Acclaimed British television director David Yates has been chosen to direct the fifth Harry Potter film, "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix," the film series' studio, Warner Bros., announced Wednesday.

The fourth Potter movie, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," is still in production under the direction of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Donnie Brasco" filmmaker Mike Newell.

Chris Columbus directed the first two installments, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and Alfonso Cuarón helmed the most recent film chapter, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."

"We've been fortunate to have worked with very talented directors on the first four Harry Potter films," said David Robinow, Warner Bros.' president of production, said in a statement. "All of whom have brought these extraordinary stories to life with their own unique creative vision. We're looking forward to continuing that tradition with David Yates on 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.'"

According to Warner Bros., Yates earned a British Academy of Film and Television Award nomination for his short film "Rank" and has become a prolific television director as helmer of the British Broadcasting Corp.'s BAFTA-lauded series "The Young Visiters," "State of Play," "The Way We Live Now" and "The Sins."

"I am thrilled that David Yates is going to direct 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,'" said the film's producer David Heyman in a statement "Not only does he have tremendous passion for the world of Harry Potter, but he is a great director with a keen visual sense who fills every frame with humanity and compassion for his characters."

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will start production in England in January 2006, Warner Bros. said.

Meanwhile, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is slated for a Nov. 18 release.