St Albans director responsible for Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire recognised in naming ceremony

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Image: Archant)

The red carpet was recently rolled out in celebration of two film legends at the University of Hertfordshire’s school of creative arts.

BAFTA award winning director Mike Newell, of St Albans, and Academy Award winning film editor and sound designer Walter Murch were guests of honour at the event.

The pair were immortalised at the Hatfield-based campus through two new studios: The Mike Newell Soundstage and Walter Murch Post-Production Lab.

The evening included presentations and show reels on the careers of both men.

BAFTA award winning director Mike Newell, of St Albans, at the Mike Newell Soundstage, University of Hertfordshire (Image: photo supplied)

Mike, who directed the critically acclaimed Four Weddings and a Funeral and was the first Brit to direct a Harry Potter film, The Goblet of Fire, said: “It’s such a blast to be here with Walter, it’s just amazing.”

Mike, who was born in St Albans and is an alumni of St Albans School, then went on to compare his humble beginnings working in the broadcasting industry to the potential futures of those who will use the new post-production lab.

Walter - who has strong links to Herts through his work - used his talents in sound design and picture editing when collaborating with Francis Ford Coppola on films such as Apocalypse Now and The Godfather II & III. He said: “I’m happy to be here, while celebrating the 50th year since I’ve been working in motion picture.”

Dean of the school of creative arts, Judy Glasman, said: “It’s a fantastic occasion to have two pillars of the film world here.

“To have people of this stature working with us and having these newly refurbished spaces to be permanently attached to them, it’s great, not only for the school but for the students.

“We are very honoured and it gives the students good role models as they develop their own work and careers.”