Pyrotek Special Effects brings the heat to the 54th Annual Grammy Awards
February 17, 2012
By: Patricia Dambrosio
Pyrotek Special Effects helped celebrate the biggest night in music at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards February 12th 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. As those in attendance commemorated the years best in music, Pyrotek Special Effects and Laser Design Productions were commissioned to provide a range of special effects for the show. Pyrotek President Lorenzo Cornacchia worked closely with Brian Stonestreet, Alana Billingsley and Cossette Productions to create the looks for some of the night’s most memorable performances.
Bruno Mars, who was nominated for four awards including Record of the Year for “Doo-Wops & Hooligans,” performed “Runaway Baby” to the elated crowd. Channeling James Brown, Mars mesmerized with his impressive footwork and vocals. Silver gerbs were used to enhance the singers’ performance, and it proved to be one of the most well received acts of the evening.
Nominee Rihanna hit the stage to perform her smash hit "We Found Love". It featured 30 second red flares held by her dancers and seven laser systems from Pyrotek’s sister company, Laser Design Productions. Director of Operations, Victor Tomei along with Laser Operator Eric Taylor placed three 30 watt full color systems on the mid stage truss. Two 25 watt full color lasers were placed above the upstage video wall and two full color lasers were rolled onto stage left and right to project powerful white light throughout the enormous venue and onto the stage surface.
Katy Perry took the opportunity to showcase a brand new song on the Grammy stage. With “Part of Me”, Perry incorporated a “fire and ice” setting, surrounded by four life size ice sculptures standing 6 feet in height. Four high/low flame bar systems were used to encompass each sculpture to achieve a melting effect, while Perry belted out the breakup ballad. Low lying fog was also used throughout the performance, as well as during many other performances during the evening’s ceremony.
Nicki Minaj also debuted a new single with “Roman Holiday”. The controversial performance, which opened with “The Exorcism of Roman” showed Minaj shackled to a wall high above the crowd. Throughout the performance six cryo jets were used to accent the heavy tones of the song, while dragon heads and flame bars lit up the stage. The performance featured much religious imagery complete with a levitating Minaj surrounded by “The Pope”, and monks.
Chris Brown, winner of “Best R&B Album” along with David Guetta and Lil Wayne incorporated 8 cryo jet units into the performance of “I Can Only Imagine”. The routine took place in the outdoor tent area, where hundreds of fans got the opportunity to catch the jaw dropping performance as well as performances from Foo Fighters, and Deadmaus.
Crew chief Bob Ross along with pyrotechnicians Gary Bishop and Hans Lundberg and pyro shooter Keith Hellebrand were on hand to set up and operate the elaborate cues of the show flawlessly. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards were the highest viewed telecast in over 25 years and was a complete success. Pyrotek Special Effects was honored to be involved in showcasing some of music’s biggest acts and dazzling the crowd in attendance.
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2011 American Music Awards pull out all the stops with Pyrotek Special Effects
November 28, 2011
By: Patricia Dambrosio
The 2011 American Music Awards took center stage November 20th at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The night was star studded and full of jaw dropping performances from today's biggest acts including Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, and LMFAO. Once again Pyrotek Special Effects had the honor of providing effects for some of the night's hottest performances.
The show was opened by the always entertaining Nicki Minaj, clad in one of the night's most outrageous outfits and emerging from an enormous speaker set. Silver gerbs were used to blow open the speakers as Nicki materialized to sing "Turn Me On" and her chart topping "Superbass". Ferris Wheel pyro was used on a lift that brought Minaj from high above the audience down to stage level. Concussions were also used to accent the song and excite the audience.
Daughtry returned to the stage with their new single "Crawling Back To You" and incorporated low lying fog and 4 flame units to ignite the set around them. Katy Perry also incorporated low lying fog into her performance of "The One That Got Away" as well as Will I Am and Justin Bieber who brought out the Christmas spirit into the theatre with his holiday song "Mistletoe".
Jennifer Lopez brought the house to its feet with her medley of hits from this year. "Papi" and "On The Floor" included gold crackle mines and silver gerbs on risers above Lopez, as well as gold "flitter" mines used to end the performance.
