The fog machines pumped light mist into the air, diffusing the bright movie lights hanging from the ceiling. The director calls "action!" and Jarod (Michael T. Weiss) walks between several strange creatures and monsters, stops on his mark, and delivers his lines.

Just another typical day on the set of the "Pretender?" Sort of, but what makes this day different for us, is that it's being shot here at the MBP studio. In this episode of the "Pretender" Jarod impersonates a special effects artist as he probes a suspicious special effects accident that seriously injured another technician.

Michael Burnett was first approached in early October 1997 about creating several practical effects for the episode. MBP was so busy with Universal Studio's "Halloween Horror Nights" Michael reluctantly had to decline.

The producers of the "Pretender" wanted an authentic look for the effects studio Jarod would be working in and felt Michael's shop would be the perfect location. They approached Burnett once again, this time aboutthe possibility of shooting in his facility, and using many of his existing props and full sized creatures. The shoot wouldn't be until the first week of November so Burnett accepted.

"We had to alter several of the pieces we created for other shows that would be recognizable" Burnett said. "Many of our custom resin kits and effects were able to be used as is."

The shoot went on until 11:00 pm and several of the MBP crew were employed to assist the production in setting up the creatures and props. "It was a different experience for me" Burnett continues. "Here's this big production going on and I wasn't gluing any appliances or operating a puppet. I was just there to hang out and watch them shoot!"

The episode originally aired on NBC Saturday January 17th at 9:00 pm.