TEAM
Who is Olivia Bell? The company was initially founded by 18-year-old Xania and her cousin Isabella Hyams in 2000.
With big ideas but very little experience, Xania didn’t feel her name would be taken seriously, or that two teenage girls would be accepted as businesswomen. With a bit of creativity, and an amalgamation of their names, an imaginary woman was born as their solution: Olivia Bell. Xania worked for “Olivia Bell” for many years, while sidelining as a magician’s assistant at the weekends to cover the rent.
In 2002 Isabella moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in writing and producing. Xania continued to operate as Olivia Bell until she felt she had cast the perfect team of brilliant, passionate, kind, thorough and forward-thinking people – which is what Olivia Bell still embodies today. Xania has a strict policy of only hiring people she is inspired and excited by, who she feels she can learn from and would choose to spend her time with. She is immensely proud of her dedicated, brilliant team at Olivia Bell and the talented, groundbreaking clients that they represent. She leads the team and oversees every client’s career progression.
Her biggest joys are her family (chosen and otherwise), nurturing new talent, working in a collaborative environment and a cheeky tequila!
Finance Manager Clara has over 25 years’ experience in accounting, HR, learning development and project management.
Clara is a British-American who has adopted the UK as her home and is married with four children, three of whom are adults! Clara keeps herself busy with her two dogs, two rabbits, her own business and Olivia Bell Management.
Clara’s favourite part of her job is knowing she’s helping and making a difference to everyone she meets, and that’s why she always puts clients first. She is often described as being a safe pair of hands.
Gavin studied history of film at Lancaster University. He started his career as an intern at Working Title and Ruby Films.
Before joining Olivia Bell in 2010, Gavin began his agenting career under the late great agent Ken McReddie. Since becoming an integral part of the Olivia Bell team over a decade ago, Gavin has fostered many meaningful relationships with established creatives. He finds immense joy in connecting with talented individuals and supporting them on their artistic journeys.
As well as looking after his diverse and talented list of clients, Gavin is a hands-on producer, dedicated to crafting powerful stories that resonate with people at their core. Beyond the traditional agent’s responsibilities he actively collaborates in bringing captivating narratives to life.
He’s an avid Arsenal fan and is partial to a Picante by the pool at Soho House.
Robin joined Olivia Bell Management as an agent in 2012.
After training at film school in Plymouth, he started his professional life at former leading UK agency London Management, working as an agent’s assistant. He then worked for casting director Gail Stevens and later with Jina Jay, getting the chance to work under some of the world’s leading film directors, including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott and Danny Boyle.
He has since worked as a European casting director exclusively for Terrence Malick. After experiencing so many notable productions from the casting department, Robin wanted to work with actors on a closer, more individual basis, and made the move back to agenting by joining Olivia Bell.
With a great passion for European cinema stemming from his casting days, Robin attends Film Festivals all over Europe and is also a proud member of the European Film Academy.
Outside the office, Robin is a big Film Noir buff (with a collection of over 250 movies!), a season ticket holder at Luton Town FC, and has recently had his own photography book of abandoned buildings published.
Born in Cape Town, Julie moved to Devon at an early age and has been in the UK since. She studied drama and theatre before moving to Bristol to study History.
Her love of screen, especially TV, led her to move to London and find work in production. An internship led her to Olivia Bell in 2015. She works on the film, TV and theatre side of the agency and, while having love for all areas of the industry, has a particular passion for TV and theatre where many of her clients can be seen.
Julie attends many showcases, panels, and film festivals and her personal approach to managing clients ensures they are continually evolving and advancing on their journey, be it on stage or screen.
On Sunday, Julie believes in eating and watching, ideally a roast and something with Vikings in.
Ellie originally trained in musical theatre, before completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
After qualifying, she went on to become a Course Leader and Lecturer of Performing Arts at Epping Forest College, before deciding to shift her focus to pursue a career in the talent management industry.
Ellie joined Olivia Bell in 2016 after previously working at Shepperd Fox. She now heads up the musical theatre department, as well as jointly overseeing a small selection of clients who predominantly work in film, television and theatre. She is passionate about nurturing young talent.
In her spare time Ellie loves to travel, cook (her dad actually wrote a cookery book, so she loves recreating his wonderful recipes) and enjoy a glass of wine while catching up on questionable reality TV. If she were competing on Mastermind, her specialist subject would be ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise.
Ant made his showbiz debut in the mother and baby competition at Pontin’s. He went on to win the Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship at ArtsEd and performed in the National Youth Theatre.
After ten successful years, he hung up his ballet shoes and worked for many of the UK’s best known celebrities, learning the other side of the business.
As an eclectic agent he has published books, handled numerous branding deals, worked with clients on reality shows, built Press and PR campaigns and has many Musical Theatre clients to his name – his first love!
