CAREER
OUTLOOK
| Pyrotechnician |
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Pyrotechnicians
are experts in creating special effects using fire and smoke.
Working
with production companies, pyrotechnicians are responsible for
creating safe and convincing effects in movies, TV, theatre,
concerts and sporting events.
Firework
pyrotechnicians plan, build and light fireworks, as well as
sell them at stands, tents and stores.
While
a seemingly glorious occupation, it is important to remember
that most of the work involves talking to people while
arranging and designing effects and moving heavy objects. A
small percentage of the time is spent actually firing off the
effects.
Enthusiasm,
patience, determination and a strong drive to learn are
especially important in this profession where entry-level
work is often temporary, repetitive and necessary.
An
artistic eye, creativity and vast knowledge of the
equipment are crucial for producing the desired illusions.
Pyrotechnicians
must be detail-oriented and meticulous so they can
establish safe environments.
There
are no training or degree programs strictly in
pyrotechnics so experience is the most common way to
learn. Private companies occasionally offer seminars
and classes.
Although
a majority of knowledge is gained through field
experience, degrees in art, music, physics, chemistry,
theatre and film arts may be helpful.
A
federal and state license is required for most work
with fire and special effects equipment. License
requirements vary by state, type of fireworks and how
the effects will be used. You must be at least 21,
have a clean criminal record (no felony) and no
history of mental illness to obtain a license, which
often requires an ATF application, fee, fulfillment of
minimum experience requirements and successful
completion of a written test about laws and
regulations.
Outlook
information is not available
for this field.
Fireworks
Pyrotechnician
Special
effects
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FACTOIDS:
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• Batman
Forever contained more than 200
visual special effects.
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It took 10 special effects artists more
than a year to complete the two-minute
storm sequence in the opening of
Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
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The largest firework was the five-color
Universe I Part II at the annual Lake Toya
Firework Festival in Hokkaido, Japan on
July 15, 1998.
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