Special Effects Pack a Punch on The Jonas Brothers World Tour.

Jonas Brothers Tour - Packed with Effects - December 21, 2009

Launching their sixth, and most recent concert tour The Jonas Brothers World Tour 2009 took audiences into a new experience and boundary of entertainment. While rehearsals commenced at Cowboys Stadium, Pyrotek Special Effects and its' sister companies showcased some of the years largest and powerful customized effects. The stage was set up in-the-round, at a 144-foot-wide span to allow for better audience viewing. It incorporated many features such as a one of a kind large circular water screen, many lasers, automated video effects and a giant crane that extended over the audience. The tour coincided with the bands 4th studio album Lines, Vines and Trying Times, which was released on June 16, 2009.

Rob Brenner (Touring Director) contacted Pyrotek's Vice President Lorenzo Cornacchia on several occasions to discuss the upcoming world tour. Following an onsite demo of the lasers and a prototype of a circular Aqua Visual FX water screen, Brenner and Cornacchia set to advance with the latest technologies to implement into the design of the world tour

Aqua Visual FX introduced the first ever-circular graphical water-screen into a touring show. With a resolution of 1800 x1800 pixels in the form of droplets of water the water screen covered a sixty-foot circular circumference waterfall at a trim of forty-feet outlining the entire B-stage. The software capabilities of the Aqua Visual FX are controlled in real-time through DMX cues. The screen was designed to interact with the Jonas Brothers during their performance of Love Bug. Fully clad in a raincoat and Umbrella, Kevin Jonas introduces the effect with a snap of his finger to initiate rainfall. Entrenching themselves within the water screen the descending water creates picture perfect images including sing along lyrics, JB-logos and other various graphics designs leaving audiences in a state of unbelief.

As for the effects on the main stage Pyrotek Special Effects supplied 28 cryo-jets, lined across the front of the stage as well as lasers, lots and lots of lasers. Provided by Laser Design Productions.'Several songs including Fly with Me and Tonight' are all about the lasers. There are numerous 1" x 4" customized bounce mirrors everywhere and when the band is on stage, they engulf the boys in beams. "When the boys actually saw it they said 'how are we going to play in that'?" Cornacchia confides. The solution was in the point of view. The boys were on the outside, looking in, not the other way around. "It looks like there is nowhere to move and nowhere to walk, when in fact, when you're on stage, there are lots of places to walk safely," Pyrotek's Vice President explains. And if the band doesn't realize where they are and get too close "we just turn that laser off,". There are a two 25-watt and four 15-watt full color lasers on the tour, as well as two 5-watt green lasers for the B stages. These distinctive effects were put into motion each show with a crew consisting of Robert Pratl, Brian Vantrigt, Adam Cryderman, Jason Bridges, Keith Hellebrand, and Darren D'Amour

Pyrotek Special Effects Inc. is named Top Dog

Top Dog Award: February 17, 2009

Pyrotek Special Effects, along with its sister companies Laser Design Productions and Aqua Visual FX, were pleased to be a major sponsor and contributor to Mobile Production Magazine's annual Tour Link Conference, in Phoenix, Mesa, Arizona. Thrilled to accept the award for Special Effects Company of the Year for the second consecutive year, President and designer, Doug Adams, was on hand to accept the award on behalf of Pyrotek. Continuing to expand on the presence of effects in 2008, there were some definite strides and advancements with new effects inside and outside the realm of "pyro".The latest water screen technology called Aqua Visual FX was recognized as one of three ESTA's New Rock Our World Awards for the development of the Aqua Visual FX Water Screen. It has added a new aspect to the effects list, leaving viewers stunned while in presence of this graphical water screen.

President Doug Adams celebrates Top Dog Award with Metallica

Laser Design Productions also enhanced the touring world with an arsenal of full-color; high-powered, air-cooled diode lasers that have created spectacular show designs that could be seen in tours such as Metallica's latest World Tour. Pyrotek Special Effects also had its share of new effects and creativity including the launch of their latest item, The Fire Screen. This modular system was revealed in 2008 for both the Jonas Brothers Summer Tour as well as the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Pyrotek Special Effects would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in their accomplishments throughout the year. A big thanks goes out to the Pyrotek family and all the Production Managers, LD's, Tour Managers and those who've continued to support and allow us to bring the latest and greatest to the entertainment world.

