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Issue 3 February 2015
pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
F O R F I R E W O R K C O M P A N I E S & E N T H U S I A S
T S A C R O S S T H E W O R L D
Arras Bell TowerFireworksArras is the capital of
thePas-De-Calais department,and is well known for itsbeautiful
belfry or bell tower,which has been listed as aUNESCO World
Heritage Sitesince July 2005.
The Masclet: A Symphony of NoiseToday, Valencia is known for
three things: the Paella (a delicious Valencian ricedish), for
oranges and forthe beauty of its mascletas.
MAPAGSeptember ShootThe answer was yes. What else can an
aspiringpyrotechnic show designersay when hes offered the
opportunity to script alarge show using up to 16-inch shells?
GROUPE FPuts the F in Fireworks
GROUPE FPuts the F in Fireworks
E X C L U S I V E
A TRULY HISTORICFIREWORKS DYNASTYAn Interview with Phil Grucci,
CEO and CreativeDirector off Grucci Fireworks. Interview by Michael
Richards.
+much more
Bastille Day is actually French NationalDay, which France
celebrates every year onthe 14th of July. This holiday
commemoratesthe beginning of the French Revolution withthe storming
of the Bastille, as well as theFte de la Fdration celebrating the
unity of the French people.
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FEATURE
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO WEAR IS A COATGIVEN TO ME BY PHIL
GRUCCI AFTER I WROTESEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT THEIR
INCREDIBLEFIREWORKS DISPLAYS FOR 76 PYROMAGAZINE. I only wear it
during special
occasions. In particular, I wear it if I am going to afireworks
show of some kind. What is fun about doing
that is sometimes people actually ask me if I am part of the
Gruccifamily. I guess I should be; at least an honorary member.
Butdont think it is just because of my imaginary Grucci status that
Impissed me off at Guinness. Im pissed off at Guinness (the
bookpeople, not the beer people) because they have royally screwed
upand given Gruccis hard-earned, world record for the
LargestFireworks Display to Norway.
Now, I fully understand that world records are meant to
bebroken, but there is really no comparison between what
Grucciaccomplished last year in Dubai, and what took place
thisNovember in Sgne, an obscure little Norwegian town
hiddensomewhere in southern Norway. Gruccis was a
tightlychoreographed NYE spectacular. His world record took
10months to plan and employed over 200 technicians who workedover
5,000 hours to launch 479,651 fireworks (80,000 shells perminute!)
from Dubais central tower and along 60 miles of Dubaiscoastline.
These were large, professional shellsone sectioneven using seven
24-inch shells at once! How did this possiblycompare to a small,
consumer-grade fireworks show (wherepeople actually sat in lawn
chairs) watching 540,382 tiny shellsany of us could buy at any
fireworks stand, get shot into the sky assky puke that a
pyrotechnic artist would be ashamed of? Howdoes a Norwegian
container-and-a-half compare to Gruccis nine40-foot containers? It
doesnt. And it is an absolute disgrace thatGuinness somehow
considers this a new world record. Honestly,any of you could do the
same thing. Just get enough people todonate enough of their sacred
fireworks stash (it could be 600,000Roman candles or 600,000 bottle
rockets, for all it matters), shootthem all off simultaneously, and
voila! A new Guinness WorldRecord! Obviously, there needs to be a
radically improvedcriterion for this world record. When something
is this poorlydefinedwith no thought given to time, budget,
firework size,duration, etc.then the record itself is weak,
incomparable andinsignificant.
Judge for yourself, however: Norway (2014): Grucci (2013
Before I get off my pyrotechnic soapbox, though, I do want
tomention a new world record that I completely agree
withtheGuinness World Record for the "Largest Aerial Firework
Shell."This shell was fired at the end of an amazing display
October 11,2014 in Saitama, Japan. The shell weighed anincredible
1,014 pounds and was 4 feet incircumference! Wow! You have to see
this tobelieve it!
We put together a wonderful 3rd issue for you I think
everyonewill approve of. First, we have an in-depth interview with
PhilGrucci regarding his companys recent spectacular show
inBaltimore for the 200th Anniversary of the Star SpangledBanner.
And I promise, I didnt mention the new NorwegianWorld Record even
once during the entire interview. Were proudof the variety in this
issue, too. As usual, we have wonderfulphotographs and video
footage from a wide variety of exoticlocations. We also have some
very interesting articles toaccompany each series of pictures. This
issue, we travel toIceland to celebrate New Years Eve; and Julien
Batard takes us toParis to celebrate Bastille Day. We get an inside
look at the MountCarmel Fireworks Factory in Malta, and a thorough
explanationabout the current anti-firework movement in the
Netherlands.We visit the USA for Pyromania 2014, and the shores of
LakeAnnecy in France for La Fte du Lac dAnnecy.
PhotographerChistophe Blanc shares his Arras Bell Tower exploits
with us. We learn from Howard Pryda and Dave Stoddard just how
MAPAGcame into being (the Mid Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild), and
ifthat were not enough, we review PGI 2014 in Mason City, Iowa,and
get a great explanation of the masclet from Jose Pallares.
All in all, like I said, this is a great 3rd issue. Feel free to
writeus and tell us what you think. Oh, and be sure to write
Guinnessand tell them what you think, too. If they dont hear
criticism frompeople in the fireworks industry, they wont change
their criteria.
Michael RichardsEditor, Pyrotechnic Magazine
EXTRA CONTENT EXTRA CONTENT
Welcome
EXTRA CONTENT
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PLEASE BE AWARE that any information you may find in this
publication may be dangerous and is some countries depending on
their law illegal. Some information within Pyrotechnic Magazine may
create a risk for readers who choose to apply or use the
information in their own activities.
None of the authors, contributors, administrators or anyone else
connected with Pyrotechnic Magazine, in any way whatsoever, can be
responsible for your use of the information contained in or linked
from this publication.
EDITOR: Michael RichardsART DIRECTOR: Jason MayesADVERTISING:
Tony GemminkPUBLISHER: Stichting PyrofanEDITORIAL: Tony Gemmink
If you have an ideas for an article, have anyinteresting
fireworks photograph or have written an article that you would like
to see in an upcomingissue of our magazine, please
[email protected]
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:Tobias Brev, Robin Harteveld, Jasper
Groeneveld,Michael Richards, Tony Gemmink, BertholdSchwarz, Tim
Jameson , Christophe Blanc, Nick van der Veen.
ISSUE 3 CONTRIBUTORS:Andrian Zahra, Jos Hulsing, Howard Pryda,
Dave Stoddard, Julian Batard, Edward Vasel, Jose Pallares and Jose
Manuel Donaire Gil.
CONTACT PYROTECHNIC
MAGAZINE:[email protected]
MAILING ADDRESS:Pyrotechnic MagazineTorenmolen 932992DH,
BarendrechtThe Netherlands
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2 Magic In The Sky This was another impressive year for the
MountCarmel Pyrotechnic team of urrieq. A year youcould say
culminated on Saturday, July 26th,when Maltas nighttime skies above
urrieq filledwith intensely bright colors and a creativeintermix of
innovative pyrotechnic effects...
12 Celebrating NYE in ICELANDIceland, known predominantly for
its cold weather(which is not at all accurate), geysers (which
isvery accurate), the international artist Bjork, andof course, the
Eyjafjallajkull volcanic eruption of2010 (mainly because it briefly
disruptedEuropean air travel)...
18 Pyromania 2014 Ive been attending Pyromania (formerly knownas
the Pyro U St. Louis Shoot) every year since2009. This
gatheringwhich continues to growbigger every year...
22 Arras Bell Tower FireworksArras is the capital of the
Pas-De-Calaisdepartment (located 180 km north of Paris), andis well
known for its beautiful belfry or bell tower,which has been listed
as a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site since July 2005...
30 Fallas 2015, the month of MarchSee the complete Fallas 2015
PyrotechnicProgramme...
32 The Masclet: A Symphony of NoiseToday, Valencia is known for
three things: thePaella (a delicious Valencian rice dish),
fororanges and for the beauty of its mascletas...
38 Groupe F Puts the F in FireworksBastille Day is actually
French National Day,which France celebrates every year on the 14th
ofJuly. This holiday commemorates the beginningof the French
Revolution with the storming of theBastille, as well as the Fte de
la Fdrationcelebrating the unity of the French people...
44 Grucci: A Truly HistoricFireworks DynastyNow that Ive reached
an age when I can begin tolook back and marvel at some of the
events Ivepersonally witnessed or watched on television,Ive begun
to make a mental list of the things thathave truly astonished me
during my lifetime...
62 Illegal Fireworks now threatenLegal fireworks in The
Netherlands The Dutch really love fireworksinsanely lovefireworks.
Maybe thats an understatement, but itis definitely factual
nonetheless, and rarely statedas a simple sentence out loud...
64 PGI 2014: Mason City Iowa, USA In 2014, the Pyrotechincs
Guild International (PGI)returned to the heartland of America in
MasonCity, Iowa for its annual gathering of over
3,000members...
68 The Concept that Became MAPAG I have always loved fireworks.
My first experiencewith them was back in 1960, in Sarasota,
Florida,when I was six years old...
74 MAPAG September ShootThe answer was yes. What else can an
aspiringpyrotechnic show designer say when hes offeredthe
opportunity to script a large show using up to16-inch shells?
...
