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6.
How do I plan and organize my Pyrotechnic
Production? Strategy
A
plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems
for obtaining a specific goal or result.
The event sponsor or event planner has a
daunting task to manage all the aspects of the
various elements of their event. That is why
lead-time for advanced planning is so critical
in panning and organizing the fireworks display
as well. In recent years, the requirements for
approval from local and state regulators have
changed dramatically. Event planners should
recognize that advance notice for approval of
the fireworks permit has increased significantly.
To understand recent industry changes click:
Homeland Security.
Item One:
Budget
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The event planner or sponsor should determine
the amount of the budget, if possible, so that
the pyrotechnic company has a concept of the
scope of the show.
-
In the event the display is new and a budget
has not been determined, the pyrotechnic
company can assist the event planner in
establishing the range of cost.
Item Two: Site
-
The site of the pyrotechnic display is one of
the most important determining factors of what
type of display is possible and the scope of
the show.
-
The area in which the fireworks are launched
must be clear of people and automobiles. In
the event that area is limited, there are a
variety of options that can be discussed with
the pyrotechnic company to design a fireworks
show to fit those limitations.
-
It is important to choose a fireworks company
who has experience with multiple types of
shows and venues. Fireworks are fired from
flatbed trucks, rooftops of buildings, barges
over water, and stages with performers
present, as a backdrop to other entertainment
and from inside racetracks and stadiums.
Item Three:
Type of Show
-
There are many different types of displays
(Genres) to
choose from based upon the location of the
event, the space between the potential
launching area and the audience, the purpose
and theme of the event, the specific
regulations of the jurisdiction where the
event is held and the time of day the event
takes place.
-
The most common type of fireworks show is the
traditional outdoor fireworks display, but
more venues are utilizing new designs and
products used in close proximity pyrotechnics
for outdoor events, indoor and theatrical
pyrotechnics and even a new line of daytime
fireworks.
Item Four:
Selection of the Pyrotechnic Company
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The level of service that a company provides
can many times make or break a successful
event.
-
In order to properly plan and coordinate the
fireworks production, the professional company
should assist the sponsor to anticipate all
the logistical needs of the display.
-
The most important consideration that the
pyrotechnic company should base its
recommendations upon is safety. There is no
excuse strong enough to bend the rules or
otherwise jeopardize safety of the public or
operators.
-
The company should provide a detailed proposal
(Treatment) that describes the production sequence,
provides a complete product listing (size,
type, description of effects), includes a list
of services to be provided, the insurance
coverage, equipment list and clearly defines
the responsibilities of the sponsor as well as
the company. They should also provide a
contract, which includes those elements.
-
The most important consideration of the
pyrotechnic company should be safety of the
public and technicians. The second most
important consideration should be the quality
of the production.
Item Five:
Pre-event Meeting
-
Since site selection is of critical importance
in the early planning stages, a representative
of the company should be willing to personally
inspect the site before a proposal is
submitted to determine the correct type and
size of effects that would be appropriate for
the location.
-
The company should inquire into the theme and
style of the event and design the production
accordingly. The company should also
determine the specific permit and safety
requirements of the venue and discuss them
with the proper fire and police authorities.
Item Six:
Coordination of the Event
-
When the selection of the company has been
made, the contract has been signed and the
date has arrived for the event, a
representative of the fireworks company should
arrive at the site with the necessary
personnel, equipment, materials and tools to
properly conduct the show.
-
He should meet with the sponsor or event
planner to discuss the particulars of the
set-up, operational conduct and post show
procedures. They should discuss weather
contingencies, emergency response plans and
the time of the start of the event. It is
important to establish the method of
communication between the sponsor or event
planner and the show operator.
-
He should also review the plan for security,
show communication for music and cues (if
appropriate) and between fire and life safety
personnel and to make sure the operator and
those personnel are in constant contact during
the show.
-
Once the show begins, the operator, fire
official and sponsor or event planner should
be in contact with each other in case a
contingency or emergency exists.
Item Seven:
Post Event Coordination
-
After the event is concluded, security must
still be maintained until the site is checked
and released by the operator. The site should
be cleaned up and all facilities should be
left in an approved condition. The fireworks
company should also verify that all unexploded
pyrotechnic materials have been removed from
the site.
The
most important consideration of the sponsor and
pyrotechnic company should be safety of the
public and technicians. The second most
important consideration should be the quality of
the production. With sufficient lead time, a
good logistical plan, a professional team with
the proper equipment, experience, and commitment
to safety and quality, the outdoor fireworks
display can be a most exciting and moving
experience for all those in attendance as well
as a valuable addition to your festival or
event. It is truly one of America's oldest
traditions and will continue to increase in
popularity well into the next Millennium.
Strategy:
A plan, method, or series of maneuvers or
stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or
result.
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Media
Representation:
The Denver Post
The Rocky Mountain News
Enid News & Eagle
The Sunday Chieftain:
Pueblo, CO
The Tulsa World
The Vail Daily
Wichita River Festival
News Letter
Denver Magazine: Pepsi
Center
The Arizona Republic
Greenwood Village
Newsletter
The Pueblo Chieftain
Denver Magazine: D&F
Tower
Rocky Mountain News
V.P. Fair Magazine |
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