Andy Byatt is a British-born film and television director who has worked in the industry since the late 1980s. He is best known for his work on the BBC series Walking with Dinosaurs and Planet Earth, as well as the feature films The Golden Compass and The Darkest Hour.
Byatt was born in London in 1965. He attended the University of Oxford, where he studied engineering and physics, before graduating in 1987. After graduation, he embarked on a career in television, working as a director and producer on various BBC shows, including the long-running series Crimewatch.
Byatt's first major success was in 1999, when he worked as a director and executive producer on the award-winning BBC series Walking with Dinosaurs. The show was a major success, and it won numerous awards, including two BAFTAs and three Emmy Awards.
In 2001, Byatt was hired to direct the feature film The Golden Compass, based on the novel by Philip Pullman. The film was a box-office success, and it earned Byatt praise from critics and fans alike.
In 2006, Byatt directed the feature film The Darkest Hour, starring Emilia Clarke and Max Irons. The film was well-received by critics, and it earned Byatt his first nomination for a BAFTA for Best Direction.
Byatt's most recent work is the critically acclaimed BBC series Planet Earth. The show was a major success, and it won numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards, two BAFTAs, and a Peabody Award.
Byatt is currently working on a new feature film, titled The Guardians, which is set to be released in 2021. He is also working on a television adaptation of the novel The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury.
In addition to his work in television and film, Byatt also serves as a mentor and judge for the prestigious BAFTA Student Film Awards. He is also a member of the BAFTA Film Committee.
Byatt is a highly respected figure in the film and television industry, and his work has earned him recognition and praise from critics and fans alike. His ability to create thrilling and visually stunning stories has earned him a place among the world's top directors.