84 La Fte du Lac dAnnecyLa Fte du Lac dAnnecy (which translates
tomean The Lake Annecy Festival) is heldannually on the shore of
Lake Annecy, France.Lake Annecy is located approximately 50
kmdirectly south of Geneva, Switzerland and hasbecome a standard
stop for us on our annualsummer road trip. This beautiful citys
ambiance,the people there and the amazing shows we haveseen have
made this wonderful French locationunforgettable from the
beginning...
pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
Issue 3 February 2015
pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
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FEATURE | Magic In The Sky - Malta
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- The PyromusicalM O U N T C A R M E L F I R E W O R K S F A C T
O R Y , U R R I E Q M A LT A
MAGIC IN THE SKY
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FEATURE | Magic In The Sky - Malta
ACTUALLY, JULY 26TH WAS A GENUINE NIGHT OFFIRSTS FOR THE
COMPANY. THIS BECAUSE FORTHE VERY FIRST TIME, ALL OF THE STARS USED
INTHE DISPLAY SHELLS WERE MADE OF ACOMBINATION OF MAGNALIUM*,
PHENOLICRESIN** AND WERE PVB-BOUND***. This newprocessing technique
was based entirely on formulasdeveloped by Mount Carmels lead
factorypyrotechnician during the last five years. Whereasstars of
this sort are not really new to the creation ofhigh-end
professional fireworks, it was the first timestars like these had
been formulated in this way foruse in classic Maltese cylindrical
shells. Fortunately,the night they were fired, a moderate
southeasterlybreeze kept smoke interference to a bare minimum,and
the true intensity of these phenomenal colorscreated using this
technique were easily visible.
urrieqs Angelo Caruana took some wonderfulphotographs accurately
capturing these newlycreated colorful stars. Notice how exquisite
thegreens are, as well as the reds, yellows, blues, limecolors,
purples, oranges, whites and silver.
Written by Adrian ZahraPhotography by Angelo CaruanaThis was
another impressive year forthe Mount Carmel Pyrotechnic team
ofurrieq. A year you could sayculminated on Saturday, July
26th,when Maltas nighttime skies aboveurrieq filled with intensely
brightcolors and a creative intermix ofinnovative pyrotechnic
effects.
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M O U N T C A R M E L F I R E W O R K S F A C T O R Y , U R R I
E Q M A L T A
MAGIC IN THE SKY
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FEATURE | Magic In The Sky - Malta
Inadvertently, this processing technique has givenrise to
perhaps the finest multi-petal 8-inch coloredshells created in
Malta all summer.
Photo #1: This photograph clearly shows a two-petal,
three-sector, 8-inch shell using blue, greenand red. Such
multicolored sectored shells are anexcellent example of Maltese
shell artistry. Theirprecisionespecially as they relate to the
starsthemselvesmust be perfect. The different colors,compositions
and mass must have the same burningrates and travel at the same
speed in order tomaintain shell symmetry. In this particular photo,
theformulation of precisely matched burning rates isclearly
visible.
Photos #2, #3 and #4: Here is further proof of the unrivalled
luminosity and color intensity ofpyrotechnic stars when they are
created using thismetal and resin-filled formula. The total absence
of water during their production allows the use ofmetal fuels in
their purest state without the need for passivation (passivation
involves a shielding outer-layer of base material, which can then
be applied as amicro coating) in a safe environment without fear
ofany unwanted reactions. Such water/metal reactionsare generally
of great concern to every for the safety of everypyrotechnician,
and it is equally critical to the qualityof each color and the
shelf life of the stars andensuing pyrotechnic artifacts.
It was a big year for pyrotechnic choreography aswell, with the
introduction of a wonderfully uniquenovelty in the form of two
Hanabi towers. These
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FEATURE | Magic In The Sky - Malta
two, 98-foot tall structures (lighted at their base andeasily
discernable in photo #5 showing them as theystand straight up,
situated 100 meters apart at bothends of the firing field) can then
be used to showcasean unprecedented number of intricate effects set
tomusic. In this case, over 1200 single shotsshot injust three
minutes at various angles andconfigurationswere fired to the music
of the Can-Can. The splendor, intensity and intricacy of usingthese
two towers to launch choreographed fireworksdisplays is destined to
create endless possibilities forthe art of pyrotechnics on the
islands. These towersregularly feature carbon tail comets, strobe
matrixcomets, metal-fuelled colored comets as well asflash pots and
mines.
Photo #6: This photograph shows how easy it isto use just one
effectfired from the towers usingred and silver comets intersecting
in a patternreminiscent of the X-Factor Logoto createsomething
wonderfully beautiful and symmetrical.
Photo #7: Shows an effect using carbon tailcomets creating a
pattern similar to that of the wingsof an angel.
Photo #8: Yet another effect created usinglampblack comets and
magnalium green mines firedfrom the Hanabi towers.
Photo #9: The best part of using the Hanabitowers while creating
displays is that it opens up aninfinite number of pyrotechnic
possibilities. Here thechoreographer blends two incredible
effectssimultaneously: 3-inch tiger tail comet fans are firedfrom
the ground, while a massive double petal, 12-inch shell is set off
at the same time.
Photo #10: This photograph shows how effectivethe finale can be
using the Hanabi towers. Here, two360-degree fans were situated on
top of the towersand fired along with a multitude of purple to
greenspherical strobe shells. Youcan view the Tower display inits
entirety using thefollowing link:
In addition to the unique tower displays,spectators who viewed
this show were treated to over20 minutes of pyrotechnic magic as a
multitude ofprime quality shells and ground effects were fired,
allof them perfectly choreographed to the Music byJohn Miles,
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Let itGo from Disneys Frozen and a
finale using largecaliber shells set to the tune of Aviciis Wake Me
Up.
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PHOTO #4
PHOTO #2
PHOTO #12
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Photo #11: is a great example of one of theground effects fired
in a display using green strobematrix comets and blue to red
color-changing mines.Pattern shells also play a prominent role in
alldisplays by the Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory, andphoto #12 is
a good example of that.
Photo #13: These are tourbillion shells(serpantelli in Maltese),
essentially small gerbsloaded into a canister shells. The ones
shown hereare 5-inch shells.
Photos #14 and #15: Aerial and ground effectscome together in
perfect pyrotechnic unison usingmulticolored cylindrical shells and
metal charcoalstar canister shells (Sfejjer) with multicolored
ground effects.
So, after 20+ astounding minutes of pyrotechnicmagic, Magic In
the Sky came to its colorfulconclusion. It is hard to believe that
a years worth ofhard work by a team of Mount Carmel
FireworksFactory volunteers can be over so quickly. Such is thelife
of a pyrotechnic artist, I guess, and as always, nextyears show
will be even better.
*Magnalium is an aluminium alloy made withmagnesium and small
amounts of copper, nickel,and tin.
**Phenolic resins are most often used in theproduction circuit
boards.
*** PVB is actually Polyvinyl butyral and is a resin usually
used for applications that require strong binding, optical clarity
or adhesion to different surfaces. It is known for its toughnessand
flexibility.
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PHOTO #5
PHOTO #6
PHOTO #7
PHOTO #8
PHOTO #13
PHOTO #11
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For those who would like to watch any of the displays described
in this article, you can view them using the following links:
Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory, Zurrieq, Malta, Pyromusical 2014
- Let It Go - Frozen LINK
Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory, Zurrieq, Malta, Magic In The
Sky, Hanabi Towers 2014 LINK
Mount Carmel Fireworks Factory, Zurrieq, Malta, Pyromusical 2014
- Avicii-Wake Me Up (Tomorrowland) LINK
links
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FEATURE | Celebrating New Years Eve in ICELAND
ICELANDIC FIREWORKS came to myattention several years ago when I
receiveda New Years Day text message from aclose friend of mine:
Last night wasincredible! The sky was so full of fireworks Ididn't
know where to look! I think I havefound paradise. Happy New
Year!
What was ironic about his messagewas that my friend ordinarily
couldnt careless about fireworks. He just happened tobe traveling
in Iceland on New Years Eveand saw something incredible that he
liked.To receive a message like this from him,though, made me want
to investigatefurther just what he saw, and afterwatching several
online videos of IcelandsNew Years Eve celebratory fireworksshows,
I came to fully understand his text.Wow! Impressive! Video is one
thing,however, seeing spectacular fireworks likethis firsthand is
something quite different.
That is when I made a conscious, life-altering resolutiona
bucket list kind ofdecisionto visit Iceland myself to see all
ofthis live.
Fortunately, my girlfriend and I had justbeen talking about
going on vacationtogether during the wintertime, and a NewYears
trip sounded great to her. I wasexceptionally persuasive about
Iceland, andgently cajoled her with promises ofromantic dinners for
two in cozy littleIcelandic restaurants filled with localdelicacies
cooked just for the two of us(unfortunately, our only delicacy on
thistrip turned on to be Hkarlan Icelandicdish made of fermented
shark meat thatreeks of ammonia and is an acquiredtaste which means
only Icelanders like itafter their taste buds have died). My
finalconvincing argument (which also turnedout to be a bust) was
the promise of seeing
the Northern Lights firsthand (which wenever saw because it was
cloudy almostevery night we were there).
Failed promises aside, after a three-hour flight from England,
my girlfriend and Iwere picked up on schedule at the airportjust
outside Reykjavik. After sufferingthrough a host of sales pitches
and otherstandard tourist nonsense, we finallymentioned our desire
to see fireworks.According to our driver, the people inIceland are
THE craziest fireworksenthusiasts in the entire world, and weshould
prepare ourselves for some of thebest fireworks weve ever seen.
THAT'Swhat I wanted to hear! THAT is why I camehere in the first
place! And just the prospectof seeing great fireworks displays on
NewYears Eve kept me excited for days!(Remember: mostly cloudy
days, full offermented shark meat).
Written By Jos HulsingIceland, known predominantly for its cold
weather (which is not at allaccurate), geysers (which is very
accurate), the international artist Bjork, andof course, the
Eyjafjallajkull volcanic eruption of 2010 (mainly because itbriefly
disrupted European air travel). But did you know that the
Icelandicpeople harbor an unrivaled love of fireworks that can
cause them to literallygo pyro-insane on New Years Eve? Er a?
