Behind the scenes of the series Traitors - laser maze
After the first series aired in 2024, the Czech adaptation of the show Zrádci (The Traitors) became a phenomenon and was very popular with viewers. In this show, inspired by the game Palermo, contestants face tasks and challenges every day. At the same time, they try to uncover who the traitor in their midst is. Our laser maze was one of the challenges the contestants faced. In this article, you can read about how the preparations and filming itself went.
Customizations
Adapting our maze for filming was a big challenge. We usually build the laser maze inside an opaque tent or in a dark room, where we place panels with lasers on the sides. However, the production team of Zrádci wanted the lasers to be as hidden as possible. This meant we couldn't use our classic stands. Due to this technical challenge, we started preparations three months before filming.
Fake walls
Finding a solution required a lot of trial and error, but after several weeks, we and the production team came up with an elegant solution—we decided to hide the lasers in the walls. For this purpose, the production team constructed false walls on both sides of the room, into which we built the lasers and sensors. It was a big project and the implementation was not easy, but the result was worth it.
At the location
Preparations took place on site in the beautiful surroundings of Křivoklát Castle the day before filming. One room in the castle was reserved for the maze. Even the installation itself was not without technical challenges, which required adjustments and creative solutions. A camera test was performed at night. Based on the results, we fine-tuned the last details to make the space look its best on camera. Director Markus discussed this in detail with Vojta Kotek in one of his recaps on YouTube. Well, let's be honest. It was a challenge in many, many ways. But we are very happy that everything worked out in the end.
Smooth cooperation
The excellent team that filmed Zrádci (and also the second series filmed in April 2025), led by the absolute king Markus Krug, motivated us tremendously. There was a pleasant atmosphere throughout, and the work went smoothly. Whenever a problem arose, we never discussed why or who was to blame, but how to solve it so that everything would be of the highest quality. We have to admit that we learned a lot of new things.
What challenge have we prepared for players?
We placed a total of 40 lasers on the wall on a side of the room, forming a network that the contestants had to navigate through. The basic rules were the same as in our standard laser maze games.
Laser maze rules
Players must cross to the other side within the time limit and avoid laser beams. They have 3 minutes to do so. Each touch deducts 30 seconds from the precious time. After successful completion, a red button awaits on the other side, which you press to end the game. In normal operation, the button opens a chest from which players can choose a sweet or a gift item. We excluded the chest in the variant for Zrádci.
Artifacts and other rule changes
Normally, each player navigates the maze independently, but this was a challenge for pairs. The pairs had to navigate together, and their mistakes were added up. This made the game considerably more difficult.
Artifacts were also placed on pedestals between the lasers, which the contestants had to collect and bring to the finish line. Each artifact was valued at an amount that the player could earn upon successful completion. Some artifacts also contained shields that protected players during the nighttime rampage of the hooded traitors.
We repeated this game concept at Comic Con 2025, which we visited with the maze, and you had the opportunity to try the challenge in the room dedicated to Zrádci. Many visitors were surprised that the challenge looked easier on TV than it actually is. However, there were plenty of skilled adults and children who managed to get through the maze.
Filming day
Thanks to careful preparations, the filming itself went swimmingly. The pairs of contestants threw themselves into the challenge one after the other. Some did very well, but the vast majority of them dropped out at the last few lasers just before the end. Only one of the pairs successfully completed the challenge.
We thought it was a shame that the players hardly communicated with each other. Those of you who have already gone through our laser maze know that advising each other can be a great help and support. Especially when going through in pairs, it is necessary to work as a team.
Michal assisted at the event itself, and even this brief involvement in the atmosphere of the whole game captivated him so much that he eagerly awaited each episode or recap on YouTube. He even signed up for the second series. Now the contestants are out, and it's no secret that he didn't make it into the game. He was a little sad, but it's not the end of the world. We believe that there will be a third series, because based on the first shots, the second series of Zrádci looks absolutely TOP.
The players enjoyed the challenge
Despite the high level of difficulty, the contestants really enjoyed the maze. They immediately shared their experiences with each other and with fans on social media. And despite the long night of preparations, we also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the filming of Zrádci. It was a great experience and a valuable lesson. The artifact hunt was an interesting addition, and we are considering including it in the range of game modes you can choose from when ordering the maze. What do you think?
Would you like to experience the excitement and competitive atmosphere for yourself? Write to us and order a laser maze for your event, or come see us at one of the public events where we regularly appear with the maze.
About the author
Eliška Heřmanská
Eliška is an energetic and creative being. Her pace of learning new juggling skills is admirable. She is catching up on the experience of others by giant leaps. She has already performed in several countries in Europe and Bahrain. Eliska is also a valuable team member in production matters. We are delighted to have her involved in developing all aspects of our company.