Aqua Visual FX Receives ESTA's Rock Our World Award

Las Vegas, NV, November 7, 2008

ESTA's Rock Our World Awards Selects Aqua Visual FX

LAS VEGAS - Aqua Visual FX was honored to be recognized as one of three ESTA's New Rock Our World Awards for the development of the Aqua Visual FX Water Screen. The Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony was held at LDI 2008. With over 30 nominations, the screening panel narrowed the field to nine finalists that were presented to a panel of top-notch judges to select the winners. The basis for the awards is to highlight technical inspiration that drives our industry forward, allowing designers to create richer, more exciting experiences for their audiences. With a focus on honoring those achievements that demonstrate truly innovative product design, remarkable product applications and the realization of breathtaking projects, Aqua Visual FX created a remarkable presence at this year's LDI show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Given the many strong products and talented competition in the market today, President of Pyrotek Special Effects FX, Doug Adams, was surprised by the award handed out at the Las Vegas Convention Center. "We are truly honored and grateful", he said afterwards.

Aqua Visual FX is a new method of creating a "waterfall billboard" through user- friendly software and design capabilities. This innovation has the ability to exhibit custom-animated graphics, shapes and text images through a programmed sequence of water droplets. Aqua Visual FX adds a new dynamic interior look which stops people dead in their track. It can be utilized as a branding mechanism while displaying logos and text out of water droplets.

It's something not too many people have seen before, commented Jim Schorer (Director of Marketing). "We've developed a product that is designed for installs, touring and ideal for any event application. When people see it first hand and ask "what is that?" and you explain water, they are astonished. You know right then and there you've created something marvelous". Many production managers and designers are not fond of water on their stage. However, this product has given them new light. This year, Aqua Visual FX has been used for acts such as Chris Brown (BET Awards), Taylor Swift (American Country Music Awards), The Latin Billboard Awards, a handful of Casino and corporate events as well as in Never Forget, a Theatrical Broadway show held in London's Savoy Theatre.

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.

Aqua Visual FX showers Digital Magic on Never Forget Musical

Pyrotek Special Effects & Laser Design Productions Team up With Le Maitre Ltd to Unleash their "Aqua Visual FX" Water Screen to the UK
Las Vegas, NV, May 15, 2008

Le Maitre Ltd (England) has signed on as the official exclusive U.K. distributor with well known special effects manufacturer, Pyrotek Special Effects Inc. and Laser Design Productions Inc. to market Aqua Visual Effects. President and owner Doug Adams, along with Vice President, Lorenzo Cornacchia were excited to team up Le Maitre Ltd as both parties are internationally renowned for their world-class special effects in the touring and entertainment industry. Le Maitre Ltd is very proud to have been chosen to feature some of its special FX in the Never Forget Musical, including its latest and greatest special effect product line offering, Aqua Visual FX. The production, which features the incredible catalogue of music by "Take That", is a feel-good comedy about love, friendship, ambition and betrayal. With an original story written by Danny Brocklehurst.

Photographer: Catherine Ashmore

The producers were having some very real issues finding a company that could make it rain on stage in a controlled way that wouldn't get the audience wet! Once the producers had the chance to view a demonstration of Aqua Visual FX their jaws hit the floor! The producers immediately said "we have to have it"!

The system feeds fresh water to a 28ft water screen that drops 1 meter from the front of a stage. A very small gap in the staging allows the water to drain into a 1500L water tank fitted under the stage.

The Musical's rain sequence includes doorways opening, closing and moving throughout the 28ft section as the performers interact with the water. The rain also goes through 5 stages of intensity from light droplets to a torrential downpour where the cast (all dressed in raincoats) perform a perfectly choreographed number.

The entire rain sequence takes place at the end of act one during the song Back for Good. The sequence lasts for approximately 5 minutes and astonishingly only uses approximately 200L of water per performance. This is about 1 bathtub of water.

Here is how the Aqua Visual FX system works:

Aqua Visual FX is designed with a new and innovative water management system. The technology includes automatic and optical control sensors that allow complete water cycling and creative programming automation. The water modules are manufactured in 2ft lengths with the ability of interconnecting to produce custom water screen lengths of 12ft, 24ft, 36ft and 40ft. With the ability to exhibit a visual graphic-rich story of designs, shapes, logos, text and the capability to display custom artwork from controlled water droplets, the Aqua Visual FX is one of today's most innovative notice boards: "a waterfall notice board".

With its user-friendly software, the Aqua Visual FX can be customized to meet whatever its user desires. The system which can display falling water images, text and other types of water effects comprises of three major components:

• A water management system, which controls the flow of water to maintain consistent water-based effects.
• A central computer system, which manages the complete system, including the storage and the programming of sequences of images to produce complete "shows" or a series of water effects.
• A series of intelligent droplet controllers, which "pixelate" the falling stream of water.

