A British screenwriter, director, and actor, born in Oldham, England. His father was a sergeant in the army and worked in a cotton mill. After completing his education at Oldham's Ward Street Central School, Eric enlisted in the British Royal Air Force during the WWII. He started his career while serving in a Special Liaison Unit during the war. He is known for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and One Way Pendulum (1965).