J!*
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FEATURE | Celebrating New Years Eve in ICELAND
Meanwhile, I learned that fireworks inIceland are called
FLUGELDAR, and aregenerally sold by sports clubs or by theIcelandic
Mountain Rescuers (ICESAR). Inthe evenings just prior to New Years
Eve,consumer fireworks are sold directly fromshipping containers
turned into little shopsplaced in parking lots outside
shoppingmalls. Some are also sold alongside theroadways as well.
Almost every night, anhour before they close, many of these
shopsshoot some of their inventory into the sky toattract more
customers. Watching themfrom my hotel window definitely whet
myfireworks appetite as I watched intermitexplosions light up
portions of the Icelandic night.
Being a bona fide Dutchie I couldn'tallow New Years Eve to pass
without settingoff at least some fireworks myself.Procuring them,
however, proved to besomewhat of a problem. Since I didnt havea car
in their country, I had to walk to findone of these roadway shops.
Let me beclear about something at this point: they callit ICE land
for a reason. And a winter walkin Iceland is every bit as cold as
one mightimagine. Despite the gelid walk, just seeingthe fireworks
in the makeshift shop warmedmy soul. And what strange names they
hadfor their cakes there: Egill, Grettir, Gunnar.
The wrappers read like a chapter out ofLord of the Rings.
Regardless, there wereall kinds of fireworks behind the counter
inall shapes and sizes. Unlike other
customers perusing the shelves, it took memore than an hour to
make the difficultchoices of what to buy. I wound up buying afew
oddly styled cakes and a large fountain.Now that my purchase was
complete I hada new problem: how would I get all of thisback to the
hotel room? Luckily, the manwho sold me my fireworks noticed
mydilemma and offered me a ride back to thehotel when he
closed.
December 31st finally arrived. In theNetherlands it is the day
when fireworksaficionados begin shooting off firecrackermadly at
precisely 10 o'clock in the morning.Here in Iceland, though,
nothing out of the
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ordinary happened. It was a quiet,somewhat sunny, cold day and
that gave mygirlfriend and I time to explore the city andits nearby
surroundings a little more. Localstold us that the best view for
the New Yearsfireworks display was up over the city by thewater
tower. We wanted to be in the middlethe action, however, so we
chose the squarein front of the Hallgrimskirkja (Pilgrimschurch)
instead. The Icelandic tradition is to
watch comedy shows on television, andthen come outside at 11:30
PM to startsetting off fireworks.
Because the open space near thechurch where I wanted to set off
ourfireworks was way too far to walk carryingall of the different
sized fireworks packages,I decided to set them off closer to our
hotelinstead. So, around 11:00 PM I placedeverything I had
purchased on the ground
outside and began shooting our own privatelittle show. First, I
lit the fountain, followedby assorted small cakes, ending our
showwith THE JOKER, a 66-shot, 2-inch cake.Is it my imagination, or
does the cold wintryair make fireworks appear even morebeautiful?
It was already turning out to bethe perfect New Years Eve: I was in
Iceland,I just set off some cool fireworks, I was withmy
girlfriend, and at last I was breathing inthe sulfurous smell of
burning cardboardand gunpowder.
After cleaning up the aftermath of ourlittle show, we walked to
the Pilgrimschurch to wait for the evenings festivities tobegin.
Even though it was already gettinglate, not much was going on yet.
Every nowand then we did see tiny rockets lighting upthe sky here
and there, and also heard loudbangs in the distance as more and
morepeople began gathering in the square. Thenpromptly at 11:30 PM
the whole squarebecame surprisingly crowded with localsand
tourists. As if by magic, fireworkssuddenly filled the streets
everywhere, andwithin minutes you didn't really know
whether to look up or down or right or leftso many fireworks
were going off at once! Itwas absolutely crazy to be in the middle
ofthat fireworks Armageddon: rockets,
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FEATURE | Celebrating New Years Eve in ICELAND
colored peonies, whistles and cracklingallsorts of styles and
sounds everywhere wereexploding all around us! Best of all,
sincethe church is on a hill overlooking much ofthe city, we had a
great view of most ofReykjavik and could see the entire skyengulfed
in color! Wow!
After about an hour of pyrotechnic bliss,as suddenly as it
began, the city wentrelatively silent again. (Except for a few
bigspenders who never get enough and havethe need to show off to
their friends). As forme, I just needed to sit down and breathe
normally again. I was totally drained. Whatan amazing spectacle
we just hadwitnessed. Never before in my life had I everexperienced
fireworks of that intensity.Obviously, coming to Iceland to see
thisspectacle had been a good decision.
Later that afternoon, I received an NewYears text message from
the same friendwho originally told me about Iceland: And?Was I
right? You're in Iceland aren't you?Happy new year!
It was March before I answered him:Sorry for the late reply...
It took me thismuch time to recover. :)
Video from Youtube:
Video from Jos:
* Er a? Icelandic for No kidding? orReally? J ! means Yes!
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Never before in my lifehad I ever experienced
fireworks of thatintensity. Obviously,
coming to Iceland to seethis spectacle had been
a good decision.
EXTRA CONTENT
EXTRA CONTENT
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more than 1.500 CE-approved pro
ducts
www.lesli.de
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FEATURE | Pyromania 2014
WHILE SATURDAY NIGHT IS WHEN THEMAIN DISPLAYS ARE ALL
FIRED,PYROMANIA IS MORE THAN JUST A ONEDAY EVENT FOR THE
FIREWORKSENTHUSIASTS WHO ATTEND. A Meet andgreet social venue
(which may be myfavorite part of Pyromania) is held for the150+
hobbyists and professionals who beginfiling in Thursday evening.
This is awonderful time to meet other pyrofanatics from all over
the country, and thissocial get-together typically lasts until
thewee hours of the morning. This yearssocial hour brought sad
news, however, aswe learned that one of the Pro Am
competitors, Ty Hanke and his wife, had losttheir unborn child
that morning and wouldnot be able to compete. Ty is one of themost
respected members of ourpyrotechnic community and it deeplysaddened
everyone to hear the news. In ourcommunity, though, bad news can
oftenspawn great things. Almost immediately, agroup of Tys fellow
members stepped up tothe plate to ensure Tys show would be shotfor
him while he mourned his loss alongwith his family. What began as a
sadmoment for all of us quickly turned intosomething positive as
others quickly joinedin to volunteer to help with the setup.
Since
all of the equipment required was still withTy, equipment loans
were quickly securedfrom other shooters. In a relatively
shortperiod of time, every aspect of Tys showwas covered, proving
once again just howspecial this event is and how exceptionalthe
people are who attend.
Fridays are unusually special days atthe Pyromania shoot. It is
a day for goodfood, spectacular fireworks at night, and aslightly
different kind of fireworkscompetition specifically designed
forhobbyist attendees (It is important to notethat Friday nights
competition is not opento the public). This year, Friday night
began
Written By Tim JamesonPhotography by Mary ZastrowIve been
attending Pyromania (formerly known as the Pyro U St. Louis Shoot)
every year since2009. This gatheringwhich continues to grow bigger
every yearis now one of the largestpyrotechnic events in the United
States. MoPyro (Missouri Pyrotechnics Association:
www.mopyro.us)hosts this annual event, but the underlying
foundation originated within the Pyro Universe
community(www.pyrouniverse.com). Starting back in 2006, Pyromania
began as most other U.S. pyrotechnicevents have begun, with a small
group of fireworks enthusiasts getting together to showcase
theirtalents. Word quickly spread about the professional quality of
this shoot, and how everyone whoattended the event saw great
displays and had a wonderful time. Nine short years later, the
event now has a huge following and has moved to a larger staging
areaBrookdale Farms. The eventcoordinatorswho genuinely put their
heart and soul into this event and are a big reason for theevents
success are Ed Vasel, Scott Fleer, Brian Thiemann and Kevin
Kemper.
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PYROMANIA2014 SEPTEMBER 11 th-14 th
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MAGAZINE
GOLD 10 PINK & GOLD 10
HALF COLOUR 10 GOOD 10
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FEATURE | Pyromania 2014
with the demo portion of the event. Ninedifferent vendors
attended to show off theirhottest products to the entire group.
Thefollowing vendors provided demos this year:Bada Boom
FireworksBlack Cat FireworksBlack Market FireworksDominator
FireworksHales FireworksMost Wanted FireworksPeak Performance
FireworksRed Rhino FireworksRKM FireworksSpirit of 76Winda
Fireworks
Immediately following the demos, theBlind Pyro competition took
place. TheBlind Pyro competition is an interestingevent, really. At
3:00 PM Friday afternoon,teams are given a pre-determined amountof
product to produce a display. None of theteams know what product
they have untilthat time, and then they only have fourhours to
choreograph and setup an entirepyromusical. Given the short amount
oftime in which they have to produce theirdisplay, it is amazing
the quality of showsthe Blind Pyro competition produces. This years
first place winner: MissouriMortar Maniacs.
Saturday nightarguably the mostexciting night and the
culmination ofPyromaniatypically hosts ten individualdisplays as
well as the Pro Amcompetition. Pro Am began back in 2012and
showcases only 1.4G products (no 1.3G professional products are
allowed).Each Pro Am display generally lastsbetween six and ten
minutes and is limited by shot counts.
This is designed to make thecompetition more even across the
board,and guarantees no one can buy achampionship. Additionally,
theselimitations bring a uniqueness to this eventother competitions
dont have. Sincechoreographers have strict limitations on
the number of 500 gram cakes, 200 gramcakes, singles shots,
etc., they can use, theymust shrewdly decide how to bestmaximize
the effects per category becausethey cannot rely on sheer numbers.
Havingcompeted in Pro Am myself two years ago, Ican assure you that
Pro Am definitely teststhe mettle of an artists creativity as well
ashis teams setup efficiency. Prep work foreach display is done on
Thursday, but theentire display must be set up on the fieldthe day
of the competition itselfall whilesharing the field with at least
eight to tenother competitors!
