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Pyrotek & Laser Design Productions at the 9th Annual BET Awards

Special Effects Light Up The BET Awards

Los Angeles - In the eye of the storm underlying the King of Pop's death, the 9th Annual BET Awards played a defining role at this year's show held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. At a moment's notice, BET production staff completely altered the show to pay respect to the loss of a legend. Involved in the Special Effects for the event, Lorenzo Cornacchia commented, "It takes a talented group of people and supporting cast to turn around an event like this. It was an honor to be part of an event that was held as a focal point to pay tribute to the loss of one of the greatest artists this world has ever came to know". Lorenzo Cornacchia, collaborated closely with Jesse Collins (Show Producer), Brian Stonestreet (Production Designer), Alana Billingsley (Art Director) as well as Marc Lucas (Executive in charge of Production), and John Cossette (Executive Producer) of Cossette Productions.

Host Jamie Foxx showered the show with tributes to Michael Jackson embracing spectators with humorous jokes, montages of classic Jackson outfits as well as a Moonwalk tribute across the entire stage. A mesh of low-lying fog, dry ice and haze highlight the stage as Foxx performed his hit song "Blame It" featuring Snoop Dog, TPain and Travis Barker. Almost a year to date, Soulja Boy was back on stage after his huge hit "Crank That ", performing his new hit single "Turn My Swag On". His intro involved him jumping off an oversized bed outlined with gerbs shooting sparks along the upstage, while a fury of Dragonheads shot flames throughout the chorus.

Smoke effects played a large part in this year's shows, commented Alana Billingsley (Art Director) "It was a great effect this year, it made an appealing club-like vibe for Jamie Foxx and set the mode to the Maxwell performance". Additionally, Laser Design Productions teamed up with YLS Entertainment Inc. to put together a laser tunnel filled with haze that was accented with a snow effect for Beyonce's performance of "Ave Maria". Pyrotek Special Effects also designed additional effects into the set for Keri Hilson, Maxwell and Neyo.

Effects Fill the Stages at the 2008 American Music Awards

2008 AMAs November 27th, 2008

Los Angeles - This year's 2008 American Music Awards was fast-paced, catering to viewers with a full list of talented performers that took the stage one after another. Held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, the show was hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel for the fifth consecutive year. After working with a number of the acts during their associated tours, Pyrotek Special Effects kicked off this year's AMAs with designs for a number of performers. Christina Aguilera opened up the show with her second major performance since her newborn son and showed off her stuff with a medley of tracks from her career. Highlighting a number of cues was a combination of silver gerbs and red mines to underline the beats and intervals between tracks.

Similarly the Pussycat Dolls act included an up-tempo mix with transitions that carried from the first medley to the second hit song "When I grow Up" as orange mines burst from the upstage followed by a white flash wash which led into a choreographed dance sequence culminating in an all-fire green flame projector effect to conclude the act. Rihanna, who was recognized as Favorite Female Artist in the Soul/R&B category as well as Favorite Female Artist (Pop/Rock), performed her latest single Rehab. Integrated into the industrial stage setting, a combination of low-lying fog and flames was used to bring a dramatic conclusion with low-lying smoke overtaking the stage while four dragon heads shot flame columns and flame ball asymmetrically across the mid-stage highlighting Rhianna as she concluded her act. Additional Performances that included effects from Pyrotek were Neyo, Leona Lewis, New Kids On The Block and Pink.

Winners of the 2008 American Music Awards T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist, the Jonas Brothers performed their hit single Tonight. Lorenzo Cornacchia of Laser Design Productions who worked with Rob Brenner (Jonas Brothers Touring Director) on their most recent North American Tour collaborated once again. The set included two 40-watt high-powered yag laser systems with three fiber-fed remote scanner, three micro air-cooled yag laser systems, and two mini air-cooled YAG laser systems.

This year's American Music Awards highlighted many of this year's talented acts as well as recognized additional accomplishments with the likes of artist and activist Annie Lennox, who was presented with the Award of Merit. The Show was positive in every aspect and an overall job well done.

