Mark Ryan has enjoyed an eclectic and successful career for some twenty five years, working in all aspects of the international entertainment industry, specializing in action film and TV roles and major musical theater. He has choreographed and performed literally hundreds of TV, film and theatrical fights internationally with some of the top Stunt Coordinators and performers in the world.
After training at The Italia Conte Stage School and The London College of Music he performed his first stage knife fight in the 1976 West End musical production of DEAN also playing the part of VIC DAMONE. In 1978 he was chosen by the legendary Director HAL PRINCE to originate the part of MAGALDI in EVITA. He is also featured on the original cast album. He later took over the leading role of CHE, which he played for two years. He left EVITA to play MAC in WHO DARES WINS released in America under the title of THE FINAL OPTION and coordinated by the original JAMES BOND Stunt Arranger; BOB SIMMONS.
In 1983 Goldcrest Films were assembling a cast for the prestigious ROBIN OF SHERWOOD TV Series. They cast Mark as Edmond The Archer a character which was to be killed off. However, the producers were so impressed with Mark's swordsmanship and screen presence that they rewrote the first six episodes and added a new character to the legend. Thus Mark created NASIR, and joined the series for three years. This gave Mark the chance to train daily with respected Swordmaster and Stunt Coordinator; TERRY WALSH, archery expert GABE CRONELLY and Horsemaster STEVEN DENT. Also learning from a host of gifted and respected stunt coordinators and performers his challenging and stylish two handed sword technique rapidly becoming widely emulated and recognized as his trademark.
During the following 20 years he trained with every type of sword and absorbed a great deal of knowledge and experience with bladed weaponry dating from every period in history.
In 1994 Mark was picked by legendary Swordmaster BOB ANDERSON to assist as sword coach to Richard Gere and Ben Cross in the Columbia Pictures release FIRST KNIGHT. Director JERRY ZUCKER also asked him to play John Challenger during the filming of this Arthurian epic. This huge production involved hundreds of horses and dozens of sword action sequences, including the principal final fight sequence involving eight hundred extras and scores of stunt performers. Working closely with BOB ANDERSON, Stunt Coordinator GREG POWELL and Horsemaster STEVE DENT was an experience he found immensely enjoyable and rewarding. This invaluable exposure  to large scale action sequences cemented his credentials as a swordmaster and action consultant in his own right.
Mark was hired as resident Swordmaster/Action Consultant for the blockbuster TV show THE SECRET ADVENTURES OF JULES VERNE, the first action, SciFi series shot entirely on HDTV. Mark's responsibilities included coordination of the many complex action sequences and seeing the process through with directors and editors to the final screen version.
Other recent US TV appearances includes work on CONAN THE ADVENTURER, NUREMBERG, PASSIONS, JAG and GENERAL HOSPITAL and as a fencer for VIC ARMSTRONG in the movie version of CHARLIE'S ANGELS. He also recently toured the US as a member of ERIC IDLE EXPLOITS MONTY PYTHON performing classic British comedy roles with ERIC IDLE at CARNEGIE HALL and THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL. 
Other recent Fight Director/Swordmaster credits include a specialist whip and sword fight and large scale battle sequence in the movie THE BACCHAE (2nd Unit & Fight Director). Various domestic violence sequences for THE LEGACY, directed by JAMES ENCINAS and a prison riot for the LA stage production of MARRAT-SADE for BRAD MAYS.
Mark’s long experience of editing, camera’s and special effects is highly respected by directors, producers and stunt coordinators worldwide and his stylish and realistic swordplay is simply unique.
Mark Ryan is currently Swordmaster on the JERRY BRUCKHEIMER production of KING ARTHUR directed by ANTOINE FUQUA under the Stunt Coordination of STEVE DENT.
SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE ALSO INCLUDES:
Trained in all historical periods of bladed weaponry. Archery, knife throwing, whip work, horsemanship, unarmed combat and small arms, including complex HDTV/CGI/Green Screen VFX and prosthetic sequences.
Published and respected author and lecturer on the psychology, history and meaning of symbolism in myth and esoteric practice.
Extensive knowledge/experience of foreign small arms and weapon systems. Certified NAUI SCUBA diver.
References on request: Bob Anderson
                                         Steve Dent
                                         Greg Powell
                                         Keira Knightley
                                         Mike Stenson (Jerry Bruckheimer Films)
SWORDMASTER CV
SWORDMASTER PICS
KING ARTHUR