Hot Shots 2025: Michael Hyland

“Growing up in a caravan on a piece of derelict farmland in Northern Ireland, I could never have imagined that one day I’d experience things like attending the Baftas as a nominee,” reflects Michael Hyland, who was born into the Romany Gypsy community.

A quick glance at Michael’s impressive strike rate puts paid to any notion that he could be out of place on the red carpet. He attended the ceremony for BBC1’s Sort Your Life Out, which he originated and developed for Optomen.

Other Optomen titles he has developed include Richard Hammond’s Crazy Contraptions for C4, and the Broadcast Award-winning Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich for ITV2.

“Each show carries Michael’s distinctive stamp: sharp, accessible and emotionally intelligent, with a clear sense of purpose and tone,” says Blast Films chief creative officer Danny Horan, who hired Michael two years ago.

Michael has since helped to bring in a yet-to-be-revealed “huge” project for the company, says Horan. “He is one of the most talented, creative people I’ve met working in development, with an extraordinary ability to take a simple thought, game or talent and transform it into an exciting idea.

“He is a huge creative force and – given the right recognition and oxygen – will be one of the future’s leading content creators.”

Michael is also a vocal advocate for inclusion, championing junior sta and helping to produce a much talked-about session on working-class representation at the 2024 Edinburgh TV Festival.

“Michael’s unorthodox career path and life experience shine through in everything he does,” concludes Horan.