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."

Aqua Visual FX Showers Digital Magic

MGM Calls for the Latest in Water Screen Technology for Their Employee of the Year Gala

Las Vegas, NV, April 16, 2008

Recently, Aqua Visual FX set up an eight-foot wide water screen at MGM Grand Casinos Employee of the Year Gala. Held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the event highlighted an evening filled with entertainment, dancing, singing, award recognitions and more. Sarah Sheehan (Director of Events) initially noted the water screen effect at LDI 2007, where it was launched. Sheehan coordinated logos and graphics of over 40 different restaurants, clubs, spas, and hotels brands under MGM to be programmed into a sequenced show which ran through the entire evening. After the event Sheehan commented, "The water wall looked great and was a huge hit". Prior to the event MGM Technical Director, Anthony McCall stopped by the Pyrotek Special Effects Las Vegas studio for a demo. After a first hand presentation of the system, McCall was eager to get the water screen implemented into MGM's Employee of the Year Gala for all their executives to directly witness.

McCall collaborating with Vice President, Lorenzo Cornacchia and Marketing Manager, Jim Schorer of Aqua Visual FX Inc. to coordinate the design of the façade around the system and programming for the event. Schorer commented; "We took this opportunity on as a great way to show case Aqua FX to MGM and look forward to continue the relationship and sharing this latest technology with MGM." The screen proved to be highly versatile when adapting to various design changes throughout the evening. Commencing as a center piece and backdrop for the DJ booth, (located in the center of the hall), the screen was as a focal point for those entering the event off the red carpet. Following the red carpet and cocktail reception, draping which separated the cocktail area from the main ballroom was removed allowing guest to move to their seats. In order to adjust, the images falling from the water screen were reversed to compliment and keep in sync the environment.

   Recently, Aqua Visual FX set up an eight-foot wide water screen at MGM Grand Casinos Employee of the Year Gala. Held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the event highlighted an evening filled with entertainment, dancing, singing, award recognitions and more. Sarah Sheehan (Director of Events) initially noted the water screen effect at LDI 2007, where it was launched. Sheehan coordinated logos and graphics of over 40 different restaurants, clubs, spas, and hotels brands under MGM to be programmed into a sequenced show which ran through the entire evening. After the event Sheehan commented, "The water wall looked great and was a huge hit." Prior to the event MGM Technical Director, Anthony McCall stopped by the Pyrotek Special Effects Las Vegas studio for a demo. After a first hand presentation of the system, McCall was eager to get the water screen implemented into MGM's Employee of the Year Gala for all their executives to directly witness. McCall collaborating with Vice President, Lorenzo Cornacchia and Marketing Manager, Jim Schorer of Aqua Visual FX Inc. to coordinate the design of the façade around the system and programming for the event. Schorer commented; "We took this opportunity on as a great way to show case Aqua FX to MGM and look forward to continue the relationship and sharing this latest technology with MGM." The screen proved to be highly versatile when adapting to various design changes throughout the evening. Commencing as a center piece and backdrop for the DJ booth, (located in the center of the hall), the screen was as a focal point for those entering the event off the red carpet. Following the red carpet and cocktail reception, draping which separated the cocktail area from the main ballroom was removed allowing guest to move to their seats. In order to adjust, the images falling from the water screen were reversed to compliment and keep in sync the environment.

   The water screen show was programmed to reveal a continuous custom show of MGM graphics and corporate logos including all its affiliated restaurants, clubs and spa brand names and logos. It also included an array of abstract designs as well as animated graphics formed from the controlled droplets of water. The screen which drops from trim heights of over 40 feet, and runs to unlimited lengths; has started 2008 with much interest and applications including, corporate, theater, awards shows, and trade shows. Designer and President of Aqua Visual FX, Doug Adams commented; "We are very pleased with the direction of this product and have made a great stride in the first quarter of the year. We recently received an award for Most Innovative Product of the Year and just finalized an install of a 12 foot screen, which took part in the 2008 Latin Billboard Awards. Forecasted for upcoming events we have Aqua Visual FX en route to international locations such as Dubai, Australia, Macau and are glad to see that it is starting to get the recognition it deserves."

For any further details please contact:
Jim Schorer
Marketing Manager
jims@aquavisualfx.com
P: +1 (905)-513-7276
F: +1 (905)-479-3515