30 replies to this topic

[NewbyFirestarter]

Hi... I'm in desperate need of advice!!!! Please help!!
I am absolutely dying to start a career in pyrotechnics!!!
there's not really much else to say as it is simply a burning desire of mine!! (excuse the punn!)

I have always had an absolute love and fascination with fire and explosions (as i'm sure you all have), and coupled with my diploma and love for TV and film production the only way forward for me is to become a part of this industry!

Like i said I need some advice and some information about it!!
Firstly I know that pyrotechnics is a specialised field of visual effects.
I know a little bit of the techniques used to create certain effects but only what i've picked up from documentaries and "making of"special features on DVD packs.
I also have a bit of a background in chemistry and electronics, having studied both at school and during my studies for electrronic engineering, and a very stable foundation in TV and film production.
BUT.... i do not have a qualification in pyro specifically or for that matter in any special effects outside those me and my fellow students acheived during our studies in Video Technology

I figure the only way i can achieve my dream is to do it by apprenticeship or to work my way from the bottom of a company to my desired position... this is something i am MORE than willing and able to do (how can i stress this more???...MORE THAN MORE THAN WILLING AND ABLE)

To put it lightly i'll do anything to follow my dream and make it a reality (and as my friends will tell you when i say i'll do anything... i mean it!)

The only problem is... short of phoning up every company or individual in the industry and asking them for a job as a runner or aprentice (which i fully intend on doing...apologies in advance if this is going to irritate you) I don't actually know how to go about realising my dream.

I figure i need some info on the actual industry, how it operates and exactly how it does what it does.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE can anyone help me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[adamw]

I'm quite willing to provide you with some info, but not tonight as I'm too tired. Watch this space.

[Bang Bang]

The same goes for me, any information would help

[jeracoo]

He, i live in aus and we have to do at least 12 months of work under a contractor before we can even get a chance to get a license it sucks, and there's no firework training in my state, qld, well there is but it costs $10k which sucks.



oh yeah sorry bout the double post but when you do email and phone them i wouldn't advise whinning so much, just be blunt, and say hi my name is blah blah, i'm interested in a career in pyrotechnics, attach your resume, and you should be fine, if you think that won't do it send them cover pages, but don't go on too much most people won't read it all.


Cheers Jeracoo Arlen Lest
Almost Licensed Pyro only another 9 months

[pymp]

Hi NewbyFirestarter,
I went to visit a SFX course at Bolton University a month or so ago, from the second year onwards you can essentially pick and choose the modules you want to do, and the degree to which you implement them in your final pieces. Pyrotechnics is one of the modules, among prosthetics, animatronics, a certain amount of CGI etc.
Ill PM you the details if you want.
Dave

Edited by pymp, 10 November 2006 - 11:05 AM.

[pymp]

NewbyFirestarter hasn't been online for a while, but I thought I would post this link anyway. bectusfx training/

[Cob]

Hello, my name is Jacob and I’m now coming to the end of my college course after studying Maths, Chemistry and Physics. I am interested in Pyrotechnics as a carer (possibly movie special effects or fireworks, possibly even demolition) but I am wondering what course would be best to take to get me into the industry. I am very interested in pyrotechnics and explosions and very good at mechanics, however i have only seen stage pyrotechnic courses which require art and computer qualifications which I do not have. I was wandering whether a course in Physics/Chemistry could be taken to lead on to a job in pyrotechnics. Any advice would be much appreciated and well received.

Many Thanks,
Jacob

PS ive only just noticed the training forum, if anyone could please move this post to the correct forum it would be much appreciated

Edited by Cob, 09 January 2007 - 10:59 AM.

[portfire]

Hi cob and welcome to the forum . i think this has been discussed befor .
There's no real way of getting into the industry but i think your best bet would be to (depending on what field you want to work in ) phone round your local display companies and offer your services for free to gain experience.

there's alot of people here who would be able to give you alot more advice than me

hope iv been of some help .dean.

[Cob]

Hello Dean, thankyou for the welcome to the forum and the advice. I guess experiance is always the best way to make it into an industry, are there any courses i should take before offering to help? Such as safety courses etc?

Thanks again,
Jacob

[portfire]

I dont think so,it's 'learn on the job' as i belive, you work your way up. there are some companies offering cat 3 training and i think iv seen 1 or 2 cat 4 . like i say your best bet is to get with a display company and take it from there .

[karlfoxman]

If you prove your worth with a decent company they will probably offer you cat4 training, phone companies around your area and tell them of your interest. Its not a glamorous job, working very long hours expect to be up at 8am and home at 3am depending on the show and where it is. The weather makes if very nasty sometimes, ive worked in rain and trying to wire a show while its pouring down is not fun. The work is hard like hammering hundreds of wodden stakes and securing items. For many of us the high point is the show and the comments from spectators. I personaly find it very rewarding and always put 100% into the show. I love doing it and if you show that your willing to do anything then you will be rewarded by your crew, dont expect to be doing the wiring/firing and fusing as you will be asked to do the labour jobs first to show your keen.

Good luck and hope this helps, if your not put off then I guess your keen!

On of my best parts is being close and personal to large items, maybe this just shows im a bit mad!

Karl

[defective]

Hello, my name is Jacob and I’m now coming to the end of my college course after studying Maths, Chemistry and Physics. I am interested in Pyrotechnics as a carer (possibly movie special effects or fireworks, possibly even demolition) but I am wondering what course would be best to take to get me into the industry. I am very interested in pyrotechnics and explosions and very good at mechanics, however i have only seen stage pyrotechnic courses which require art and computer qualifications which I do not have. I was wandering whether a course in Physics/Chemistry could be taken to lead on to a job in pyrotechnics. Any advice would be much appreciated and well received.

Many Thanks,
Jacob

PS ive only just noticed the training forum, if anyone could please move this post to the correct forum it would be much appreciated

im not a 100% certain but if ud like to do demolition , civil engineers get use explosives.

or try the army. good pay, guarenteed career, weapons technician and engineers.
i thought of doing this myself but the g.f wasnt happy bout not seein me enough.

thats all i can offer if its any help.

[BrightStar]

Hi Jacob, several of the published authors (including Lancaster & Conkling) make the heart-felt point that if there is one big difference between civilian (particularly fireworks) and military pyrotechnics, it's that the military guys have lots of money for research and development while the fireworks guys essentially have none...

Given your Maths, Chemistry and Physics background, do talk to the MOD / DERA to see if they can offer you a job. I have an good friend who took this route and they have been constantly training him in the most amazing stuff. He's often whisked away on a Lynx chopper to some or other sub or ship to work on their systems (including the pyro...) and he certainly wouldn't do anything else as a career.

You can always volunteer for a local fireworks company as well in your spare time and get to know both sides of the industry.

Edited by BrightStar, 10 January 2007 - 04:21 AM.

[James P]

This may not be very helpful at this time of year but the best time to contact companies is around Nov 5th. This is because at this time there will be many decent sized shows going on locally and the companies will be looking for more people to help out.
Last year I managed to get myself onto a team firing in Salisbury (a Pains display) and had a great time even though it was hard labour. However I was given a veriety of jobs throughout the day including staking, loading motars and wiring - maybe I was just lucky! Anyway I wish you good luck with getting yourself into pyrotechnics,
James

[Cob]

Thanks to everyone for the help, its really made me feel welcome

Unfortunately due to the applications having to be in very soon and it being a big choice ive gone for a physics degree as it opens up much more doors than other degrees. Hopefully though it will still allow me to get a pyrotechnics job, if not i'll take it up as a hobby so i'll still be around.

Many thanks again, Jacob

PS, can anyone recommend any good books please?