TJ O’Grady-Peyton: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Irish-born director TJ O’Grady-Peyton certainly has a knack for getting the autographs of football celebs.

Sure, the Good Times director's Webby, Clio, and AICP acclaim, alongside commercial collaborations with brands such as Guinness, Under Armour, UEFA, Asics, Gatorade, Peloton, Volkswagen, BMW, the Premier League, and the European Union, certainly helps the matter, but its clear that mementoes of top shoots live on long in his creative workspace.

Here, O’Grady-Peyton talks us through the aforementioned souvenirs and more in his rundown of the objects that aid his inspiration.

The Soccer Ball

This signed soccer ball is a fun memento from a Nivea commercial we shot last year with Publicis One Touch, Betti Berlin, and Stink Prague for the German market. 

It was my second campaign with Nivea and Jürgen Klopp, and the experience was great. 

The client mentioned that our previous campaign was hugely successful, mainly thanks to Klopp's incredible reach and likability. 

Having this signed ball on my desk is a symbol of a job well done and a nod to the importance of teamwork in making a campaign memorable.

The Jersey

This signed jersey from Gianluigi Buffon is from another memorable project I directed during the summer of 2021 - a UEFA/European Commission campaign as part of their Green Deal initiative for climate change. 

Our producers at Kanu Films in Germany organised a few signed jerseys after the shoot, and this one made its way to my office. 

The project took us to Milan, Lyon, Madrid, and Parma, and working with Grabarz and Partners across these incredible locations was a dream. 

The campaign played across Europe and beyond, and every time I see this jersey, it takes me back to that summer.

The Award

This award is a proud reminder of another milestone in my career. 

Earlier this year, our short film, Room Taken, funded by Screen Ireland, won Best Live Action Short Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival, making us eligible for Oscar consideration at next year's Academy Awards. 

The journey to Cleveland was a solo adventure, and winning the award was an exhilarating moment. I’m incredibly proud of the film and the recognition it received. 

This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project and a reminder of what we can achieve when we pour our hearts into our work.

The Cat

I never saw myself as a 'cat dad', but here we are. 

I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

My girlfriend grew up with cats, so getting one seemed like a natural step when we moved in together. 

Little did I know how much I would come to appreciate the company of our cat, Baloo. 

She's super low maintenance but full of personality, and having her around the house (and occasionally in the workspace, often in front of my laptop mid-Zoom) brings a smile to my face. 

Baloo’s presence is a small reminder that life isn't just about work.