Pyrotechnics Pro Explains the Art of a Massive Fireworks Show | WIRED

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  • Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
  • Ever wonder how those massive fireworks spectacles get off the ground? Pyrotechnics pro Jim Souza has you covered.
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    Pyrotechnics Pro Explains the Art of a Massive Fireworks Show | WIRED

Комментарии • 257

  • @bingio7268
    @bingio7268 4 года назад +108

    I like how no-BS-straight-to-the-point this video was.
    The guy explained the whole process in 5 minutes, and with some details too.
    Cuddos to whoever edited this bit.

  • @maknirak
    @maknirak 6 лет назад +754

    I love fireworks because it is an explosive that does not signal war, but rather the opposite.

    • @Boyzby
      @Boyzby 6 лет назад +26

      I mean, they were first used in festivals in China, and, similarly, they're usually used in celebrations today. Feels like they're pretty divorced from anything related to war.

    • @wigris2961
      @wigris2961 6 лет назад +38

      Thats actually a nice way of thinking about it

    • @anthonyhalstead3925
      @anthonyhalstead3925 6 лет назад +9

      It does signify our winning of a war...

    • @tesconstamylo
      @tesconstamylo 6 лет назад +3

      Indeed

    • @AutoGamerZ_
      @AutoGamerZ_ 5 лет назад +6

      It depends on the country, in most of Europe we light fireworks with newyear, depending on the country there's big shows and/or consumer fireworks. Personally I'm a fan of consumer fireworks (but always use it safely), I get the excitement and the uniqueness this man is talking about, even if I am just sitting around with a few flowerbeds and singleshots and he's programming an entire show.

  • @gpitta
    @gpitta 4 года назад +49

    I love Pyro Spectaculars and all the Souza family for guiding me to become the operator I am today. Sammy B. is my mentor. I have worked over 4000 shows thanks to them. They are the best! Great video Jim.

    • @my_carp_life3424
      @my_carp_life3424 2 года назад +3

      4000 is sounds alot, over how many years is that?

  • @djangoray2665
    @djangoray2665 6 лет назад +241

    Why don't they teach us this in chemistry?

    • @car1475.
      @car1475. 6 лет назад +18

      Zeus Modi your teacher probably is not passionate.

    • @alfredwindslow1894
      @alfredwindslow1894 6 лет назад +16

      They teach it in UK, it’s required for GCSE’s. All about identifying ions, such as flame tests for metals, lithium - Crimson , Potassium - lilac, Sodium - Yellow, Carbon - Green, Calcium - Orange/Red (Brick red)
      Also the metal ions by precipitation reactions, magnesium, aluminium (which redesolves with sodium hydroxide to make a clear mixture again)and calcium make white. Iron (II) is green, Iron (III) is Brown, Copper (II) is blue and Copper (III) is brown.

    • @sammanthat
      @sammanthat 6 лет назад +9

      I guess it depends on the school and their budget. I know that my high school chem teacher did a mini version of this with different chemical solutions and a Bunsen burner.

    • @jamesluck2969
      @jamesluck2969 6 лет назад +10

      In the usa with post 9/11 views your gonna have a funtime trying to get permission to teach how explosive chemicals react with each other in a uncontrollable way.

    • @AlphaRoom1
      @AlphaRoom1 5 лет назад +1

      Then you would know that Barium and Strontium are very Toxic Metals

  • @michaelmeden9117
    @michaelmeden9117 Год назад +2

    I have been a pyrotech for 30 plus years, worked for several large companies over those years. This is the first no bull video I have seen showing a little of what goes into making a show happen. Well done.

  • @karlsingh9076
    @karlsingh9076 6 лет назад +231

    What a well-detailed video this is

    • @leilanidru7506
      @leilanidru7506 6 лет назад

      Karl Singh I understood nothing😐

    • @sp3z197
      @sp3z197 5 лет назад +2

      thats not Detail.. thats Basics

    • @BriteRoy
      @BriteRoy 3 года назад

      @@sp3z197 Karl was being sarcastic LOL

    • @sp3z197
      @sp3z197 3 года назад

      @@BriteRoy how would you know tho?

