How'd they do that?
Find out how a fireworks production is choreographed.

BOCA RATON, FL (June 21, 2004) To watch a fireworks display you might never guess how much work goes into the making of the magic. Zambelli Fireworks has set the standard over the years for developing new innovations for the theatrical displays of computerized musically-choreographed sound and light shows.

Choreographed to a full scale musical score, at the display site Zambelli technicians position mortars for firing from a schematic which designs how the show will be displayed for electronic firing.

Based on a script shells and their corresponding mortars (long tubes made of cardboard, fiberglass, plastic or metal from which shells are launched, are numbered for their firing sequence.

Shells must be placed in the proper mortar in order for pressure to build up and catapult them into the air. Therefore, the diameter of the shell must match the diameter of the mortar.

After the shell is lowered into the mortar, a “squib” (an electrical match) is bridged into the firing slat so that the electrical current will charge through the wires to ignite the shell when the operator flips the switch at the firing panel or control box via laptop computer.

Many multi-sensory shows not only include aerial shells, but also ground pieces and low-level effects as well. So, in addition to setting up shells and their racks or mortar boxes, the crew must also assemble set or stationary pieces on scaffolding anchored into the ground.

The shooting of a show is complex and begins days in advance. In musically choreographed extravaganza ground and aerial displays are precisely timed and electronically executed via computer--not by hand.

When a client calls for wanting a multi-sensory choreographed display, a proposal charts the entire show complete with suggested songs and designs. This type of computer choreography is accomplished with unparalleled success by Zambelli Fireworks.

About Zambelli Fireworks Internationale:
Proudly known as the "First Family of Fireworks," Zambelli is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies. Today, the family name is synonymous with quality, creativity and safety. The magic of Zambelli pyrotechnics has been televised around the world, on "MSNBC Investigates", the Odyssey Network, the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel and the British Broadcasting Company.