This years Pan Am competitors werePeter Rogoz, Ty Hanke, and
Chris Walls.Each showed a great deal of creativeindividuality in
producing their outstandingdisplays. Peters display, entitled
simplyBob, took first prize, but as you mightexpect, the real
winners were thespectators. Outstanding displays are alwaysa real
treat and these were absolutelyphenomenalespecially since they
werecreated using only 1.4G consumer grade fireworks.
In addition to the winner of the Pro Amcompetition, the judges
also choose a Bestof Show award to be handed out for themost
outstanding display not part of the ProAm competition. This years
winningdisplay was produced by KCAP (Kansas CityArea Pyros) and
entitled KCAP Goes ToThe Movies. The KCAP group createdexquisitely
tight choreography perfectlycombined and timed to wonderful
moviescores. Another excellent display that nightworth mentioning
was the MoPyro fireworkaccompaniment to the National Anthem.Also,
Ryan and Heidi Sheppards traditionstyle Anniversary Display (Ryan
and Heidispent their honeymoon together five yearsago at a
Pyromania event) was great, plusan outstanding pyromusical
displayproduced by Cassabellas Firework, andFireballs by Bill
Corbett and crew (Billmakes possibly the best fireballs in the
U.S.in my opinion). I also loved the Mass
Launch display with all the scramblingcomets fired by David
Vannover, and thenights thunderous finale by Team Xtreme(Bill
Collins and crew) that Im suregenerated a large number of
noisecomplaints from surrounding towns. Oh yeah, and lets not
forget the 10-inch and 12-inch shells being fired as teasersin
between all of the displays themselves.How many events have you
ever attendedthat shoot 10 and 12-inch shells as filler?
Next year marks the 10th Anniversaryof Pyromania and it will
held Sept 17th-19th again at Brookdale Farms. Partof the 2015 event
will showcase theChampion of Champions of Pro Amcompetition where
previous Pro Amwinners will compete against one another.This alone
is reason enough to put thisevent on your must see calendar for
2015.For more information on thenext Pyromania, be sure tovisit
www.pyromaniaevent.comor find them on Facebook.
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2014
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SA
PRESENTS
EZTKIEHASSELLTT
DATURSAAT
PRESENTS
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YDAAY
Sept 26th 2015SA
Sept 26th 2015DATURSAAT
Sept 26th 2015YDAAY
FESTIVFI
FESTIVIREWOR
ALVVASRK
FESTIV
PHOTR-ANEZ.WWWW.
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FEATURE | Arras Bell Tower Fireworks
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MAGAZINE
ARRAS BELL TOWERFIREWORKSWritten By Christophe BlancArras is the
capital of the Pas-De-Calais department (located 180 km north of
Paris), and is well known for itsbeautiful belfry or bell tower,
which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July
2005. >
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FEATURE | Arras Bell Tower Fireworks
This great historical honor was celebrated bystaging a huge
firework show that surrounded thebell tower and bathed its
buildings in colored lights.Designed by David Proteau from Lacroix
Ruggieri,the display proved to be hugely popular witheveryone, so
popular, in fact, that now each yearduring the first week in
September, Arras belltower fireworks entertains roughly
100,000spectators.
The belfry is located at approximately the centerof Arras, just
off a large cobblestone square ripe withsmall shop and restaurants.
French architecture isat its best in this quaint little town of
43,000 people.Spectators stand on the cobblestones and quickly
fillup every inch of available space (so it is not easy tosetup a
tripod to take pictures!), and the huge crowdalso makes it
difficult to relocate yourself to get thebest perspective for your
pictures. I was luckyenough to be offered access to several
balconieslocated on surrounding houses (bless these kindpeople) to
take my photographs, or I never wouldhave gotten some of these
shots.
Most amazing to me, however, was when Imanaged to get up on the
church roof facing the
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pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
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FEATURE | Arras Bell Tower Fireworks
belfry. It was an amazing point of view, but difficultbecause it
wasnt flat and it wasnt easy to reach.Any of you that have tried to
climb on a roof with atripod and camera bag will know what I
mean.
After taking time to explore several differentpossible angles
for my shots, I settled for aperspective very near to where the
fireworks werebeing setup at the foot of the belfry itself. I
thinkphotographing from several different locationsalways make
photographs more interesting. You cantell that from my shots of
this showespecially thepictures taken up high on the church roof.
Can youtell which one? Here is a clue: it is the photo with
thehighest point of view.
Until 2009, I was using negative film (a NikonF100 and Mamiya 7
II), but since 2011, like so manyof you, I have switched entirely
to digital cameras. Mycurrent favorite: my Nikon D800.
Arras is the kind of firework event I truly love themost: a
combination of a beautiful location, amonument in the background
and a professionalpyrotechnic display that thoroughly lights up
thebuildings and sky.
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pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
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FEATURE | Arras Bell Tower Fireworks
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Unfortunately, since I photographed the showyou see here, French
regulations have tightened up agreat deal, so fewer fireworks
sequences areallowed. Now it is more of a multimedia show
thanpurely pyrotechnic. Thats a real shame. The eventwas perfect as
it was. Regardless, I cant wait forSeptember 2015! Look for me on a
rooftopsomewhere.
Keep in touch on my blog or on Facebook.
EXTRA CONTENTEXTRA CONTENT
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n FEATURE | Fallas 2015
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Valencian MarchMarch, the month of MarchEven the name brings me
happinessLaughter and Heebie-Jeebies shiver my bodyNothing but funI
want to shout from the rooftopsI want everyone to celebrate our
festivalTo know St. JosephEven my name, Jos, is a reflection of our
saint
I am ValencianI love that I was born hereOther places dont exist
for meImbibing on this cityMy citySince infancy
The FallasThe march of monumentsThe march of MarchFallera Mayors
and ninotsExhibitions and ephemeral art
Waiting for March is tortuous,But when March arrivesIt is a time
for happinessIt is a time for lifeThis season is the lifeblood of
Valencia
A constant rushNonstop merrimentThe city of enchantmentMasclets,
castillos and despertspasacalles, monumentos falleros and concursos
de paellas
The city implodes with joyHundreds of streets are blockedThe
heat of a thousand bulbsHeat up our cheeks
But not to worryThis is the law of the Valencian partyThis is
the law of Fallas
Isnt it magic?
Valencian MarchMarch, the month of MarchEven the name brings me
happinessLaughter and Heebie-Jeebies shiver my bodyNothing but funI
want to shout from the rooftopsI want everyone to celebrate our
festivalTo know St. JosephEven my name, Jos, is a reflection of our
saint
I am ValencianI love that I was born hereOther places dont exist
for meImbibing on this cityMy citySince infancy
The FallasThe march of monumentsThe march of MarchFallera Mayors
and ninotsExhibitions and ephemeral art
Waiting for March is tortuous,But when March arrivesIt is a time
for happinessIt is a time for lifeThis season is the lifeblood of
Valencia
A constant rushNonstop merrimentThe city of enchantmentMasclets,
castillos and despertspasacalles, monumentos falleros and concursos
de paellas
The city implodes with joyHundreds of streets are blockedThe
heat of a thousand bulbsHeat up our cheeks
But not to worryThis is the law of the Valencian partyThis is
the law of Fallas
Isnt it magic?
Jose Manuel Donaire Gil www.AmigosPirotecnia.com
Jose Manuel Donaire Gil www.AmigosPirotecnia.com
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pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
DATE TIME DISPLAY WHERE WHO22/02/2015 07.30h Desperta Calle de
la Paz Pirotecnia Zarzoso22/02/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del
Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Marti22/02/2015 20.00h La Crida Torres de
Serranos Pirotecnia Marti28/02/2015 18.00h Mascleta Aerial Paseo
Alameda Pirotecnia Valenciana01/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del
Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Pearroja01/03/2015 18.00h Mascleta Nocturna
Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Pearroja02/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta
Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Alpujarrea03/03/2015 14.00h
Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Alicantina04/03/2015
14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Oscense05/03/2015
14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Angustias06/03/2015
14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Pibierzo07/03/2015
14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Aitana07/03/2015
00.00h Mascleta Nocturna Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Aitana08/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Marti09/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Crespo10/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Gironina11/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Toms12/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Vulcano13/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia
Hmnos.Ferrandez14/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient
Pirotecnia Elite15/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient
Pirotecnia Zarzoso15/03/2015 00.00h Castillo Paseo Alameda
Pirotecnia Europla16/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient
Pirotecnia Europla16/03/2015 01.00h Castillo Paseo Alameda
Pirotecnia Hmnos. Caballer17/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz. Del
Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Hmnos. Caballer17/03/2015 01.00h Castillo
Paseo Alameda Pirotecnia Caballer FX18/03/2015 14.00h Mascleta Plz.
Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Caballer FX18/03/2015 01.30h Castillo -
Nit de Foc Paseo Alameda Pirotecnia Valenciana19/03/2015 14.00h
Mascleta Plz. Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Valenciana19/03/2015
19.00h Calbagata del Feugo La Porta del Mar Pirotecnia
UNKNOWN19/03/2015 23.00h Crema Infantil Plz. Del Ayuntamient
Pirotecnia Valenciana19/03/2015 01.00h Crema Mascleta Nocturna Plz.
Del Ayuntamient Pirotecnia Valenciana
2015 Fallas Pyrotechnic Programme
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FEATURE | The Masclet: A Symphony of Noise
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THE
MASCLET: A SYMPHONY OF NOISE
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pyrotechnic
THE TRADITIONAL MASCLET IS A SYMPHONY OFEXPLOSIONS THAT COMES
FROM A COORDINATEDFIRING OF FIREWORKS. The name masclet isderived
from the old masclets which look like littleiron cannons when
loaded with gunpowder and e-matched in a symmetrical series all
along theground. In Valencia its most common use is inmacletades,
which are charges wrapped inmulticolored paper weighing between 2
and 3pounds. These powder-filled mascletades arefastened to the
ground using e-match and arrangedin stages: sections fired
continuously, producingloud, thunderous explosive sounds. These
mascletsare most commonly fired during the daytime (usuallyaround
noon) or specifically at the end of a religiouscelebration that
requires powerful signification.
