Production Resource Group

Production Resource Group
Name	Production Resource Group
Type	Private
Industry	Entertainment technology
Founded	1984
Founder	Bart Phillips
Headquarters	Burbank, California
Area served	Global
Key people	Michael Grady (CEO)
Products	Lighting, audio, video, rigging, staging services
Employees	2,500 (est.)

Production Resource Group is a global provider of technical services and equipment for live events, television, film, and corporate productions. The company offers integrated solutions in lighting, audio, video, rigging, staging, and scenic fabrication, serving clients across entertainment, sports, broadcast, and corporate sectors. Founded in the 1980s, the firm expanded from a single rental house into a multinational network with operations on multiple continents.

History

Founded in 1984 by Bart Phillips in Burbank, California, the company grew alongside major developments in live production technology during the 1980s and 1990s. Early growth intersected with advances by manufacturers such as Strand Lighting, Martin Professional, Clay Paky, ETC (company), and MA Lighting International that transformed concert touring and television lighting. Expansion continued through the 2000s as clients included partners associated with Super Bowl, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and international tours for artists represented by agencies like William Morris Agency and Creative Artists Agency. Strategic acquisitions and investment rounds echoed consolidation trends seen with companies such as PRG (company)'s peers Stage Entertainment and rental groups linked to Live Nation and AEG Presents. Global offices and warehouses opened to support televised events in cities like London, New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Sydney, and Dubai.

Services and Products

The firm's service portfolio spans technical production, equipment rental, systems integration, and fabrication. Core offerings include lighting systems from vendors similar to Robe Lighting and Harman Professional, audio systems paralleling products by L-Acoustics and d&b audiotechnik, and video displays comparable to those by Barco and Christie Digital Systems. Rigging and staging services support large-scale setups found at venues such as Wembley Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and Staples Center. Broadcast support has been delivered for networks and productions linked to NBCUniversal, CBS, BBC, Sky UK, and Fox Broadcasting Company. Event engineering, design collaboration, and turnaround logistics are routinely coordinated with production houses like Foster + Partners (events), Ultimate Live Events, and corporate clients such as Apple Inc., Google, and Microsoft for product launches and conferences.

Organizational Structure

Operational leadership typically comprises divisions for rentals, production services, fabrication, sales, and logistics. Regional management oversees clusters in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East with local facilities in metropolitan hubs including London, Berlin, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The executive team liaises with client relations and project managers who coordinate with technical directors, lighting designers, audio engineers, and rigging supervisors. Collaboration often occurs with creative firms and agencies such as George Nelson Partners, Gropius Studios, Dancers Group, and talent agencies like CAA and ICM Partners to align technical execution with artistic direction.

Projects and Notable Productions

The company has supported a range of high-profile projects including tours for artists associated with U2, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift and large-scale televised events such as the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and multiple editions of the Super Bowl Halftime Show. It has provided infrastructure for theatrical runs connected to producers like Andrew Lloyd Webber and concert residencies at venues like The O2 Arena, Radio City Music Hall, and Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Corporate engagements include keynotes and launch events for Apple Inc., Samsung, and Tesla, Inc. as well as gaming and esports events associated with Blizzard Entertainment and Riot Games.

Market Position and Competitors

Positioned among leading technical production suppliers, the company competes with global rental and services firms such as PRG (company), NEP Group, Tait Towers, Stageco, and Showtime Event Services. Competition also comes from regional specialists and integrators that serve broadcast clients like NEP Group and 4Wall Entertainment. Market dynamics are influenced by tour cycles of major artists represented by agencies like WME and UTA, as well as broadcast contract awards from media companies such as NBCUniversal and Disney–ABC Television Group.

Sustainability and Safety Practices

Sustainability initiatives reflect industry shifts toward energy-efficient technologies from manufacturers such as Philips Lighting (Signify) and LEDVANCE, along with waste reduction strategies endorsed by organizations like AIM (Association of Independent Music) and Green Production Guide. Safety regimes follow standards and codes promulgated by authorities and institutions including OSHA, NFPA, TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), and venue-specific regulations at locations such as Madison Square Garden and Wembley Stadium. The firm implements crew training, certified rigging inspections, and environmental policies aligned with practices promoted by ISO frameworks and trade associations like PLASA and IATSE.

Awards and Recognition

The company and its personnel have received industry recognition through awards and listings from organizations including Parnelli Awards, Live Design International, TPI (Total Production International), and technical achievement acknowledgments appearing in publications such as Variety, Billboard, and The Hollywood Reporter. Individual designers and engineers associated with the firm have been credited on productions honored at the Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, and Grammy Awards.

Category:Entertainment technology companies