Over the course of 11 seasons, Penn & Teller: Fool Us has single handedly created a whole new generation of magic fans around the world.

Although the show’s structure rhymes with many popular talent series on TV today, Penn & Teller see that as more of a capitalist Trojan Horse. They told a story they could sell to the networks, all so they could use their clout to invite incredible magicians into millions upon millions of homes. They succeeded.

Before each magician takes the stage in front of P&T, viewers at home get to see a short video introducing their work. As an Associate Package Producer on season 7 of the show, I was responsible for the soup-to-nuts logistics of creating those videos for about 20 international magicians.

Conducted research and pre-interviews
Collaborated on creative/storytelling
Scouted locations
Managed clearances and rights
Coordinated talent, crew, and camera teams
Managed transportation logistics
Procured props, costumes, set dressing
Managed shoot-specific and overall team budgets
Delivered detailed accounting reports

Working on Season 7 meant camping out in Las Vegas for a few weeks in early 2020. Masks had started popping up on the casino floor, but we didn’t slow down enough to consider what was coming.

I drove back to Los Angeles after we wrapped on March 13, 2020. A few days later, L.A. announced city-wide lockdowns. The following week, Vegas went dark. Some of the international magicians we had been working with were stranded in the U.S.

Going from a round-the-clock shoot schedule in the insane environment that is Las Vegas to shelter-in-place Covid rules was a wild transition. But I’m still glad I got to work on Fool Us, supporting some incredible magicians and learning from some seriously inspiring television producers.