From the 1940s to the present, mascletas haveevolved from simply
being loud firecrackers fillingthe air with explosive sound, to
emotionally laden
(and expertly controlled) sonic percussions designedto have a
cadence, rhythm, and an apotheosis andclimax. The mascletada are
distinguishedparticularly by their explosive rate the force
theirexplosions increase from less to morefrom simplybeing loud low
frequency sounds, to an inundation ofpowerfully engulfing sound
waves. These shots areproduced manually, but synchronized
andmechanized in order to create the turbulentharmony that makes
the fireworks evoke suchemotion. Air elements such as exploding
rockets,mortar shots with aerial shells, etc., have beenintroduced
as part of the masclet over time. Also,other sound effects like
sirens and whistles havebeen added as new instruments to this
uniquelypercussive symphony.
I have only been an aficionado of the mascletsince the mid
1970s, but after researching thesubject, I believe that the masclet
we know today
Written By Jose PallaresToday, Valencia is known for three
things: the Paella (a delicious Valencian ricedish), for oranges
and for the beauty of its mascletas. That may be
anoversimplification of this beautiful city, but these three things
certainly add to thefame and charm of Valencia. This article is a
brief explanation of the masclet andits symphonic characteristics
and similarities. For those who havent experiencedthe power of its
emotional frequency, it might be somewhat difficult to understand.I
hope this article will help clear up that misunderstanding.
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MAGAZINE
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FEATURE | The Masclet: A Symphony of Noise
originated somewhere in the early 1960s. Unlikecommon fireworks,
masclet appear to stimulatethe body through rhythmic, somewhat
percussivemusical sounds. In fact, the classic structure of
themasclet can be thought of as almost symphonic inits
structure.
The four movements of a masclet symphonyAs with music, the sound
of this unique symphonyrequires somewhat of a prelude prior to
theexplosive noise that will follow. First, there is
theintroduction. Then the first movement begins toexplodeall
occurring after the initial ignition of theValencian fireworks.
There is an aerialannouncement (explosive instead of vocal
orinstrumental) that seems to announce thatsomething important is
about to occur. And themasclet begins building in carefully
developedstagesfrom its initially sparse number of chargesto its
eventual stentorian brawn.
The aerial effects (although there have beentimes that these are
accompanied by small groundeffects like groups of firecrackers,
whistles orcolored smoke) usually end with a distinctiveexplosion
of some kind to indicate that that particularsection is over.
The second movement is the central part of themasclet. As the
ground aspect is developed with itscontrolled explosions (coupled
by deliberate delays
within groups), additional mechanized andsequenced explosions
create further time delays. Inthis section, though, the so-called
Rastros deTruenos (translation: thunder trail) has a veryimportant
task: it is the filler for the pulsating rhythmof the production.
These smaller explosionsessentially never stop so that the
mascletsymphony wont have any silent moments within.During its
progression, the various concussions haveto gradually increase in
number and in intensity sothat the feeling of an impending
crescendo is both
heard and felt. A good masclet occurs during thisstage only if
the master pyrotechnician (maestroPirotecnico) has created a series
of frighteninglyintense explosions. This is what the art of masclet
isall about.
Normally, depending on budget and location, theground section of
the masclet is accompanied byaerial effects. The key word here is
accompaniment,however; the aerial effects should never hide
thespirit and power of the ground explosions.Otherwise, it would be
considered a masclet aerea
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pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
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FEATURE | The Masclet: A Symphony of Noise
(aerial masclet) instead. Without a doubt, the thirdmovement is
the part of the masclet that mostspectators like and come to see.
It is sometimesreferred to as: The Ground Earthquake. This is
thecritical moment; this is what the pirotecnico studyhard to learn
and perfect. It is essential that thecontrolled explosions during
this section go fromvery intense ground blasts to a development of
more powerful thunders in just a few seconds tosimulate the feel of
an actual earthquake. It is acarefully planned (secretly
meticulous) eventintertwined with e-match and its extensive
branches of colorfully wrapped explosives thatincrease in quantity
and quality. This is the finalphase; the part that makes the
spectators vibrate
and their emotions jump. This is what getsexperienced viewers
excited, and first time viewersfrightened. Some describe this part
of the mascletas crazy. And that is really what it is. But it is
alsoequally exciting
The fourth and final movement of this makeshiftsymphony is
called Bombardeo Aereo (air bombing).As these words suggest, the
final explosions ofvarying intensity are fired from rockets. The
aim is toclose the masclet with a final aerial thunderaproduction
that is tight, dry and seamless. This effectis the finale; the
climax; the crescendo thatconcludes the masclet.
As I have said, a good masclet shoots fromless to more;
ascending its intensity withoutinterruption, and just as suddenly
as its intensityheightens, it must abruptly end. This is
whatValencian masclet are most famous for; it is an artform rarely
matched anywhere else in the world.
Although it has been developed overgenerations, dont think its
development hassuddenly stopped. The masclet continues to
evolve,and with numerous new devices and shootingsystems, new
technology, new digital controlsystems, computers and wireless
systemsthemasclet will progress and be perpetually perfected.
In conclusion, I would like to dedicate this article
to all Pirotecnicos Valencianos. Due to their artisticability
and wisdom, the Mascleta is known worldwideas a Valencian art
form.
I would especially like to commend thepirotecnicos from the town
of Godella, where as asmall boy I learned to love the art of
pyrotechnicswith the help of my grandfather and my father.
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Unlike common fireworks, mascletappear to stimulate the body
through
rhythmic, somewhat percussive musicalsounds. In fact, the
classic structure of the
masclet can be thought of as almostsymphonic in its
structure.
EXTRA CONTENT
VIDEOEXTRA CONTENT
VIDEOEXTRA CONTENT
VIDEOEXTRA CONTENT
VIDEOEXTRA CONTENT
VIDEO
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Ricardo Caballer, SA (Ricasa)
Ricasa, is a famous Spanish company specialising in
manufacturing all types of fi reworks. The company is at the
forefront of research and implementation of new features and
effects of all kinds fi reworks.
The company maintains and constantly increases its prestige and
international recognition for the quality of its products and
commercial reliability, being holder of certifi cate ISO 9001:2000
in the Design, Manufacture and Marketing of pyrotechnic
material.
Pirotecnia Ricardo Caballer S.A.Partida del Arenal, s/n46169
Olocau, ValenciaESPAA
Video 1 Video 2
+
+ +
For further information about the products and services we
provide please contact us using the details below.
www.ricardocaballer.com
Telephone: +34 961 664 160E-mail: [email protected]
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FEATURE | Groupe F Puts the F in Fireworks
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pyrotechnic
FOR THE 2014 CELEBRATION, THE CITY OF PARISCHOSE THE PYROTECHNIC
SHOW COMPANYGROUPE F (one of the worlds leadingmanufacturers of
pyrotechnic equipment) to createthis 4th of July-like spectacular.
This show is amonumental endeavor, especially since the
companycontracted to do the work isnt given much time andhas to put
together the entire fireworks displaytogether on-site the actual
day of the festivities. Tomake matters even more stressful, Groupe
F wasonly given full access to the site beginning at 2:00 PMfor a
show supposed to start at 11:00 PM that night!Obviously, this
immense task takes a great deal ofexpert planning and seamless
cooperation from anexceptionally well trained team. The fact that
GroupeFs display appeared so effortlessly perfect and wentoff on
schedule as planned, was truly a testament totheir expertise.
To produce this pyrotechnic wonder, two firezones were created.
The first was located near to thetower at Trocadero and consisted
of 6 truckloads oflarge candles and shells. Nearby these trucks, in
thesame zone area, were 4 large makeshift sandpitsfilled with
additional candles. The second fire zonewas located at the Eiffel
Tower itself. Since the Towerwas to be the centerpiece of the
display, a truckloadof large-caliber shellssome as big as
8-incheswere installed to fire all around the base. The rest ofthe
candles and single shots were then equallydivided and placed on the
Towers sides covering allthree floors. Additionally, there were
some smallercaliber shells placed on the second floor.
The theme chosen for 2014s French NationalDay was War and Peace
(not to be confused withTolstoys novel). This theme was picked
preciselybecause 100 years ago to this date, WWI began, and
Written and photographed by Julien BatardBastille Day is
actually French National Day, which France celebrates every yearon
the 14th of July. This holiday commemorates the beginning of the
FrenchRevolution with the storming of the Bastille, as well as the
Fte de la Fdrationcelebrating the unity of the French people. This
is an annual celebration full ofmilitary parades, colorfully
decorated streets and a variety of nationalistic events,ending, of
course, with a spectacular pyromusical shot from the Eiffel Tower
itself.
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MAGAZINE
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GROUPE FPuts the F in Fireworks
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FEATURE | Groupe F Puts the F in Fireworks
70 years ago, WWII followed. A tentative world peacehas since
succeeded these two horrendous events(give or take a few serious
conflicts), but peace is stillmankinds ultimate goal. So,
regardless of yourhistorical leanings, for 35 minutes on the 14th
day ofJuly, the Iron Lady (The French nickname for theEifel Towers
is La dame de fer which looselytranslates to mean The iron lady and
refers to thewrought iron material she is made of) wears
herpyrotechnic crown with pride as three full floors offireworks
are fired up, accompanied by over 300searchlights bathing the Tower
with the colors of the soldiers uniforms who fought in these wars.
In addition, (and these were particularly impressivethis year) 5
large lancework frames spelling out1914 2014 VIVE LA PAIX (long
live the peace)were ignited.
