PRG Delivers Unprecedented Technical Support for Record-Breaking Beast Games Production
PRG played a pivotal role in pulling off one of the most ambitious and record-breaking productions ever seen on television with camera, audio, video ...
All Photos by Brian Friedman.
For over a decade, Penn & Teller: Fool Us has captivated audiences with mind-bending illusions and performances that keep fans guessing. But behind the tricks and sleight of hand, a dedicated team of designers and production experts work tirelessly to ensure that every moment looks as magical as it feels. At the heart of this effort is Lighting Designer Matt Ford, Production Designer Anton Goss, Art Director Dylan Jones, Lighting Director Paul Lennon, Gaffer Tommy Carey, Executive Producers Andrew Golder, Peter Golden and Lincoln Hiatt, Director Dennis Rosenblatt and Producer Danny Harris, supported by PRG Account Executive Jeff Javier, whose collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the show’s visual identity.
Matt Ford has been with Penn & Teller: Fool Us since its debut season, and his approach to lighting design has evolved alongside the show. “With magic, lighting is incredibly finicky,” Ford explains. “You need flexibility—different fixture types and placements—to support illusions without revealing their secrets. For example, we’ve had acts involving scrims and projections, Lighting those without exposing the trick demands precise angles.”
In addition, lighting the show presents the challenge of serving both the live audience and TV viewers at home. To manage this balance, the team collaborates with a magic consultant who watches rehearsals from the audience’s perspective, flagging any issues before filming begins.
Ford credits Production Designer Anton Goss for creating a set that enhances the visual impact of the show: “Anton’s designs always take light beautifully, and my job is to complement that with tools that feel dynamic yet discreet.”
PRG has been the show’s trusted production partner from the very beginning, providing lighting, video and audio support. “PRG’s reliability and quality are unmatched,” Ford says. “Their gear always arrives in top condition—clean, tested and ready to go.” That efficiency is critical when budgets are tight and timelines are short.
One standout fixture Ford highlights is the VL 2600, a versatile LED fixture that has become a workhorse on the show. “It’s consistent in color and optical performance, and it’s flexible enough to handle a wide variety of needs,” he notes.
In addition to lighting, PRG supplies the show with its proprietary Mbox media server, a critical tool for managing video content on set. PRG’s Account Executive Jeff Javier recalls a particularly challenging moment when the system required emergency repairs mid-season. “We pulled equipment from the shop late at night, drove it to the set and had it running again by the next day,” he says. “That’s the level of commitment PRG brings to every project.”
One of the keys to the show’s success is the long-standing relationship between the production team and PRG. Javier, who took over the account in 2019, credits this legacy knowledge for keeping the process smooth. “We know the venue, the gear and the team,” he says. “That trust and familiarity allow us to anticipate needs and address challenges quickly.”
Ford agrees, emphasizing the importance of having a consistent team. “Our gaffer, Tommy Carey, and Lighting Director, Paul Lennon, have been with us from the start,” he says. “They know exactly what I’m looking for, and their detailed notes help us refine the setup year after year.”
After 11 seasons, Penn & Teller: Fool Us has become a well-oiled machine, but it’s the dedication and creativity of its production team that keeps it fresh. “Every year, we refine the process,” Ford says. “We’ve built a rig that can handle almost anything, but we’re always looking for ways to improve.”
For Javier, the show represents the best of what PRG offers—technical expertise paired with boutique-level service. “At the end of the day, we’re here to make sure the show goes on, no matter what it takes,” he says. “That’s the PRG way.”