Pyrotek & Aqua Visual FX at Full Throttle for the 2008 BET Awards

Las Vegas, NV, September 3, 2008

Pyrotek & Aqua FX at Full Throttle!

Some of today's best talents gathered together on stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, on June 24th for the 2008 BET Awards. Pyrotek Special Effects, Inc and Aqua Visual FX collaborated with multiple acts and delivered numerous looks which provided unique and individual aspects to each of the performances. Every design brought forth from Pyrotek added a collection of fresh effects; each with its own distinctive style. The idea for the show's style came from the BET theme The Hottest Ticket on Television. The newest element in this year's set was the stage right area, which was designed as a theater's entrance and was equipped with classic drapes as well as plenty of video and lighting. The diversity of this year's special effects, which included; everything from pyrotechnics, custom gas flame effects, cyogenic curtains, low lying fog effects and a 30 foot wide graphical water curtain, were included throughout the show. Vice President of Pyrotek Special Effects, Inc and Special Effects Designer of the BET Awards, Lorenzo Cornacchia, collaborated closely with Jesse Collins (Show Producer), Brian Stonestreet (Production Designer), Alana Billingsley (Art Director) as well as Marc Lucas (Executive in Charge of Production), and John Cossette (Executive Producer) of Cossette Productions. After multiple conference calls and design changes the show incorporated special effects to more then half of the 13 acts. Kicking off the opening of the show was USHER's performance Love in this Club, where he appeared at Center Stage tied to a lift filled with LED lighting while backlit with a fog curtain to outline his silhouette. As the lift ascended Usher danced in a robotic fashion which leading to the opening beat which that cue'd the first pyrotechnic effect of an all fire of 1x25 Silver Gerbs with flash.

The stage set had two flat-matted carousel systems similar to a treadmill, where one was located downstage and the other upstage moving in opposite directions of each other. They were used to create a number of unique dance sequences throughout the act. The versatile set merged well with the special effects which including 32 Red Comets with tails and 16 Silver Gerbs shooting vertically behind Usher as he closed out his performance. Adding some heat to Young Jeezy's performance that featured Kanye West were four double-headed Dragons accented by 15-foot flame columns in chase and all fire cues throughout the track Put On. The pyrotechnics team including Rob Liscio (Shooter), Ray Seymour (Pyrotechnician) and Crew Chief, Bob Ross installed the multiple effects to each act for the awards show. Alicia Keys performance opened with Teenage Love Affair and went into a medley with some of R&B's elite vocalists including SWV, En Vogue, and TLC. A cryogenic curtain was placed between acts to create punctuation to the first part of the show. As a 30ft high - 14foot wide wall, it formed a backdrop from a 30 foot trim height. The curtain effect added a cloud nine feel to the incredible vocals of each artist; "It was such a great backdrop it could have easily been used as the big finale, the audience was eating it up", commented Bllingsley. Additionally, rapper T-Pain, opened up his act with his song Ringleader which crossed into his hit track I'm So Hood featuring, Flo-rida, Rick Ross, Big Boi, Ludacris, and DJ Khaled. The set was designed as a circus theme including everything from dancers on stilts; to carnies breathing fire. The scene incorporated low-lying fog to help create a dreamlike look. Towards the closure of the act a 20 X 20 Glittering Gerb Waterfall positioned upstage filled the set as a backdrop. Later on T-Pain was featured in collaboration with Lil Wayne headlining his songs Got Money, Lollipop, and A Mill to close out the show.

