Salford University alumni wins big at BAFTA Children’s awards

Award Winning Salford Editor Martin O’Byrne provided the voice over for Play Your Pets Right which won Best Entertainment Show at the BAFTA Children’s awards.

The award show, which took place on Sunday night, saw Play Your Pets Right beat children’s entertainment duo Sam and Mark to the win.

Speaking about the win, Mr O’Byrne, a former Salford student, said: “We never expected the BAFTA… Sam and Mark were nominated and they’re great.”

The highly entertaining Play Your Pets Right, pitching the nation’s pets against each other, wins for Entertainment ?? pic.twitter.com/JBHmzOGWST

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) December 1, 2019

Mr O’Byrne has done voice over work before but it was simply a coincidence that he landed the role for Play Your Pets Right.

He said: “Right place, right time. I would love to do more of it, hopefully the BAFTA will help!”

Play Your Pets Right is a children’s TV series where the nation’s pets battle against each other in a series of games and challenges to test their speed, agility, reaction time and focus.

He studied Media Production at Salford university and has worked as a freelance editor and director for nearly 20 years.

Looking back fondly on his studies, he recalls: “I enjoyed the course and made some lifelong friends. Including one of my best friends, Simon Dean who is currently creative director for Cartoon Network.”

Initially, Mr O’Byrne dreamed of being a cameraman. However, after exploring a variety of production roles at university, he found a love for editing.

Since then he has found great success and worked on shows including ‘The Voice’, ‘I’m a Celebrity…’ and ‘Big Brother’.

Amazing success for alumnus Martin O’Byrne at this year’s @BAFTA Children’s Awards! We are so proud, please give him all the praise he deserves! https://t.co/OthkZ3z4Be

— Salford Alumni (@SalfordAlumni) December 3, 2019

“Throw yourself into everything” is the advice he gives to students who are in a similar position that he was in.

Mr O’Byrne recently moved back to Manchester after 15 years living and working in London.

He adds: “I am very happy to be working up here with the tremendous talent we have in the North West. And coming from a proud Leeds lad, that says a lot.”

Play Your Pets Right is available to watch on Sky TV.