Our Story
Our organization was founded by two highly accomplished individuals who collectively bring decades of expertise and experience to the field of screen and live entertainment safety.
ESA is led by inaugural president Gordon Waddell, a highly regarded professional with over 40 years of hands-on experience in stunts and safety across local and international productions.
Vice-president Roger Graham, renowned as one of the foremost safety risk and technical consultants worldwide, contributes his extensive entertainment industry experience spanning over four decades.
Gordon Waddell
Founder & President
Hello and Welcome!
I extend a warm welcome to you all. As President, it is my paramount duty to ensure that each one of you is provided with the necessary tools for success and kept well-informed within the Entertainment Safety Alliance. Our mission is to offer resources, training, and crucial information regarding workplace safety across the expansive spectrum of the screen and entertainment industries.
We begin with the screen sector and will subsequently extend our efforts to encompass live events and theatre. My ultimate goal is to see every individual return home safely at the conclusion of each workday.
I hold a deep-seated concern for the well-being, success, and contentment of everyone employed in the screen and entertainment industry. I firmly believe that we can contribute significantly to everyone’s journey towards achieving professional fulfilment and success in life.
Should you have any queries, seek guidance, or simply wish to extend a greeting, I wholeheartedly encourage you to reach out. Together, we can collaborate in creating and maintaining a secure working environment for all.
Warm regards,
Roger Graham
Founder & Vice President
Dear Entertainment Industry Enthusiasts,
Welcome to the Entertainment Safety Alliance (ESA), where our collective journey ensures safety remains at the heart of our dynamic world.
In 1982, a tragedy during the filming of “Midnight Spares” reshaped our industry’s safety landscape. The loss highlighted the need for comprehensive safety beyond stunts, leading to the introduction of safety officers, mainly stunt professionals, to safeguard every set. As our industry expanded, so did the risks, prompting stringent regulations and a focus on investing in skilled safety personnel. Today, safety is a multidisciplinary science governed by laws, emphasizing the vital role of experience in every corner of our diverse work environments.
Enter ESA—a symbol of competence in a self-regulated safety landscape. We aim to distinguish seasoned professionals from those lacking necessary training, fostering professional growth and ensuring legal obligations are met. ESA serves as a knowledge hub, offering advice, clarification, and industry training. Let’s elevate safety standards, protect our colleagues, and propel the entertainment industry into a new era of professionalism.
Safe regards,