Adding one of today's latest effects, Lorenzo Cornacchia Effect Designer of the latest Chris Browns tour, brought in a 30-foot wide water screen to create all the graphics, shapes and text out of controlled water droplet pixilation. "I knew Chris was going to love the Aqua Visual FX water screen. We've worked with Cossette on the idea on a few occasions and I'm glad we had the opportunity to use it with Chris Brown's performance". As the images are so clear and versatile it really leaves you questioning yourself if what you saw was really water. The programmed water art for this show combined graphics of hearts, a crown, as well as a face shot of Chris Brown, which came out almost ghostly. "The creative screen media read really well it's great to see how it leaves the audience gasping as they saw new shapes coming out of It," commented Billingsley. Billingsley worked with the Aqua Visual FX crew; Dan Tom (Aqua FX Engineer) and Robert Pratl (Aqua FX Crew Chief) Alex Amyot (Technician). The screen was built into the set as a recalculating system with a custom designed catch basin and anti drip system. After using 135 gallons of water to run the Aqua Visual FX screen and loading out without one drop of water hitting the stage, Pratl commented "We've really got this down to a science". The BET's closed out a flawless show with remarkable performances of Special Effects, Lighting, Video, and Design.

Taylor Swift Makes a Splash at the Academy of Country Music Awards

Las Vegas, NV, September 2, 2008

Taylor Swift Makes a Splash!

Recently, the 41st Academy of Country Music Awards was held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Pyrotek Special Effects was on hand to add a cascading graphical waterfall creating what could arguably be the best performance of the event. Lorenzo Cornacchia, (Vice President, & Director of Operations) of Pyrotek Special Effects, worked along side with Brian Stonestreet (Production Designer) and Alana Billingsley (Art Director) with Pyrotek's newest phenomena, Aqua Visual FX. Billingsley worked closely with the Aqua Visual FX's technical production team to implement the waters screen system into the set design for the young up and coming country singer, Taylor Swift. With approximately 60 gallons of water within the self-circulating system, Billingsley and the Aqua FX team created a custom basin design. This Allowed for a precise system to roll on and off the set with minimal connections. Taking no more than approximately five minutes, the water screen was setup and over the period of a commercial break. The catch trough system was designed to fully drain and be rolled off with out any spills. Cornacchia commented, "It was our original goal to make this system into a show worthy product and ensure that we could roll the basin on connect all the hosing in a matter of minutes and be ready to go live without any water hitting the deck. Over and above we also compensated for the water modules hanging above the stage and utilized our anti-drip system to ensure that not one drop of water hit the stage floor prior to and after Swift's performance".

The seven water models were set at a 36.5 foot trim height which created the 14-foot length water screen. The equipped anti-drip controller system runs of actuators which bevel the 420 nozzles. This unit fundamentally acts as a sump-style processing system catching any potential drip mishaps, and drains the excess water back down to the main basin below the stage. "In creating the touring model of this system our engineers and designers really focused on additional layers of protection", commented Cornacchia.

The special effects crew working on the set consisted of Bob Ross (Crew Chief), Robert Pratl (Lead Technician for Aqua Visual FX), Dan Tom (Aqua Visual FX Programmer), and Mick McGuire (Head Pyrotechnician). As setup and rehearsals commenced, the Taylor Swift camp were not aware nor expecting much more then a rain curtain effect. Robert Dickinson (Lighting Designer) worked with Cornacchia on creating a white wash look to illuminate the water. It was not until the first dress rehearsal that the technical aspect of the Aqua Visual FX water screen became evident. The water was programmed to fall in the shape of words which spelled out specific lyric cues, synchronized precisely with Swifts vocals. After witnessing Taylor Swift's performance it is difficult to tell who was more stunned; Taylor or the audience who stood up applauding in a standing ovation. Cornacchia commented "It never gets old seeing people's expression to the screen; is that water, projection, a lighting effect…? It's always worth a good laugh." In hindsight stage managers and production managers are typically not too fond of using water in acts as there are always doubts and concerns for potential mishaps. Aqua FX proved to be contrary to such a reputation as Garry Hood (Stage Manager) commented upon completion of the show "this was the slickest and best system I've ever seen; this is going to be a huge hit".

Additional acts in which Pyrotek implemented designs included; a rose petal look during Sugarland's performance of All I Want To Do, as well as a 30-second 20-foot gerb waterfall for vocalist Miranda Lambert who performed her hit song Gun Powder & Lead. The effect ran off two angled truss pieces, one from off stage left the other from off stage right leavening an opening for the centered upstage video wall. The following day, upon completion of the show, the Las Vegas Review-Journal headed their feature cover story on the show along with a front-page headlining photograph of Taylor Swift lavishly singing and sopping wet during her performance.