Pyrotek Special Effects sister company Aqua Visual FX provided a 24 foot water screen for Pitbull and Marc Anthony's performance of "Rain Over Me". Engineer Victor Tomei along with technician Robert Pratl placed the screen between the band and the dancers, and had many custom elements including the spelling of "Rain Over Me" and lightning bolt images that fell behind the pair as they performed.
LMFAO closed the show with one of the year's biggest hits "Party Rock Anthem". Surrounded by dancers, David Hasselholf, and Justin Bieber made for an electrically charged send off with twenty three cryo jets blasting as they emerged onto two raised platforms above the audience.
Pyrotechnicians Kevin Hughes and Dave Harkness along with Tomei and Pratl worked to prepare and operate the show handling the many intricate cues with ease. The show was watched by 12 million viewers and was a great success with Pyrotek Special Effects providing the nights most memorable looks.
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Country Music Celebrates its Biggest Superstars at 45th Annual CMA Awards
November 10, 2011
By: Patricia Dambrosio
The 45th Annual Country Music Association Awards took place on November 10th 2011 in Nashville with Hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. The telecast included was seen by 16.3 million viewers and included performances by many of country's biggest superstars which incorporated many effects by Pyrotek Special Effects.
The ceremony opened with Blake Shelton's performance of "Footloose". Shelton, framed by 9 cryo jets had the thousands in attendance hooked before any awards were even given out. He was joined on stage by dancers and near the end of the number by music legend Kenny Loggins. Four gerb spinners along with 35 silver gerbs were placed on stage right and left and with the addition of concussions, the song ended with a bang.
Miranda Lambert literally set the stage ablaze with her performance of "Baggage Claim". Two 4' Dragon tail units were placed stage left and right surrounded by dozens of suitcases, while three 7' units were placed center stage behind the band to ignite Lambert from behind.
Luke Bryan's "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" was another highlight of the evening. Surrounded by dancers, Bryan strutted across the stage while performing the hit. Red Comets and Red Crackle Mines were incorporated to the end the song by shooting up 25 feet high behind the band who were perched on a platform high above the audience.
The awards show, which is hailed the biggest night in Country Music was a tremendous success. With the help of pyrotechnicians Keith Hellebrand, Keith Maxwell, Simon Brierley, and Rory Jones, Pyrotek Special Effects was able to make the show stopping performances play out more like a full-blown concert than an awards show. The Bridgestone Arena was undoubtedly full of electric energy as those in attendance celebrated all things Country Music.
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Pyrotek Special Effects and BET celebrate the years best at 2011 Hip Hop Awards
October 13, 2011
By: Patricia Dambrosio
Photo By: Alana
Billingsley
The 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards took place October 1st in Atlanta Georgia. Pyrotek Special Effects once again had the honor of providing a selection of special effects to add to this years show. Pyrotek Special Effects President and Designer Lorenzo Cornacchia worked closely with Show Producer Jesse Collins and Production Designer Brian Stonestreet to create this years desired looks.
Pyrotek incorporated four dragon tail units and fireballs to ignite the performance of Young Jeezy's "F.A.M.E". The rapper was framed by 7 foot flames while he stood on a platform above the audience. He was then joined by T.I. for "I'm Flexin'". Wiz Khalifa accented his performance of "Taylor Gang" with 27 green flame projectors as he strutted across the stage surrounded by a wall of diamond shaped lights.
The performance of 80's rapper Heavy D took viewers down memory lane with a medley of his greatest hits including "Nuttin But Love". He kicked off the set with a chase sequence of 29 silver gerbs, and also included red glitter and crackle mines.
Low lying fog and double headed dragons helped to make an unforgettable performance by Maybach Music Group. The audience was on their feet as Rick Ross, Wale, and Meek Mill performed "That Way" and "I'm a Boss." Concussions were used to invigorate the performance and energize those in attendance as they went off with a bang to express specific cues in the music.
Pyrotechnicians Kevin Hughes, Gregg Pearson and James Lindsay were on hand to handle and implement the intricate cues of the show flawlessly. The show, viewed by millions was one of the most successful to date, and once again cemented why Pyrotek Special Effects is an industry leader.
