History of The Stunt Guild

​The Stunt Guild was first established on 1st August 1966, making it the oldest and original stunt organisation based in the United Kingdom. From its very beginning, the Guild set out to represent the interests of professional stunt performers while promoting the highest standards of skill, safety, and collaboration within the industry.

The idea for the Guild was brought to life by Paddy Ryan and Bill Sawyer, who called together a group of leading stunt professionals for what would become a historic first meeting. That inaugural gathering took place at 7 Stewart Close, NW9, at 8:00pm sharp, marking the start of an organisation that would go on to play a defining role in the British stunt community.

From the outset, the Guild’s mission was clear and refreshingly straightforward. Its purpose was built upon two core principles that remain central to its identity today:

1. To provide a foundation for cooperation and mutual support among stunt performers.

2. To maintain and promote the highest standards of competence and professionalism within the stunt profession.

These guiding values ensured that stunt performers could work together as a respected community - supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and continually raising the bar for safety, performance, and professionalism in the industry.

At that first meeting in 1966, the following founding members were present:

Guild Officers

• Max Faulkner – Chairman

• Terry York – Vice Chairman

• Ken Buckle – Vice Chairman

• Bill Sawyer – Treasurer

• Larry Taylor – Social Organiser

Founding Members

• Paddy Ryan

• Peter Braham

• Frank Maher

• Les Crawford

• Tex Fuller

• Bill Cornelius

• Fred Haggerty

• Gerry Wain

• Alf Joint

• Peter Brace

• Joe Wadham

• Les White

These individuals laid the foundations for what would become a lasting and influential institution within the film and television stunt industry.

Today, nearly six decades later, The Stunt Guild continues to uphold the same principles that inspired its creation. As we move through 2026 and beyond, the Guild remains committed to fostering cooperation among stunt professionals and maintaining the exceptional standards that define the craft.

The spirit of that first meeting—professionalism, camaraderie, and dedication to the art of stunt performance—remains at the very heart of the Guild today.