Special Effects Fill the Latin Billboard Music Awards

Pyrotek Special Effects and Aqua Visual FX Team up to Celebrate the 10 Year Anniversary
of the Latin Billboard Music Awards
Las Vegas, NV, May 15, 2008

Those who had a chance to attended or tune into the 10th Anniversary Latin Billboard Music Awards, were witness to a show of Latin flavor combusting on stage. Held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, in Hollywood, FL, Pyrotek Special Effects and sister company Aqua Visual FX (Aqua VFX) were on hand to add indoor pyrotechnics and water effects to a number of acts within the set design.

Pyrotek, who has now been involved with about half of the Latin Billboard Awards, had Vice President Lorenzo Cornacchia collaborate with Abe DeJesus (Vice President of Technical Production for Telemundo/NBC), in creating a full presence of effects for the ten-year celebration. Seeking new ideas for this event, Abe DeJesus, recognized the latest in water screen technology after dropping by Pyrotek's booth at LDI 2007 in Orlando. After viewing a first hand demo of Pyrotek's latest offering; Aqua VFX's water screen became the focal point of the 2008 Latin Music Awards show design. Aqua VFX was positioned on the main stage above the orchestra pit, with a 20 foot trim height and located downstage of the elevator/lift. The screen was utilized throughout the show including the opening medley, introduction of the hosts, and the finale - Chayanne's performance. As Chayanne performed his hit song Lola, he entered the main stage using the lift and stepped through the water screen. The water screen was programmed to open in a drape fashion as he walked through and over the custom designed basin. The stage deck had a perforated metal grating screen built-in to accommodate for the catch trough and eliminate any water from falling onto the stage deck. Two, seven-foot Dragon Tail flame bars were set symmetrically upstage of the water screen creating a strong opening presence.14 feet of flames along, with 12 feet of dancing water effects were also situated upstage of the main stage. An additional two Dragon heads were positioned on the down stage edge, while another two heads were shooting 15 foot flame plums and columns off the B stage.

The design of the custom fabricated catch trough ran flush to the multilevel stage. Lead technician for AVFX, Robert Pratl collaborated with Tony Mojena (Executive Producer; Tony Mojena Productions) on the customized water graphic images and designs, as well with Angie Riserbato (Technical Designer; NBC-Telemundo Scenery) and Bobby Martineau (Stage Manager). The effects were DMX triggered to ensure the timing of cues were precise. The screen was built into the set creating a complete closed loop system which required one fill (50 gallons of water) for the entire two week setup, rehearsal, and show. The opening sequence had customized graphics of musical instruments, notes, and abstract chase sequences made from the controlled water droplets. Additionally, Kany Garcia's performance of Hoy Ya Me Voy utilized the 12 AVFX screen as a backdrop with nebulous abstract looks flowing to her slow temple ballad.

Pyrotechnic shooter and crew chief, Keith Hellebrand was on hand with pyrotechncian Gary Bishop to lead the extravagant flame cues. Hellebrand, has been the main shooter on the majority of the Latin Billboard Award shows and has continued implementing Pyrotek designs since their inaugural year collaborating with Tony Mojena Productions and Telemundo. Following a specific cue to the finale an outdoor firework show began outside of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to continue the celebration. Upon completion of the show Abe DeJesus commented on the multitude of effects; "On behalf of Telemundo Network and its affiliates, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your efforts during our 10th Anniversary Latin Billboard Awards Show. It is my great pleasure to have worked side by side with such talented and hard working individuals. Thank you for your dedication, determination and discipline, which were key elements in making this production a huge success."

