was a Girl, in the town of Gorse Hill.
He shared his personal journey with attendees during a masterclass, attended a screening of three short films by local filmmakers, and offered advice in a networking session.
Yates spoke about his experience of receiving support from the local community, notably from Martin Parry, who ran the Media Arts organization (now Create Studios), and how that support gave him the confidence to pursue his dreams.
“They gave me the money I needed to make [the film], and that inspired in me a level of entrepreneurship and a can-do attitude,” Yates recalled.
After directing several short films, Yates moved into television, directing episodes of The Bill and State of Play, before making his Hollywood breakthrough with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007.
While the future of the Fantastic Beasts series remains uncertain, Yates emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that helped him get started.
“I feel like I owe this place a lot. You’re always grateful to the people who give you your first break,” he said.
“It’s partly that loyalty to the first experience, and also supporting others to have the same opportunities that I had.”
Through the Short Film Fund, Yates hopes to continue creating a “virtuous circle” of support for future filmmakers in Swindon.
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