Attended Cambridge University. Three year training course at Granada Television, with intention of going into theatre. Graduated to directing TV plays, building strong reputation for work with David Hare, David Edgar, Hohn, John Osborne, Jack Rosenthal.Went to the same school (St. Albans School) as physicist Stephen Hawking and lyricist Sir Tim Rice. After accepting the job for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), became the first British director the film series has had. On 13th September 2007, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Lincoln, England. Daughter Lizzie (25) works for the Independent talent agency that had been ICM. [2008] In 2005 Mike received the honorary degree of Doctor of Arts from the University of Hertfordshire in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the development of the film industry. Can be briefly heard on Frank Bryce (Eric Sykes)'s radio in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). He has directed one Oscar nominated performance: Joan Plowright. Personal Quotes (3) [on making the fourth Harry Potter movie] "I was very anxious to break the franchise out of this goody-two-shoes feel. It's my view that children are violent, dirty, corrupt anarchists. Just adults-in-waiting basically." I don't like the term chick flick. I think it denigrates a movie. It has overtones of talking down to women, like they are second best. We don't call The Last Samurai a guy flick, do we? Romantic comedies are backbreaking to write because they have to be fresh. I've yet to find another one which was surprising enough to do.