Pyrotek Makes Kanye West's Performance STRONGER at the 2008 Grammy Awards

Grammy Awards 2008

Los Angeles - The 2008 Grammy Awards brought a classical production design which was truly fitting as the show celebrated its 50th year milestone. In reflection of the Academies accomplishments since its inaugural year in 1957, many guests and presenters graciously welcomed on another 50 years of recognizing musical excellence. The event mixed classics with contemporary and presented viewers from around the world to a spectacular show of talent. Held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA some of the world's top musicians from all genres and styles were on hand to take part in the event. Using some of today's modern technology, the Awards show blended various looks and designs of days past to futuristic appeals.

Pyrotek Special Effects Inc supplied the effects for a variety of set designs. Doug Adams (President) and Lorenzo Cornacchia (Vice President) worked in tandem on a number of installments for performances from Kanye West, Rihanna, and Cirque du Soleil. Adams and Cornacchia created custom proposals for the show while collaborating with John Cossette (Executive Producer), Jesse Collins (Producer / Writer), Tzvi Small (Supervising Producer), and Marc 'Chachi' Lucas (Associate Producer) of Cossette Productions. While working with a number of the stage and set designers, including Brian Stonestreet (Artistic director), Alana Billingsley (Artistic director) Scott Welborn (Assistant Set Designer) and Randy Bazellie (Kanye's Production Manager), various proposals were discussed to generate various effects to draw on for the specific acts.

Rihanna's performance was a medley of three song transitions. The performance opened with Morris Day and the Time singing Jungle Love, which led into Rhianna's introduction of Umbrella, and Please Don't Stop the Music. The main set piece for Rhianna's act housed twenty silver gerb effects which were under mounted into the set. Each spread two feet apart and cued to the chorus transitions of Umbrella. "We had a number of talks and discussions with Marc Jordan (Management), and Tina Landon (Set Designer/Choreographer) regarding the implementation of our effects into Rhianna's performance. We wanted to create some differentiation from prior looks we've done in the past for her", explained Cornacchia. Rihanna concluded her set by collaborating with Morris day and the Time's Jungle Love. The last cue of the song was synchronized to an all fire of 18 gold glitter mines to extenuate the last punctuation of the medley.

Kanye West performed his hit song Stronger featuring Daft Punk. The futuristic theme was embodied into the set creating a retro video feel. During the design phase, Randy Buzzelli (Production Manager) coordinated on set with Adams as well with Cornacchia to create various effects to apply to the act which resembled a space craft scene on a remote dark planet. The opening sequence included six red colored flame units projecting vertically approximately 15 feet tall, which silhouetted Kanye. The performance progressed with a cryogenic effect through the main chorus. LED fixtures were under mounted to each of the 18 separate cryo heads to add a strong red look of burning fumes to the set. The cryo and LED lighting were programmed via DMX signal running from the controller to each effect. Adams programmed the effects to mesh with the chunky rhythms in a variety of chase sequences, and all fire cues. Robert Dickinson (Lighting Designer) synchronized his lighting to complement and extenuate the effects in the act.

Adams, was on hand to shoot the show along with his crew consisting of Bob Ross (Crew Chief), Keith Maxwell and Robert Liscio (main pyrotechnicians). "The set changes were transitioned through Garry Hood (Stage Manager) who plays a vital role in this process. Communication is key while working with Garry who coordinates these set change," Adams explained. "He is a pleasure to work with because he knows what needs to be altered in the design of each set so transitions can occur in the allocated time". After shooting the effects and viewing the show Adams acclaimed "It was elegant, well designed, not overwhelming or over the top. Truly a classy show and well done by all involved"

2007 Much Music Video Awards

MMVAs: July 5th, 2007

Pyrotek Special Effects was proud to once again collaborate with Canada' s National Music Station " Much Music " for the 2007 Much Music Video Awards. The Home town company has been providing effects for the last four annual Much Music Video Awards.

After recently being involved with the BET and MTV Video Awards in the last two months the MMVA' s provided a unique challenge as it is held outdoors and environmental factors are uncontrollable. This years Award Show consisted of four separate stages allowing fans to get up-close to artists as one of Toronto' s busiest streets " Queen St " was shut down for the Awards Show. The Queen-John Sts. quadrant was jammed pack with over 6000 fans cheering on at their favorite Celebes. This year' s objective for Pyrotek and Much Music Producers was to provide an entertaining, and engaging look. Pyrotek Designer, and President Doug Adams and executives worked out the special effects designs with the band managers of Avril Lavigne, Finger Eleven, Alexis on Fire, Fergie, Belly & Genuine, and Hilary Duff. After finalized designs were collaborated with John Kampillis (TV Producer), and John Keffer, (TV Director) the ideas were implemented and made for an impressive award show.