In 2013, Harriet found her home at Olivia Bell, where she has dedicated the past 10 years of her career. Her skills and strong work ethic have ensured the growth of both the company and the clients she represents.
With a degree in Drama from Bristol University, she began her journey in the industry working for companies such as BBC, ITV, Dowling and Erdely Casting, and Identity Agency Group.
Harriet balances her professional life with the demands of being a parent to young children. She finds joy and fulfilment in both, and also finds time to indulge in her hobbies of interior design and gardening.
With a deep-rooted love for the entertainment industry, Harriet loves the challenge of working across the board in theatre, TV, film, and musical theatre, and continues to make significant contributions to her clients’ success and the overall growth of the company.
Sophia graduated with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre and was recognised with the School of Music, Media and Performing Arts Award alongside her degree.
She began her career interning at David Ball Management and later joined Olivia Bell where she assisted for three years before becoming a Junior Agent. She loves sharing an incredible list of clients with Ellie, Ant and the rest of the team.
Outside the world of Olivia Bell, Sophia is usually found working on a home DIY project or at various concerts around the country. She is passionate about travelling, her next bucket list destinations being Copenhagen, Lisbon and Bali.
While dancing her way through childhood, Nikki also found a love for numbers, being drawn in by the precision and problem solving that came with them. This passion continued as she began her career working in the cash office for a retail business.
She joined the Olivia Bell team in 2018, alongside Clara in Finance, and has loved being able to combine these two passions in her work. In her free time, Nikki still enjoys going to a dance class or two.
Anna graduated from Bournemouth University in 2021 with a degree in Television Production.
Shortly after completing her studies Anna delved into the world of television as a casting researcher for Gobstopper TV, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience, further cementing her passion for the creative and dynamic world of television and film.
Later that year, Anna was taken under the wing of the TV and Film agents at Olivia Bell, who have guided her through the early stages of her agenting career. She thrives on building relationships with clients and industry professionals, constantly lighting up the room with her Harry Styles playlists and delicious baked goods.
Harry trained for three years at Guildford School of Acting, and has had experience working on both sides of the table within casting and performing.
Starting as a part time Intern at Olivia Bell, Harry made the transition to an official member of the team, now working across all areas: TV, Film, Theatre and Commercials.
He is also a certified Yoga Teacher with over 400 hours of training and, on the weekends, can often be found at Bar Bruno in Soho – the best breakfast spot in town.
Who is Olivia Bell? The company was initially founded by 18-year-old Xania and her cousin Isabella Hyams in 2000.
With big ideas but very little experience, Xania didn’t feel her name would be taken seriously, or that two teenage girls would be accepted as businesswomen. With a bit of creativity, and an amalgamation of their names, an imaginary woman was born as their solution: Olivia Bell. Xania worked for “Olivia Bell” for many years, while sidelining as a magician’s assistant at the weekends to cover the rent.
In 2002 Isabella moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in writing and producing. Xania continued to operate as Olivia Bell until she felt she had cast the perfect team of brilliant, passionate, kind, thorough and forward-thinking people – which is what Olivia Bell still embodies today. Xania has a strict policy of only hiring people she is inspired and excited by, who she feels she can learn from and would choose to spend her time with. She is immensely proud of her dedicated, brilliant team at Olivia Bell and the talented, groundbreaking clients that they represent. She leads the team and oversees every client’s career progression.
Her biggest joys are her family (chosen and otherwise), nurturing new talent, working in a collaborative environment and a cheeky tequila!
Finance Manager Clara has over 25 years’ experience in accounting, HR, learning development and project management.
Clara is a British-American who has adopted the UK as her home and is married with four children, three of whom are adults! Clara keeps herself busy with her two dogs, two rabbits, her own business and Olivia Bell Management.
Clara’s favourite part of her job is knowing she’s helping and making a difference to everyone she meets, and that’s why she always puts clients first. She is often described as being a safe pair of hands.
Gavin studied history of film at Lancaster University. He started his career as an intern at Working Title and Ruby Films.
Before joining Olivia Bell in 2010, Gavin began his agenting career under the late great agent Ken McReddie. Since becoming an integral part of the Olivia Bell team over a decade ago, Gavin has fostered many meaningful relationships with established creatives. He finds immense joy in connecting with talented individuals and supporting them on their artistic journeys.
As well as looking after his diverse and talented list of clients, Gavin is a hands-on producer, dedicated to crafting powerful stories that resonate with people at their core. Beyond the traditional agent’s responsibilities he actively collaborates in bringing captivating narratives to life.
He’s an avid Arsenal fan and is partial to a Picante by the pool at Soho House.
Robin joined Olivia Bell Management as an agent in 2012.
After training at film school in Plymouth, he started his professional life at former leading UK agency London Management, working as an agent’s assistant. He then worked for casting director Gail Stevens and later with Jina Jay, getting the chance to work under some of the world’s leading film directors, including Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott and Danny Boyle.
