Ryan Johnson, President, Founder, and Head Fabricator of NewRuleFX, joined KUCI’s Get the Funk Out! to talk about his journey in special effects fabrication, the work behind Hollywood’s practical movie magic, and how NewRuleFX is rebuilding after a devastating workshop fire.
Since 1991, NewRuleFX has created screen-ready props and practical effects for film, television, streaming productions, live entertainment, haunted attractions, and immersive experiences. The company’s work ranges from breakaway glass and stunt-safe weapons to hero props, creature effects, custom fabrication, and specialty casting for clients and productions connected to Netflix, Disney, Marvel, MrBeast, Captain America: Brave New World, Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, MJ The Musical, Game of Thrones, and more.
Rising up from the ashes
On November 13, 2025, a major fire destroyed much of the NewRuleFX workshop, including equipment, materials, and an extensive collection of custom molds built over decades. No one was injured, but the loss was enormous. Today, the company is writing its next chapter from a new facility while continuing to deliver large-scale, innovative work for clients.
In the interview, Ryan also shares how his background in producing, directing, and cinematography shapes the way he approaches fabrication. Every prop must not only look right, but perform safely in an actor’s hands, survive the demands of production, and convince the audience that it belongs in the story.
Listen to the interview
Listen to Ryan Johnson on KUCI’s Get the Funk Out!
You can also download the interview audio and learn more about the company’s recovery through the NewRuleFX Fire Recovery Page.
For more about Ryan’s work and NewRuleFX’s catalog of practical effects props, visit NewRuleFX.com.
