Meet the Team at DBM: Who We Are & Why We Do What We Do

We talk a lot at DBM about being seen.

Not just in the casting room - but in the wider industry, in your choices, in the way you build your creative career.

And one of the things we’ve learned over the years? Actors don’t just need a strategy - they need people. Real people who understand what it’s like to navigate this industry with big dreams, tired feet, and a head full of self - tapes.

So this blog is a little different. It’s not about your CV, or your showreel, or your Spotlight profile (although we love talking about all of those). This one’s about us. It's time to meet the team at DBM.

We’re David and Pippa, the agents behind DBM. And today, we’re answering the top five questions we each get asked, so you can get to know who we are, what we do - and why we care so much.

Meet the Team at DBM

Pippa Gebbett

(Senior Agent, industry expert, and the calm voice of clarity when you’re spiralling about your CV)

My Top 5 Most - Asked Questions

1. “Do I really need to be on Spotlight?”

Yes. If you’re serious about working professionally, Spotlight is one of the most important platforms in the industry. It's what most casting directors use, and being on there shows that you’re professional, trained, and ready.

But it’s not just about being on Spotlight - it’s about having a profile that works for you. That’s why I always look at how it’s structured, what headshots are being used, how your credits are listed, and whether it really reflects your casting type.

Think of it like your shop window - clean, clear, and full of your best stuff.

2. “Is it worth paying for a professional showreel?”

It depends on where you are in your career. If you can afford to invest in a professionally produced reel, that’s fantastic, as there are some brilliant companies offering excellent services.

However, you can also create a high-quality reel using a smartphone. We always advise paying attention to the technical aspects, such as sound and lighting, to ensure the final product showcases you at your best.

I always suggest we start by watching what you’ve got together and mapping out how it flows. A great showreel tells a story - it’s not just a montage of scenes.

3. “How do I know what my casting type is?”

This is one of my favourite conversations to have. It’s part research, part instinct, and part reality check. We look at the roles you've already played, how you come across in person, and where the industry tends to place you.

But casting type isn’t a box - it’s a lens. It helps shape your materials and target the right projects, but it shouldn’t limit your range.

Knowing your casting type isn’t about limiting yourself - it’s about making the first yes easier.

4. “I feel stuck - what should I focus on next?”

You’re not alone. Everyone feels stuck at some point. We work together to map out where you’re at, where you want to go, and what’s missing in the middle.

Sometimes it's your marketing materials. Sometimes it's confidence. Sometimes it's clarity. Whatever it is, we make a plan - real, achievable steps. And we take it one decision at a time.

5. “Do I need an agent to be successful?”

No - but having one can help not only open doors for you but also to support you when you need it. The truth is, you can find work without an agent, especially in fringe theatre, indie film, and commercials. But agents often open doors to bigger castings and help advocate for you behind the scenes.

What matters more is that you’re ready!

Meet David

(Founder, brand and marketing nerd and serial pep - talker for actors stuck in their own heads)

My Top 5 Most - Asked Questions

1. “How do I build a personal brand as a performer?”

Ah, the big one. Your personal brand is really about how you’re perceived when you’re not in the room. It’s your energy, your casting type, your voice, your visuals - and how they all come together online and offline.

We’re not talking about curating some fake version of yourself. We’re talking about shaping how you want to show up in this space - with confidence and consistency.

2. “How do I find auditions if I don’t have an agent?”

There are more ways than ever: Spotlight (if eligible), Mandy, Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook groups, mailing lists, and direct submissions to theatres, casting directors and filmmakers.

The trick is not just where to look - but how to show up. You need strong headshots, a CV that speaks clearly, and emails that are short, confident, and to the point.

3. “What should I post on social media as an actor?”

Start with what feels real. Behind-the-scenes moments, rehearsal clips, industry reflections, even quotes that resonate with your journey. You don’t need to “perform” on your socials - you just need to be consistent, clear, and visible.

I always say: if someone lands on your profile, can they tell who you are and what you do in 30 seconds? That’s your goal.

4. “How do I stop comparing myself to everyone else online?”

That's a hard one! Luckily when I was an actor, social media wasn't the marketing machine it is now! But remember - people are showing their best bits. You’re often comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

We do a lot of mindset work with clients around this. Building a creative career means finding your rhythm, your lane, your pace. Everyone’s path is different - and that’s okay.

5. “How do I juggle survival jobs and still make progress?”

It’s about smart, sustainable planning. You don’t need to do everything every week - but you can still make small, consistent moves forward. Maybe that’s updating your CV, filming a tape, sending two emails, or taking a workshop or class.

We work with our clients to build a plan that works around their life. Not the fantasy one - the real one.

Why We Do What We Do

Because we’ve been there.

Because we’ve felt the weird mix of joy, frustration, doubt, and hope that comes with building a creative life.

Because our clients deserve support that’s practical and personal.

And because we believe in what’s possible when actors feel clear, confident, and well - equipped - not just artistically, but professionally too.

Got a question for us?

We’d love to hear it. Drop it in our inbox. And who knows… your question might just end up in the next blog.