Since the goal of Groupe F was to entice emotionfrom the crowd,
their first display was cannon loud,successfully mimicking the
sounds of the first battlesof WWI. A great number of red shells
were used aswell to symbolize the blood that was spilled duringthis
awful war. All of their displays were strongly
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pyrotechnicMAGAZINE
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FEATURE | Groupe F Puts the F in Fireworks
connected to historical events and depicted timeperiods
surrounding different decades. The roaring20s were portrayed using
cascading shells andgeometric shells; the 30s (historically
characterizedby economic crisis and depression) were symbolizedby
many single shots descending from the top of theTower showcasing
its many angles and shapes.
WWII was displayed in a much more dramaticfashion using a host
of makeshift flamethrowersplaced all around the Tower below. Then,
usingmultiple red and yellow shells to light up thenighttime sky,
these flaming colors accompaniedMozarts emotive Requiem Mass in D
minor toeffectively recreate the specter of German soldiersmarching
into France to begin their occupation.
The finale was simply designed to honor Franceand highlight the
return of peace to the world. The
European Unions colors were also displayedeventhough they didnt
exist until relatively recentlybyprojecting a beautiful blue sky
with its stars onto theTower. Blue and gold single shots enriched
thisprojected theme. Unique to this finale, Groupe F used single
shots placed at the edges of the tower to recreate the red, white
and blue of the French flag.
To underscore the tranquility of returned worldpeace, John
Lennons song Imagine was played as the tower was bathed with
candles and shells toform a beautiful pyrotechnic rainbow. Lennons
song melded into the Ode to Joy from theBeethovens 9th Symphony
accompanied by thesymbol of peace: the dove. The show concluded
withan abundance of of national colors at the foot of theTower and
a sky full of white comets. The momentcreated was truly
magical!
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To produce this pyrotechnic wonder, two fire zones were created.
The first was located
near to the tower at Trocadero and consistedof 6 truckloads of
large candles and shells
EXTRA CONTENTEXTRA CONTENT
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Weblink+
Vicente Caballer,since 1880.Making dreamshappen.
STICK TO YOUR CHOICE. NO ONE ELSE IS LIKE PIROTECNIA CABALLER,
S.A.
www.pirotecniacaballer.es
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FEATURE | Grucci: A Truly Historic Fireworks Dynasty
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A N I N T E R V I E W W I T H P H I L G R U C C I , C E O A N D
C R E AT I V E D I R E CTO R
I N T E R V I E W E R : M I C H A E L R I C H A R D S >
A TRULYHISTORIC
FIREWORKSDYNASTY
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FEATURE | Magic In The Sky - Malta
Now that Ive reached an age when I can begin to look back and
marvel at some ofthe events Ive personally witnessed or watched on
television, Ive begun to make amental list of the things that have
truly astonished me during my lifetime. Ofcourse, watching Neil
Armstrong take his first steps on the moon was astounding,but so
was using my first calculator, buying my first Mac 512K or living
to see thefirst African-American get sworn in as President of the
United States (especiallyafter growing up during an era of such
overt discrimination). Added to mypersonal list, however, is
Fireworks by Grucci (www.grucci.com). How does thatpossibly
qualify? Well, on October 1st, 2009, the Chinese celebrated the
60thAnniversary of the Peoples Republic of China. After decades of
being almostentirely closed off to the West, China had finally
opened its doors to the world andhad begun to truly flourish once
again. What astounded me the most about thisevent, much more than
the 10,000 troops marching in unison or the 100,000civilian
participants who danced and sang that night, was the fact that
China hadhired an AmericanPhil Gruccito design and create the
massive fireworks showat the end of their anniversary extravaganza.
An American! Im still amazed. Butsomehow, this astonishing fact has
since been lost to the world amidst thepolitical hype and pageantry
that took place there. More unbelievable to me, is thefact that
this incredibly important historical footnote is not even mentioned
onlinein Wikipedias entry for the 60th anniversary of the Peoples
Republic of China.The article only mentions that there were
fireworks placed in each of the 56pillars of national unity in
Tiananmen Square, and that the fireworks displayed atthe end of the
ceremony were reportedly "double the firepower of the 2008Olympics
opening ceremony." Here is another fact for you: the incredible
fireworksfor the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic
games in Beijing werealso designed by Phil Grucci (along with his
close friends and fellow artists, CaiGuo-Qiang, and Jennifer Wen
Ma). Am I the only person who understands how
incredible it is that Chinathe birthplace of fireworks and
vocally anti-Americanfor decades (under Mao Zedong)hired an
American as the Chief Designer andEngineer to design the fireworks
displays for their two most important events sofar this
century?Phil Grucci is currently the President/CEO and Creative
Director of Fireworks byGrucci, Inc. and President/CEO of their
manufacturing company, Pyrotechnique byGrucci, Inc. His familys
name has been synonymous with fireworks in the UnitedStates since
the early 1900s, and their Grucci Italian fireworks history dates
all theway back to the early 1850s. To say Phil Grucci has
gunpowder running throughhis veins is an understatement, but it is
probably more apropos to point out thatthe Grucci family is
currently in its 6thgeneration of fireworks ancestral
evolution.Today, Grucci fireworks is a high tech operation with two
main facets: the first isFireworks by Grucci that creates its
phenomenal shows and displays; thesecond is Pyrotechnique by Grucci
which manufactures military and commercialpyrotechnics and
explosives and has an extensive research and developmentsection
devoted entirely to developing new, state-of-the-art creations as
well asimproving the ecological soundness of its designs.The list
of Grucci accomplishments is long and robust. From producing
thepyrotechnic displays for seven consecutive U.S. Presidential
Inaugurations, to anincredible display off Lower Manhattan for the
Centennial of the Statue of Liberty,to their jaw-dropping fireworks
displays during the opening and closingceremonies of the Beijing
Olympics (2008), as well as their signature pyrotechnicproductions
for previous Olympic Games in Lake Placid (1980), in Los
Angeles(1984) and Salt Lake City (2002) the Grucci family has truly
left an indelible markin the worlds collective understanding of
what a professional fireworks shouldalways look like. Because
Fireworks by Grucci continually awes everyone, we nowexpect to be
regularly awed by every fireworks show we see. In fact, bigger
and
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better, incredible, phenomenal, spectacular, amazing and
stunning, etc., are allworn out adjectives used to describe the
Grucci familys pyrotechnic expertise andtheir creative use of
fireworks.On New Years Eve in 2013, within Dubais central city and
spread out along 60 miles of its extensive coastline, Fireworks by
Grucci shot 479,651fireworks to put them firmlyand indisputablyinto
the Guinness Book ofWorld Records for completing the Largest
Fireworks Display ever fired. Althoughthe Norwegian nonsense shot
in 2014 appears to have temporarily upset thatrecord, I personally
believe Guinness original particularization of Gruccis
originalrecord will prevail.To add to their seemingly exponential
list of accomplishments, Fireworks byGrucci was hired this year to
create a very special display commemorating the200th anniversary of
Americas national anthem written by Francis Scott Key.Gruccis
fireworks were to be part of the finale of a large number of
festivals and
events scheduled to stretch from Baltimore to the historic
waterfront communitiesalong the Chesapeake Bay (all of which played
significant roles during thesuccessful American defense of 1814),
and to honor the song, The Star SpangledBanner, considered to be
pivotal in helping define our national identity.On September 13,
2014, the Grucci pyrotechnical highlight of Baltimores week-long
Star Spangled Spectacular to commemorate the 200th anniversary
ofFrancis Scott Keys Star Spangled Banner began. The show was
destined to befar different than other Grucci displays because
Pyrotechnique by Grucci hadcompleted development of an entirely new
technology called PixelBurst. Thiscreative new technique
essentially used the sky as a pixelated screen, and Grucciawed the
crowd by setting yet another Guinness WorldRecord for The Largest
Pyrotechnic Image ever recorded,by filling up the sky with a 600
foot by 900 foot wide AmericanOld Glory over Fort McHenry.
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Of course, the flag display was fired just as the Star Spangled
Banner was beingsung, and the sounds and the colors poetically
mimicked the historical sounds ofwar with bombs bursting in air
that had inspired Francis Scott Key to write theoriginal
lyrics.
Performance Facts for the Star Spangled Banner display: Number
of days to install: 9 Number of pyrotechnicians: 40 Largest firing
mortar: 8-inch Number of hours to choreograph: 38 hours Number of
man-hours to install: 4,320 Number of firing cues: 12,800
The Music chosen for Baltimore: Fanfare: Celebrate Discovery
John Williams Spirit of America Spirit of America Ensemble Star
Spangled Banner Opening performed by Jimi Hendrix America America
BeBe Winans Twilights Last Gleaming - performed by Cher Halls of
Glory Jon A Kull Spirit Fanfare - Spirit of America Ensemble
America the Beautiful Jennifer Hudson & Sandy Hook Childrens
Choir Broad Stripes and Bright Stars performed by Military
Academies Armed Forces Medley US Marine Band Ramparts Gallantly
Streaming performed by Em Hartt Americas Song Faith Hill &
Company Rockets Red Glare performed by Faith Hill America the Dream
Goes On John Williams Ft James Ingram Our Country John Mellencamp
Gave Proof Through the Night performed by NSync Overture of 1812
Tchaikovsky God Bless America Daniel Rodriguez Banner Yet Wave
performed by LeAnn Rimes God Bless the USA Beyonc O America Celtic
Women And the Home of the Brave performed by Whitney Houston Stars
& Stripes - John Philip Sousa
The following interview was conducted by phone on November 23,
2014. It reflectsa conversation between Phil Grucci, Gruccis
President and CEO and CreativeDirector, and Michael Richards, the
editor of Pyrotechnic Magazine.The fireworks program that Fireworks
by Grucci put on in Baltimore was locatedat multiple positions and
covered a distance of approximately 2-1/2 miles. It wascomprised of
three main segments: a powerful audience-engaging opening; amain
performance of multi-level and multi-effect sequences; and a
world-renowned Grucci grand finale. The performance was a very
American story ofpatriotism, unity and inspiration utilizing
Gruccis patented PixelBurst andSkyEtching technologies. Our
conversation covers a mixture of Grucci family history, current
projects anddetails about the Baltimore production.