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Pyrotek Special Effects and "The Throne" reign supreme at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards
August 28, 2011
By: Patricia Dambrosio
The annual MTV Video Music Awards took place on Sunday August 28th 2011 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The telecast brought in the largest audience to date with 12.4 million viewers and as is the way with MTV, the show was filled with outrageous and memorable moments including the surprise performance of "Otis" by Kanye West and Jay - Z off their recently released collaborative album "Watch The Throne".
The main theme that came across throughout the piece was power and strength, as the pair was framed by the American flag and an array of spectacular effects provided by Pyrotek Special Effects of Las Vegas for the powerful performance.
Pyrotek used 6 gatling guns to open the performance, shooting 12 foot flames in all directions as the rap titans emerged from the top of the stage. The energy of the crowd was undeniable and only more palpable as the duo strutted and strolled down the stage while a shower of 31 silver gerbs rained down behind them.
As this was the debut stage performance for The Throne, Pyrotek Special Effects Designer Lorenzo Cornacchia collaborated with Gary Lanvy to create a performance that would stand out from the rest. Kevin Hughes, who worked as crew chief and shooter used Silver mines to accent the energy of the song, illuminating the pair from behind, meanwhile twelve cyro jets lined the stage and went off in sequence throughout the remainder of the show stopping performance.
Kanye West and Jay - Z are known for perfection when it comes to live performance and once again with the help of Pyrotek Special Effects, whose aspiration has always been to showcase the artist by creating an unforgettable atmosphere of pyrotechnics, the showmanship of the duo and the elaborate special effects did not go unnoticed at this years MTV Video Music Awards ceremony.
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Pyrotek Special Effects Heats Up The 2011 People's Choice Awards
January 17, 2011
Pyrotek Special Effects was on hand to add some effects at the 37th annual People's Choice Awards held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Queen Latifah began the show with a cover of Taio Cruz's hit song Dynamite. Her performance ended with an all-fire cue that included silver mines, comets, and white flash with bang to kick off the show.
Kid Rock who is set to commence his Born Free Tour performed God Bless Saturday Night, which included various flames and pyrotechnics that were incorporated into the stage set. Pyrotek collaborated with Elia Popov implementing a four-way flame rack which was cued by Pyrotek's Operator Kevin Hughes who worked alongside Pyrotechnician Dimitri Timohovich. The performance which included large columns of flame was capped off with a 20 second Silver Gerb waterfall positioned upstage.
Pop Band Selena Gomez & The Scene performed their hit single A Year Without Rain, which included low-lying fog and cryo jets cued to the closing beats of the chorus. Upon completion of their performance Gomez & The Scene received an award for Favorite Breakout Artist.
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Pyrotek Designs Custom Flame Ring For Lady Gaga at the 2010 Grammy Awards
Febuary 4, 2010
Los Angeles - Pyrotek implemented effects into the set design for the talented Lady Gaga at this year’s 2010 Grammy Awards. Held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA, Lady Gaga was amongst many artists who topped the night with an incredible performance. With an industrial set that brought Gaga and Elton John together on stage, it consisted of a custom six-foot outer diameter flame ring in which Gaga was heralded into during her act. Additionally, multiple cryo jets cued streams of industrial-looking smoke to accent the set as they were cued in sync to the beat. Lady Gaga was awarded a Grammy for Best Dance Recording “Poker Face”. After recently wrapping up her North American tour, Gaga will continue on tour kicking off her European leg February 18th, followed by shows in Australia and Japan. The pyrotechnics were designed by Lorenzo Cornacchia and implemented by Bob Ross (Pyrotechnics Crew Chief) and Adam Biscow (Pyro-Technician).
Additionally, a low Lying Fog effect was utilized for Maxwell’s performance of Pretty Wings. Maxwell enjoyed a successful evening walking away with two Grammy Awards for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Pretty Wings" and Best R&B Album: "Blacksummers' Night".
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
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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.
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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."
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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. |
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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"
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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.
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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.
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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".
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For further information contact:
Bob Ross
VP of Operations
Pyrotek Special Effects Inc.
Laser Design Productions Inc.
Aqua Visual FX Inc.
Tel: 905.479.9991 (East Coast)
Tel: 702.450.7976
(West Coast)
Toll Free: 1.800.481.9910