MEN IN BLACK, TOO

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Production of
the Opening and Closing Sessions of the
Event Solutions Expo 2003

E. Through the Eyes of the Production Team and Entertainers

8. - PyroSpectaculars Inc.

The challenge of using pyrotechnics indoors is always difficult. These days, everyone from venue managers and fire authorities to performers and audience members are wary of indoor pyrotechnics, as a result of past events.

This is where a well-known company with years of experience comes into play, to provide the level of comfort needed by all involved parties.

Our challenges for providing indoor pyro effects for the Event Solutions Opening and Closing Sessions began the moment our offer to be involved was accepted.

With such short notice and no clear outline for pyrotechnics in the show, initial conversations led to specific custom-manufactured indoor pyro devices and custom props.

These devices had to be permitted through the San Diego Fire Department no less than 10 days before the event.

Once on site, a very productive meeting with Executive Producer Anthony Bollotta called for a little tweaking of the initial pyro plan.

Anthony’s vision and our ability to adapt allowed Pyro Spectaculars to create some unique, exciting and safe pyrotechnic effects that complemented both of the incredible Opening and Closing Sessions.

All of the pyrotechnic devices used in the programs were custom-designed and built by Astro Pyrotechnics, a division of Pyro Spectaculars.

The devices, included gerbs of varying heights and duration, and both flame balls and flame columns, as well as high performance silver airbursts.

All of these devices were fired with a state of the art Pyro Digital computer firing system. The pyro hits were fired manually from both visual and audible cues during the show.

People always seem to have preconceived ideas that pyrotechnics are expensive. The shows that we produced for the opening and closing sessions were fairly inexpensive.

For approximately $4,000, we provided three days of onsite planning and labor, full computer choreography and firing, insurance coverage, licensed theatrical pyrotechnic operators, permit applications, sales tax, and delivery.

Pyro Spectaculars is happy to work with almost any budget. Every show is custom produced to fit within each customers individual show requirements.

From indoor and outdoor pyro to high school homecomings and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics, Pyro Spectaculars does it all.

Brendan McKenney
PYROSPECTACULARS INC.
PO Box 2329
Rialto, CA 92377
909-874-1644
www.pyrospectaculars.com