Episode 22: The State of the Pyrotechnics Industry
With most concerts and public fireworks displays on hold during COVID-19, the professional pyrotechnics industry is facing one of the most challenging times in its history. In this episode of the Event Safety Podcast, Danielle and Steve explore the current state of pyro with Julie Heckman (American Pyrotechnics Association), Brian Panther (Pyrotek Special Effects), and Jim Souza (Pyro Spectaculars).
GUESTS:
Ms. Julie L. Heckman is the Executive Director of the APA and is responsible for the overall operation of the association. She directs the regulatory affairs of the APA and is the principal representative of the APA with the various agencies that interface with the fireworks industry. She has considerable expertise in workplace safety, consumer products, and hazardous materials regulations and serves as the key spokesperson for the industry with press and media. Ms. Heckman serves a Principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Pyrotechnics, the Interested Parties for Hazardous Materials Transportation Coalition (often referred to as the IP Group); serves as an Advisor to the International Symposium on Fireworks Society; Vice Chairman of the International Fireworks Association (IFA), and participates in several additional fireworks-related trade/interest groups.
Brian Panther, Product and Technical Support Manager for Pyrotek Special Effects Inc, is a veteran of the special effects and live entertainment industry. Brian is a licensed pyrotechnic and flame effects operator and Laserist. He has extensive experience in proximate pyrotechnics, display fireworks, film and television special effects as well as non- pyrotechnic effects including cryogenics and lasers. Brian’s experience spans 30 years of work in the industry from product design and manufacturing, touring, show design and production as well as serving in many management roles. He is currently a principal member of the NFPA Technical Committee on Special Effects and has worked on code development for both NFPA 1126 and NFPA 160 for the past 11 years. He is also chair of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Proximate Pyrotechnics committee and serves as Vice President of the APA board of directors.
Jim Souza is one of those rare individuals who understands both the “show” and “business” sides of show business. He learned showmanship from his father, using the magic of fireworks to create the “oohs” and “aahs” that make people happy. Like his great grandfather, “Papagaio,” Jim Souza continues to expand his family’s legacy, now spanning five generations as America’s Fireworks Family™.
Through the years Jim has risen through the ranks to become the President and CEO of one of the world’s largest fireworks display companies, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Under his leadership and creative vision, the company has become recognized as America’s premiere pyrotechnic production company. Today, the company stages over 400 shows on the 4th of July including the nations largest display, the Macy’s Extravaganza in New York City, as well as hallmark spectaculars in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Hawaii.
Jim is considered the pioneer of the new era of fireworks productions, first creating Pyro Musicals using patriotic music and American history to tell the story entitled, “the American Adventure” in fireworks! In 1976, he was creator of the Sky Concert®, fusing the ancient art of fireworks with music broadcast over radio airwaves. These two types of show are now worldwide industry standards.
As President of Pyro Spectaculars, Jim heads a team of executives, managers, leaders, and owners. He take a personal interest in every facet of the business.