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PM: Before we start the actual interview, I thought Id give you
a few minutes tobrag about your children, Lauren and Christopher.
How are these two 6thgeneration Gruccis doing? What are they up to?
Phil Grucci: Well, they are doing very well. Im very proud of them.
In addition tomy daughter and my son, I should also mention my
nephew, Corey, he is alsoworking with us full time. Thats my
sisters oldest boy. Actually, hes the oldest ofthe 6th generation
of the family because he was born five years earlier thanLauren
was. Hes 29 now. Also, Krystal, my younger cousin is part of the
familybusiness as well; my nephew Nick and a number of other little
nephews andcousins are also coming along the way. Were definitely a
family business. Laurenis actually in Cambodia at the moment. She
left four weeks ago to go on a seven-week trip through Indonesia,
Cambodia, and Thailand. She wanted to dosomething like this while
she still has time. Lauren is still working on a free-lancebasis as
an aspiring professional photographer and she also works for us
part-time as a Pyrotechnician, Photographer and Archivist. She
captures a lot of ourphotos and is responsible for most of the
recent images youve see on the Grucciwebsite. Christopher is 20 now
and is currently a sophomore in college workingtowards an
accounting degree. He has been "on location" with our family
businesssince he was able to walk. Once he turned 18 and could
handle fireworks on hisown, he has participated as a pyrotechnician
in a variety of displays: The ROC
100th Anniversary in Taiwan on NYE 2012, Dubai NYE 2013,
Atlantis 4th of July,Maldives NYE 2011, etc. He just fired his
first solo display last year as one of thelead system operators on
the break wall of The World Islands in Dubai. Hecontributes to the
equipment testing and warehouse operations when he is not inschool.
Some of my proudest memories are seeing Christopher and
Laurenengaging with different teams on our sites or within our
facilities. My wife, Debbie,and I are blessed with having great
children.
PM: Did Lauren get some good pictures of your show in
Baltimore?Phil Grucci: Yes, she did. She along with our full-time
visual and creative effectsperson, Thomas McKenna manage the
capturing of a lot of our photography:Originally, I had Lauren here
working full-time doing all the archiving (which iswhat we really
set out to do in the beginning), but the shows are coming
sofrequently now that it is difficult for us to keep up. Jokingly
we keep tellingourselves well get to it during our off-season, but
our off-season just neverseems to come.
PM: Fortunately, with all of the Grucci footage appearing
online, maybeYouTube can be your makeshift archive?Phil Grucci:
(Laughs) Thats right, but what I mean by archiving relates more to
allof our old photographs that date from 1929, the 1930s, the 1940s
and 1950s, etc.images we currently have filling cardboard boxes and
old fashioned scrapbooks inour office, but havent had the time to
digitize or catalog. For example, we often getasked for images of
our great grandfather, and we have three or four good imagesof him
that are originals. Since they arent digitized and efficiently
cataloged, wefind ourselves continuously scanning the originals to
send out. All of this takestime that wouldnt be necessary if we had
everything properly archived.
PM: Ive always wondered why you havent put something out like a
like Time-Life book about the Grucci family.Phil Grucci: I agree
with you, we really should, but there are so many things wewant to
do. You envision them, but there is just isnt time. Id love to do a
coffeetable book, or a Time-Life book; we have such great
photographs of our work, butit is a matter of putting them all
together, assembling a team to lay it all out, andthen finding a
third party willing to print it for us. Anyone whos ever published
abook knows thats a daunting task. Plus, our core revenue source is
producingfireworks performances. Books will have to come second, if
and when there isactually time.
PM: Although Grucci research and development has come up with
someexquisite creations lately, in a sense you are kind of like
pyrotechnic magicians.Do you think NOT knowing how everything is
done somehow adds to theexcitement?Phil Grucci: Yes. Exactly. When
I look at what we do, the performances are alwaysexciting. But the
excitement comes mainly from whats behind the scenesviabuilding and
designing and engineering, testing and failure. We do quite a lot
oftesting at our facility in Virginia, and at the onset of many of
my ideas, most of ourinitial experimentation is a failure. But that
is why you have a testing facility. TheFlag in Baltimore is a great
example of R&D at its best: we fired in excess of 1,500
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shells at our testing facility before we finally got it right.
After each firing, werefined the process, rethought our device and
procedures, and kept refiningeverything until it worked the way we
wanted it to. We only felt pressure tosucceed because September
13th was looming close by. Of course, the way weformulate the
shells is really cool, but if we show and tell and you (the
generalpublic) know everything about how its all done, like you
said, the magic comespartially from not knowing. We may provide
some technical information about theshells, but our secretsthe most
colorful parts of what we doguard the magicbehind what we do.
PM: Well, the flag was truly spectacular, and well talk about
that more in aminute. I just wanted to mention I got an email from
Tony Gemmink thismorning (hes the publisher of Pyrotechnic
Magazine) and weve both beenwatching videos of your show in
Baltimore to properly prepare interviewquestions. Anyway, he wrote
me this morningand you have to understandhes Dutchand told me that
after he watched a video of your performance itgave him chicken
skin. He meant goose bumps, but I think I like the Dutchversion
better.Phil Grucci: (Laughs) Ive heard that chicken skin statement
before. But that isvery complimentary just the same. To hear
heartfelt compliments like that makesall of our hard work
worthwhile. You know, there are a great many financialaspects to
the fireworks business, and sometimes it goes counter to the
bucketlist I have on my iPhone. This wasnt the case in Baltimore.
When that RFP camein, well, it has always been a dream of mine to
display a large American flag. Wejust never had the event or the
budget to support the R&D necessary to createsomething that
massive. Then this project came along it was just a natural for us,
and the beauty of it dovetailed off of our experiences in Dubai at
just the right time. We were coming backfrom Dubai on cloud 9 after
our world record, and the momentum was there and Ialong with my
team created an elaborate proposal for the 200th
anniversarycommittee that included a render of my PixelBurst flag
idea. Once they selectedus, it was like, okay, now its time to turn
our render into reality. Our goal was tomake certain the
demonstrated effect we proposed looked very close in scale
andcontent to the original render. So, it was all hands on deck at
the plant, and Ive gotto say, I have a dynamite team (excuse the
pun) there at our Virginia facility led bytwo powerhouse women,
Brenda Albano and Kelly Frazier. Honestly, we havepyrotechnicians
and senior pyrotechniciansall very devoted to what they do.They
might be outside shooting or testing at 11:00 at night or midnight,
out in the
rain, out in the snowall because we have such a tight timeline
we have to follow,and if everything doesnt work perfectly, we have
to immediately figure out whatwent wrong. Anyway, they dove right
in to perfecting this flag project immediately,and when we finally
set it off in the harbor during the show, I got chicken skinmyself.
I mean, many of our family and friends as well as our production
teamwere at our Show Control up on the roof of this elevated
building in Baltimorewhere we could see the entire harbor and the
expanse of the river all away downto Fort McHenry; we positioned
all of our control gear so we would be lookingstraight at Fort
McHenry where the flag would be fired, and the gigantic USAwould be
fired and our other SkyEtching effects would be happening. Then
thefirst flag went off (you see, we were only contracted to produce
one flag, butbecause we were going for another Guinness World
Record, and also because ofthe importance of the moment, I felt,
were this far into it, lets make two flags astwo made more sense),
so instead of once, we fired it twice: once at the beginningof the
program (to avoid the potential of too much smoke and to make sure
we gota good photo of it) and then again at the end of the program.
After the first flagwent off, we all had chicken skin. It was the
perfect combination that night forevery face of the event: first,
Fort McHenry was the perfect stage; second, it wasthe 200th
anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner and we had just
createdsomething large, colorful and wonderfully symbolic. Add to
that all the excitedradio chatter we heard from our
pyrotechnicians, and the crowds heightenednoise we heard after the
fireworks displaysit was a very rewarding experience foreveryone
involved.
PM: I have to admit, I watched the video of your PixelBurst
American Flagabout a dozen times, and it really was an incredible
feat. Phil Grucci: Well, thank you.
PM: I notice you have a really brutal schedule. Tonight you have
a holiday showat Sax 5th Avenue in downtown Manhattan, then on the
29th youve got a RiverChristmas Boat Parade, and after that, youve
scheduled New Year Eves showsin both Las Vegas and Waikiki and four
other places. Do you ever rest? Do youever have downtime?Phil
Grucci: Unfortunately, I was in the hospital recently for nine days
withpneumonia. I guess that was my way of resting.
PM: Thats terrible. Im so sorry to hear that, but I meant
vacation time, not ahospital stay. Are you OK now? Phil Grucci: Im
not up to full strength yet, but Im getting there. The doctor
toldme to go home, stay in the house and not go to the office. I
was required to stay inthe house for a week, which I did. Then I
was off all last week, so I did get the rest Ineeded. I am very
fortunate to have some amazing people working for me. I have
agentleman, Joseph Mercante, right now in Saudi Arabia working on
an upcomingproject there. He will then go to Dubai for some work we
have in the region, andthere is another group in Europe working on
our upcoming events. Im veryfortunate to have such a strong,
competent teamall very passionate about whatwe do. We also have a
really good engineering team here at our offices in NewYork led by
my Director of Operations, Chris Carlino. Theyll handle the Sax
5thAvenue show tonight. I have essentially been grounded until New
Years Eve, so I
The National Anthemholds a special place in the hearts of
allAmericans. Its morethan a song; its part ofour collective dna.
