After being recognised by Business Awards UK last year, DBA – Dryblue Agency returns to the spotlight with a new chapter in its development: a win in Innovation in Media at the 2026 Media and Entertainment Awards.

For Founder and Co-Owner Thomas Philip Brunney, this latest recognition reflects a year in which DBA has continued to mature as an international agency, building on previous momentum while sharpening the way it operates across different markets. The award highlights a business that has looked beyond conventional representation, developing a model shaped by industry relationships, regional insight and a clear understanding of how production needs are changing.

DBA’s recent progress has included a more focused presence in Central and Eastern Europe, giving the agency a stronger position in an area that is increasingly relevant to international film and television. Rather than treating expansion as a headline in itself, DBA has used this growth to deepen its practical connections with production teams, casting professionals and performers operating across the region.

The agency has also continued to engage with wider questions affecting performers and representatives, particularly around the use of new technologies in media. Its approach has been to examine these developments carefully, with an emphasis on professional safeguards, informed decision-making and the long-term interests of the talent it represents.

The Story Behind DBA’s Win

Following the award win, we spoke with Thomas Philip Brunney about DBA’s development, the thinking behind its international approach, the challenges currently shaping talent representation, and what the agency is focused on next.

Please provide a brief overview of your business or what do you do within the company.

I am the founder and co-director of DBA – Dryblue Agency, an international talent agency specialising in global representation. I run the company alongside my brother, Nicholas, who co-runs the business with me and leads our international strategy, as well as heading DBA Italy. Nicholas brings over 20 years of experience from the live music industry, adding a strong commercial and industry perspective to the business.

Together, we oversee the strategic direction of DBA, working closely with our team across the UK, Europe and the United States to support and develop our roster of actors.

DBA was built around a model of true international representation, where talent is supported across multiple territories rather than being limited to a single market. My role focuses on both the creative and strategic sides of the agency — from building relationships with casting directors and production companies, to mentoring actors and helping them prepare for auditions.

Coming from a background as an actor, filmmaker and editor (aka Thomas Kadman), I remain closely involved in developing talent, ensuring they are both creatively and professionally prepared for opportunities in an increasingly global industry.

What would you attribute as the main reason for your success?

We would attribute our success to two main factors.

The first is our representation model. From the beginning, DBA was built around true international representation, allowing us to operate as a kind of one-stop shop for casting directors, particularly when sourcing international talent. At the same time, we remain strongly connected to local markets in each territory where we have offices, which allows us to balance global reach with local expertise.

The second — and most important — factor is the team. Nicholas and I have always placed a huge emphasis on building the right environment within the company. We have been very intentional about bringing in people with whom we can create a strong, supportive culture — one where individuals are encouraged to develop their own voice, style and relationships.

We genuinely believe that the success of any company comes down to its people. A big part of our role is making sure our agents and collaborators have the space and support to grow, build connections and succeed in their own right. The more fulfilled and empowered the team is, the stronger the company becomes as a whole.

What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome?

It’s difficult to point to a single challenge, but one of the biggest has been navigating how quickly the industry is evolving — particularly in recent years.

From the impact of strikes to the rapid rise of AI, we’ve had to constantly adapt to new ways of working, new legal frameworks, and new risks for performers. AI in particular has introduced complex questions around rights, consent and long-term use of an actor’s likeness, which we take very seriously.

Rather than seeing these changes as obstacles, we’ve approached them as something we need to understand and engage with. A big part of our role has been staying informed, working closely with industry bodies and other agents, and helping interpret these developments in a way that protects our talent.

It’s a fast-moving and highly competitive industry, so adapting is essential — but we also believe it’s important to contribute to that evolution. Whether that’s through improving how we approach contracts, supporting safer working practices, or finding better ways to collaborate with casting platforms, we try to be proactive rather than reactive.

Ultimately, the challenge is not just keeping up with change, but helping shape it in a way that benefits the people we represent.

What do you think made you stand out as a winner in the awards? Tell us about the specific project or facet of your business you believe earned you this award win

I believe one of the key factors that made us stand out this year was our expansion into Hungary and the wider Eastern European market.

By opening DBA Hungary, we became one of the first UK-based international agencies to establish a dedicated presence in the region, at a time when Eastern Europe is rapidly becoming a major hub for global film and television production. Rather than simply observing that growth, we made a conscious decision to be part of it — building strong relationships locally while connecting the region to our wider international network.

This has allowed us to create real opportunities for both talent and productions. We are now working closely with casting directors and production teams across Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, helping provide access to a diverse and international pool of actors while also supporting fair and competitive opportunities for local performers.

At the same time, this expansion reflects the wider vision behind DBA — creating a truly international representation model that responds to how the industry is evolving. Being recognised again is incredibly meaningful, as it validates not just our growth, but the direction we are taking as a company.

What is the next big step for you?

The next big step for us is consolidating and building on the growth we’ve already seen, particularly in France and Italy.

Both territories have experienced a significant increase in activity over the past year, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see DBA becoming more recognised and established within those markets. Nicholas and I are now focusing on strengthening our presence there further, including developing targeted marketing strategies that clearly communicate our approach, our values, and the way we work internationally.

At the same time, we are continuing to explore new opportunities for growth. There are a number of exciting projects currently in development that we hope to share in the near future, all aligned with our long-term vision of expanding DBA’s international footprint.

For us, growth is not just about entering new territories, but about building strong, sustainable relationships within the markets we operate in. The focus now is on consolidating what we’ve built, continuing to raise standards, and making sure our model evolves alongside the industry.

Would you recommend Business Awards UK to other businesses? If so, why?

Absolutely. We’ve had the honour of being recognised twice, and the experience has been incredibly positive.

What we value most about Business Awards UK is that it shines a light not just on the company, but on the people behind it. For us, it’s been a great opportunity to highlight the work of our team and to celebrate what everyone contributes on a daily basis.

It also gives you a platform to reflect on your journey and share your story, which is something that often gets overlooked when you’re focused on the day-to-day running of a business.

Recognition like this goes beyond the award itself — it helps build credibility, opens conversations, and allows you to connect with others in the industry.

So yes, I would absolutely recommend it. If anything, it’s a valuable moment to step back, acknowledge your team, and celebrate the work you’re all doing together.

Looking Ahead

DBA’s Innovation in Media win marks a continuation of the agency’s progress, but also shows how its work is developing beyond simple expansion. This year’s recognition points to a business that is thinking carefully about where the entertainment industry is heading, and how talent representation can remain relevant, responsible and commercially effective within that landscape.

As DBA strengthens its presence across established territories and continues to build relationships in newer markets, its next phase appears focused on depth as much as reach. With Thomas, Nicholas and the wider team continuing to shape the agency’s direction, DBA’s growth remains grounded in practical industry knowledge, international collaboration and a clear commitment to supporting the people it represents.