He has since worked as a European casting director exclusively for Terrence Malick. After experiencing so many notable productions from the casting department, Robin wanted to work with actors on a closer, more individual basis, and made the move back to agenting by joining Olivia Bell.
With a great passion for European cinema stemming from his casting days, Robin attends Film Festivals all over Europe and is also a proud member of the European Film Academy.
Outside the office, Robin is a big Film Noir buff (with a collection of over 250 movies!), a season ticket holder at Luton Town FC, and has recently had his own photography book of abandoned buildings published.
Born in Cape Town, Julie moved to Devon at an early age and has been in the UK since. She studied drama and theatre before moving to Bristol to study History.
Her love of screen, especially TV, led her to move to London and find work in production. An internship led her to Olivia Bell in 2015. She works on the film, TV and theatre side of the agency and, while having love for all areas of the industry, has a particular passion for TV and theatre where many of her clients can be seen.
Julie attends many showcases, panels, and film festivals and her personal approach to managing clients ensures they are continually evolving and advancing on their journey, be it on stage or screen.
On Sunday, Julie believes in eating and watching, ideally a roast and something with Vikings in.
Ellie originally trained in musical theatre, before completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
After qualifying, she went on to become a Course Leader and Lecturer of Performing Arts at Epping Forest College, before deciding to shift her focus to pursue a career in the talent management industry.
Ellie joined Olivia Bell in 2016 after previously working at Shepperd Fox. She now heads up the musical theatre department, as well as jointly overseeing a small selection of clients who predominantly work in film, television and theatre. She is passionate about nurturing young talent.
In her spare time Ellie loves to travel, cook (her dad actually wrote a cookery book, so she loves recreating his wonderful recipes) and enjoy a glass of wine while catching up on questionable reality TV. If she were competing on Mastermind, her specialist subject would be ‘The Real Housewives’ franchise.
Ant made his showbiz debut in the mother and baby competition at Pontin’s. He went on to win the Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship at ArtsEd and performed in the National Youth Theatre.
After ten successful years, he hung up his ballet shoes and worked for many of the UK’s best known celebrities, learning the other side of the business.
As an eclectic agent he has published books, handled numerous branding deals, worked with clients on reality shows, built Press and PR campaigns and has many Musical Theatre clients to his name – his first love!
In 2013, Harriet found her home at Olivia Bell, where she has dedicated the past 10 years of her career. Her skills and strong work ethic have ensured the growth of both the company and the clients she represents.
With a degree in Drama from Bristol University, she began her journey in the industry working for companies such as BBC, ITV, Dowling and Erdely Casting, and Identity Agency Group.
Harriet balances her professional life with the demands of being a parent to young children. She finds joy and fulfilment in both, and also finds time to indulge in her hobbies of interior design and gardening.
With a deep-rooted love for the entertainment industry, Harriet loves the challenge of working across the board in theatre, TV, film, and musical theatre, and continues to make significant contributions to her clients’ success and the overall growth of the company.
Sophia graduated with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre and was recognised with the School of Music, Media and Performing Arts Award alongside her degree.
She began her career interning at David Ball Management and later joined Olivia Bell where she assisted for three years before becoming a Junior Agent. She loves sharing an incredible list of clients with Ellie, Ant and the rest of the team.
Outside the world of Olivia Bell, Sophia is usually found working on a home DIY project or at various concerts around the country. She is passionate about travelling, her next bucket list destinations being Copenhagen, Lisbon and Bali.
While dancing her way through childhood, Nikki also found a love for numbers, being drawn in by the precision and problem solving that came with them. This passion continued as she began her career working in the cash office for a retail business.
She joined the Olivia Bell team in 2018, alongside Clara in Finance, and has loved being able to combine these two passions in her work. In her free time, Nikki still enjoys going to a dance class or two.
Anna graduated from Bournemouth University in 2021 with a degree in Television Production.
Shortly after completing her studies Anna delved into the world of television as a casting researcher for Gobstopper TV, where she honed her skills and gained valuable experience, further cementing her passion for the creative and dynamic world of television and film.
Later that year, Anna was taken under the wing of the TV and Film agents at Olivia Bell, who have guided her through the early stages of her agenting career. She thrives on building relationships with clients and industry professionals, constantly lighting up the room with her Harry Styles playlists and delicious baked goods.
Harry trained for three years at Guildford School of Acting, and has had experience working on both sides of the table within casting and performing.
Starting as a part time Intern at Olivia Bell, Harry made the transition to an official member of the team, now working across all areas: TV, Film, Theatre and Commercials.
He is also a certified Yoga Teacher with over 400 hours of training and, on the weekends, can often be found at Bar Bruno in Soho – the best breakfast spot in town.