Phil Grucci, CEO and Creative Director of Fireworks by Grucci
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cant go. That doesnt stop the momentum, however. The list you
saw online forNew Years Eve was only half complete. There are other
projects that werecurrently contracting to do that I cant speak
about yet, but theyre in the works.
PM: I would suggest you go to Waikiki for New Years and let the
sun and thesalt air heal your pneumonia.Phil Grucci: (Laughs).
Youre probably right. Plans arent complete yet for NewYears Eve,
but we are contracted to do a Grand Finale in Waikiki using more
than1,800 shells. We have another show to produce around Honolulu
in February,which is always a joy after dealing with the harshness
of winter in New York. It is avery therapeutic trip for us. I
especially love setting up two or three barges withfireworks, and
looking out over the beautiful blue water to watch the fish swim
by.You can even jump off the barge and go for a swim if you get
tired and need abreak. Believe me, you cant do that in East River
in New York.
PM: Youre probably glad youre not in Buffalo, New York at the
moment. I thinkthey got over 2 feet of lake-effect snowfall
yesterday.Phil Grucci: No, we dodged that bullet. Hey, I dont know
if you know this, butweve expanded our manufacturing facility with
the purchase of a 110-acreResearch and Development facility in
Delanson, New York. The facility was anexplosives manufacturing and
storage facility previously owned by Arthur RozziPyrotechnics. I
also hired Bob Lapietro as Chief Chemist and Research
andDevelopment Manager of the Delanson facility. He is a shell
builder from the early80s who has been in business as a chemist and
has over 30 years of experience inthe Fireworks and Explosives
Industry. I hired him to run the Delanson operation,and do our
chemical R&D as well as some our mechanical testing out of
thatfacility. The idea is to perfect what weve been developing in
Delanson (work outany bugs or kinks there) and then send it down to
the Virginia facility for massproduction. Speaking of snow, they
are getting hammered just outside of Albanyright now. We had
discussions about weather in October because it was alreadysnowing
there this fall.
PM: Yeah, they got an amazing 80 inches of snow already in
Albany. Phil Grucci: I know, but not like Buffalo. Not nearly like
Buffalo. I was speaking to my friend Jim Young from Young
Explosives, and hes up in the Rochester area. Hes had a few shows
scheduled at weekly festivals already canceledbecause of snow. I
feel for him, but I asked to please keep that weather up thereaway
from us.
PM: I have a great Aunt who lives in Muncie and shes been pretty
snowed inherself. Getting back to our questions, though, who was
the first person toapproach you about putting together the 200th
Anniversary show in BaltimoreHarbor? Did they give you a map to
start you out?Phil Grucci: Fireworks by Grucci was selected through
an open RFP (Request forProposal) process led by the Baltimore
Office of Promotion & The Arts on behalf ofStar-Spangled 200,
Inc. and the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.The RFP
they posted regarding the 200th Anniversary was pretty general,
really,and it was basically open to anyone interested. Each of the
participants was askedto bring a creative brief with them
explaining exactly what they thought was the
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most appropriate way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the
Star SpangledBanner. Our response, of course, was to create the
worlds largest pyrotechnicAmerican flag. We made a formal
presentation (as many other notable displaycompanies did) and
illustrated some of the renders and visuals of the flag
weenvisioned, as well as showing them the plans for the rest of the
performance(which included seven barges up the river, three
rooftops as well as downtown).So, you see, it wasnt just the flag
idea that won it for us. The idea itself hit a definitebulls eye
with the committee right off, and the proposal was chosen because
of itssuperior artistic and technical plan. In truth, I think the
expansiveness of ourproposal excited the Bicentennial Commission,
and the fact that we wanted toconnect the entire river from the
harbor to Fort McHenry with a necklace ofbarges. Another thing I
liked about having our Baltimore proposal accepted like itwas, was
because this was our (the industrys) first major event in the
UnitedStates in a long time. We had produced the last seven
presidential inaugurals, butPresident Obama didnt want fireworks at
his, so that stifled that idea. There reallyhasnt been a major
celebration in the U.S. for a while, so this was perfect
timingcoming on the heels of our Dubai success. Not to mention it
really felt good thatwe were focusing on something really
patriotic, which is pretty much thefoundation of our industry.
PM: So, did you officially set the worlds record for the worlds
largestpyrotechnic American Flag?Phil Grucci: Yes, we have the
Guinness certificate sitting in our office. Officially, itis for
creating the Worlds Largest Pyrotechnic Image. You have to use
yourimagination a little with this because it had to be made up of
a large number ofshells and couldnt be just one 24-inch shell or
like a peony.
PM: Was Fort McHenry supposed to be the focal point? Im not that
familiarwith the harbor, so Im unclear as to how the set up was
determined. Was itmostly in the East Channel? Phil Grucci: Fort
McHenry was the place where Francis Scott Key watched thecannons
fire while standing on a British ship. There he watched the battle
ensuewhile looking at the fort and watching the American Flag
continue to wavethroughout the battle. As long as that flag stayed
there and waved up on that pole,it meant we were still in the fight
and had not surrendered. That was hisinspiration for writing the
national anthem, and that was why it was the center ofgravity for
the celebration. We displayed our huge American flag as a series
ofshell bursts off a 900-foot floating platform right where Key
wrote the StarSpangle Banner. Keeping it precisely historical, we
discharged the shells in thespace where the ship was located when
he watched this battle and wrote downthe lyrics. We displayed all
of this on LED screens placed all the way up the riverso the
audience could see a remote broadcast of the Fort McHenry
fireworksdisplays, whether they were positioned near the fort or up
river.
PM: Channel 11 out of Baltimore did a really nice job televising
your displays. Phil Grucci: Yes, they did. I thought their camera
shots were spectacular and theircuts to the flag were all done at
the appropriate times and it was produced verywell. What probably
helped them were the meetings I had with them acting in thecapacity
of Director to identify the best point of view for each segment of
the
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performance. We shared storyboards and video animation with them
so the knewprecisely when to cut to the correct imagery. It was a
little schmaltzy perhaps, butall in all, they did an excellent
job.
PM: Thats what live TV is all about.Phil Grucci: If I had to
give them a grade it would be an A- for their effort. I wishother
stations were as conscientious.
PM: You had an amazing array of patriotic music in this show.
Did you pick allthe music or did they tell you specific pieces they
wanted you to include? Phil Grucci: We essentially scored the
entire production, and the music waspredominantly selected by us,
but it is probably fairer to say it was a collaborativeeffort
between the anniversary committee and us. Obviously, when it comes
tomusic selection there are always personal opinions that come to
play. Everyonehas there own personal favorites. In this case it was
a little easier since almostevery piece needed to be patriotic in
some way. I dont know if you listened to thesound track very
closely, but interweaving the lyrics of the national anthem
withfireworks throughout the entire performance was our intention.
I thought thatwould be better than simply playing the National
Anthem at the beginningwhichthey did live that night as a prelude
to our performance. So, throughout the entiresound track mixed
snippets of the lyrics and match the pyrotechnics to themeaning of
those pyrics. For example, just as broad stripes and bright stars
wassung, we created heavy red and white stripes coming off of the
barges with bluestars above it; and obviously bombs bursting in air
and rockets red glare wereproduced dramatically with pyrotechnics
as well (even though many othercompanies have done similar things
before). I love it that we also included theiconic Jimmy Hendrixs,
Star Spangled Banner version and what I believe to bethe best
singing of the National Anthem, Whitney Houstons, And the Home of
the Brave into the production. I think those pieces added interest
and variety tothe mix.
PM: Well, it was certainly beautiful. Ironically, the first
three versions of yourshow I watched had no music with it. They
were just amateur films posted onYouTube from that night. The
Fireworks were beautiful, but it wasnt until Iwatched the Channel
11 version that I could really get the feel and intention ofthe
entire show.Phil Grucci: Yes, you really need to see and hear it
all to fully understand theexperience.
PM: Because we have a lot of pyrotechnic aficionados who read
our magazine, Iwonder if you could explain your new PixelBurst
technology to them. Youobviously have advanced this technology and
then trademarked it, too?Phil Grucci: Yes, we did. This is a
culmination of over 10 years of development andwe continue to
refine it to this very day.
PM: So, it was PixelBurst technology that was used to create the
large,world-record-breaking pyrotechnic flag, as well as the giant
USA and theilluminated dates in the sky? Can you explain to us how
it works without givingaway any proprietary information?
Phil Grucci: To simplify it as much as possible, the term
PixelBurst waschosen because of the distinctive nature of what the
term pixel means. A pixel isessentially a dot, and each of our
burstsjust like on a computer screen ortelevisionmake individual
dots, only this time it is up in the sky. If you can makeall of the
dots explode on cue at specific heights (dependent on their scale
andsize) and connect them as part of a precise sequence, then you
can create somevery abstract images at a very large scale. The
American flag we produced took alittle over 750 PixelBursts to
createall exploding at somewhat the same time.Only in this case,
they werent set to explode simultaneously because I designedthe
sequence of displaying the flag to actually unfurl from the top
down
PM: I think I counted 7 waves, but Im not sure. It is hard to
tell watching a video.The explosions did a really good job
sonically punctuating your flag, though, asit unfurled.Phil Grucci:
Actually, there were 13 waves because each wave represented astripe
on the American flag. So, there were 13 very precise explosive
linesdisplayed up in the sky. I had it programmed and displayed
specifically to make itlook like it was unfurling itself from top
to bottom.
PM: Is your PixelBurst technology similar to MagicFire, those
precisionelectronic initiators? Is that how this all works?Phil
Grucci: PixelBurst is the name of the finished aerial shell that
has manycomponents making it successful. The microchip in the
PixelBurst might sharesome very minor similarities in some ways to
MagicFire, but it really represents anentirely new technology and
required a completely different type of electricalengineering than
the MagicFire chip. We had used the MagicFire chip in the past,
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but ther