The show consisted of a spectacular performance by Finger Eleven. The piece added a new flare to the show as they played atop of one of Toronto' s high-rises as Pyrotek Inc. created a bombardment of outdoor effects that dispersed from three additional separate building rooftops. The effects for the titled song " Paralyzer " were sequenced to set choruses and specific instrumental cues. The effects list for Finger Eleven consisted of (40) custom multi-shot boards, (219) sequenced yellow, red, orange, and silver comets with tails, and an additional (94) silver, orange, and yellow mines. Home town icon, Avril Lavigne, performed her summer time hit " Girlfriend " which included (11) pink confetti mines, and an additional (10) silver airbursts to conclude her performance. Fergie' s performance of " Fergalicious " , consisted of streamer mines shooting into the crowd from an offstage right and left position. Belly and Genuine' s act included a cryo chase effect from four cryo jet heads as the artist made there way from inside the Much Music Building to the streets of Toronto. Additionally Alexis on Fire concluded their act with a showering of multi-colored confetti for their performance.

MTV Video Awards: Rihanna Ft. Jay-Z - Umbrella MTV Movie Awards 2007

June 12th, 2007

Respected Production Manager, Gary Lanvy; coordinated with Lorenzo Cornacchia, Vice President of Pyrotek Special Effects Inc. to create a number of complimentary effects for the 2007 MTV Movie Awards. The entire show was broadcasted live this year from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California. The Gibson, a 35-year-old building originally intended as an outdoor amphitheater, is one of Los Angeles' biggest venues and well-known for its fantastic acoustics. The objective of this years Movie Awards Show, was to fill the Gibson with so many lights, video screens and pyro that show attendees wouldn ' t even remember that they could see or hear once it was all said and done!

One of Pyrotek ' s most promising effects " the waterfall " complemented Rihanna' s performance of " Umbrella " . The waterfall provided an excellent way to synergize the pyro effect with the theme of the performance as sparkling rain cascaded downwards across the entire stage. The waterfall effect was situated on the upstage trussing and dropped 20 feet downwards to the base of the stage as dancers were positioned with umbrellas in hand. An additional effect to the performance included a (35) gerb chase from off stage right, and left to center, leading into an all fir cue as Rihanna entered center stage from a lift.

Additionally, Pyrotek provided an entrance cue for well-known comedian Mike Myers as he was presented the " MTV Generation Award " by Cameron Diaz. The effect consisted of (18) red color mines, (18) white flash with bang effect, and a streamer mine effect that poured into the audience as Mike Myers re-enacted his comical theatrical entrance that has been seen in his Austin Powers movies.

Pyrotek Special Effects Inc. assist with 2007 Grammy Awards

Toronto, ON, April 9th, 2007 - The 2007 Grammy Awards

Lorenzo Cornacchia (Vice President) of Pyrotek Special Effects Inc was honored to once again work with the Grammy Awards in designing a number of productions including; Chris Brown, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Christina Aguilera.

Chris Brown's quick pace hip hop style included effects such as; cryo jet heads, a 20 ft high gerb chase which led to an all-fire cue of 24 gerbs and a final 18 flashes with bang. Also, included was a confetti snow-like effect for the Red Hot Chili Peppers performance "Snow" (Hey oh).

Pyrotek Special Effects Inc, provided Christina Aguilera's performance with a low-lying fog effect for her tribute piece to the Godfather of Soul, James Brown "It's a Man's World".

For further information contact:
Jim Schorer Marketing Manager
Pyrotek Special Effects Inc.
P: +1 (905)-479-9991
F: +1 (905)-479-3515
jims@pyrotekfx.com