Whatever your event, you can always find ways of spicing it up with visual excitement in the form of pyrotechnics and other special effects. There are a number of effects you can use, either by themselves or in combination, to up the ante on your performance, and they can be operated manually or programmed to be timed to perfection for maximum impact.
The pyrotechnics and special effects you can use will vary according to the size and location of the venue, and the type of event you’re putting on. Events that they’re perfect for can be as small as a PR launch, or as large as an international sports event or world class music festival.
In this blog we’ll look at the different types of events that we have supplied special effects for, giving you a better understanding of what’s possible. This will give you a better idea of how we can help you create an event that’s absolutely stunning.
Stadium events
Big sporting events and major music concerts held in outdoor stadiums offer big opportunities when it comes to special effects. The amount of space available gives you a huge amount of scope, enabling you to safely incorporate flame effects and pyrotechnics which always provide a wow factor.
Safety is, of course, the biggest issue when it comes to using fire and fireworks as a form of entertainment. That’s why you need the outdoor space, as it gives you enough clearance between the effects and the nearby people to keep everyone safe. But when you get it right, it can be an incredible sight. We often use flame jets – such as the Galaxis G-Flame or Hansol 5-Finger Flame – as a way of adding walk-on atmosphere behind the sports participants or performers, as well as a way of making goal celebrations more exciting, or of punctuating music. We can also put branding around flame columns, which is a great way of giving your brand or event more exposure.
Indoor arena events
In indoor venues, safety considerations mean that large flame effects cannot be used. But thankfully there are still many high impact effects that will create the same kind of excitement from the audience… but much more safely!
Sparkular
The Sparkular was designed to mimic the same effects as a flame jet, but at a significantly cooler temperature, making them safe enough to use indoors. The additional bonus is that the performers can get closer to the effect, making it even more effective. For example, we used Sparkulars at the Premier League Darts Tour, setting them off as the players were introduced to the stage. We have also used them at the front of the stage at one of rapper Tion Wayne’s gigs. The special effects needed to pack a punch, especially as the performers always put on an energetic show! So much so, we had to revise our initial firing plans in order to keep them safe when their enthusiasm got the better of them!
Confetti cannons
An even safer effect than the Sparkular is confetti. It’s perfect for smaller venues and clubs, but in fact can be just as effective in even the largest arenas. We were asked to do the effects for Taiwanese performer Jay Chou who was playing at the O2 as part of his world tour. And we filled the O2 with confetti and streamers by using the Stadium Shot III and Stadium Blower machines to much acclaim!
Smoke machines
If you need special effects that help you with a big reveal, produce a sultry atmosphere, or to create something downright spooky, you can’t beat a smoke machine! There are machines that will give you a burst of smoke, low hanging fog or handheld CO2 guns, there are ways of producing the smoke effect that’s best for you.
Smoke effects can even work outdoors. We used it to introduce participants in the Ultimate Strongman contest, filling the stage with a smoke ‘curtain’ just before each player was introduced, with the smoke dispersing to reveal each contestant as their names were announced.
Water
Water effects can be great too! From rain curtains, fountains, and water projection to the simple rain effect, water can have a huge impact on your event.
We’ve used rain effects for live and recorded pop performances. Our most challenging job was with Irish artist Dermot Kennedy who wanted virtually every form of water effect going, from a fine mist to a heavy downpour to something more akin to I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’s Celebrity Cyclone!
How Entertainment Effects can help you
Whatever your event or occasion, we can provide a range of special effects. We offer dry hire of the equipment, or you can hire our specialist team to deliver your vision with one or more of our special effects that can be bespoke to your specific needs. So if you’re planning an event and want to find out which special effects can provide it with an extra frisson of magic and visual thrills that will take it to the next level, contact us now to start the ball rolling.