  • @maxxavier1378
    @maxxavier1378 6 лет назад +99

    OMG he looked exactly like his father ^^

  • @eyeln9ne696
    @eyeln9ne696 6 лет назад +58

    I have nothing but respect for these people. Happy 4th!

  • @bass305-HCCA
    @bass305-HCCA 2 года назад +3

    I have worked on a backyard show with just me and my brother. It took 10 hrs to prepare and cost about 5 grand, but lasted 5 min. It was so worth it.

  • @jessicakk1066
    @jessicakk1066 3 года назад +5

    the way i got here because of yoimiya lmao
    this is actually so cool to learn!!

  • @salty-t8183
    @salty-t8183 6 лет назад +23

    This is amazing, what a sweet man!! Thank you for all of the happiness you’ve given to the crowds :’)

  • @Jellymoon-Draws
    @Jellymoon-Draws 6 лет назад +34

    When I was little I was scared of fireworks because I thought they'ed rip a whole in the sky and cause a black hole, haha

    • @padmeskywalker1537
      @padmeskywalker1537 4 года назад

      Awwww lmao

    • @Pengquy
      @Pengquy 3 года назад

      Well, that could be possible.

    • @Xperian13
      @Xperian13 3 года назад +1

      I'm impressed by how stupid and yet pretty smart for a kid you are. LOL

    • @Pengquy
      @Pengquy 3 года назад

      @@Xperian13 haha.

  • @thegolflife7565
    @thegolflife7565 5 лет назад +2

    Everyone loves explosions with color burst and pretty designs and nothing will ever replace the boom of a firework. That’s why the 4th of July in the USA or Autumn day in China is everyone’s favorite holiday,

  • @shamsulazhar
    @shamsulazhar 6 лет назад +18

    Amazing tech behind it all. Do one on controlled demolition please!

  • @BritishBeachcomber
    @BritishBeachcomber 2 года назад +2

    Reminds me of a family firework show we did 20 years ago. I set up s massive display on the farm. Safety first. But my son in law stuffed the mortars into the ground, so instead of shooting up 300 feet, they burst at ground level. Thought it was going to demolish the farmhouse. Somehow we survived...

  • @pschroeter1
    @pschroeter1 4 года назад +4

    Loved this, it was excellent. Only wish it described the various shells more.

  • @nperozzi
    @nperozzi 2 года назад +1

    What is the name of the program they use to sync the music with the fireworks?
    Is there an open-source program used for this purpose?

  • @giovannivalente823
    @giovannivalente823 5 лет назад +10

    You telling me I can throw a 3¢ fire crack and it will explode all those fireworks in there

  • @c5ster
    @c5ster 3 года назад

    Miss you guys and that parking lot... Thank you for all the fun. Here's to good shows and be safe!

  • @pcoco2296
    @pcoco2296 2 года назад +3

    I love fireworks... I used to put on a good show for my family but now I can't afford them😩

  • @brianstratton8767
    @brianstratton8767 2 года назад

    I remember seeing guys hand lighting fireworks @ my tiny WNY town carny show mid 70's. Shells seemed to back flip then thumped UP & BOOM!

  • @therantman4120
    @therantman4120 4 года назад

    Wow. I agree. Electronic firing is the safest way to light fireworks. Im actually just gonna try to get better at fusing if i cant get a nice one for next year.

  • @chefboyarleezy4162
    @chefboyarleezy4162 5 лет назад +10

    Man this is my dream job!

  • @mikejohnson2800
    @mikejohnson2800 6 лет назад +23

    He sounds like a articulate Jeff Goldblum

    • @sydneyrelihan5592
      @sydneyrelihan5592 6 лет назад +1

      Quincy Murdoc I was thinking the exact same thing!

  • @結晶月の
    @結晶月の 6 лет назад +1

    Amazing. I've never seen anything on the workings of fireworks before. It's so intricate! Loved it

  • @gregdarce1078
    @gregdarce1078 3 года назад +1

    Wish I could get my hands on shells that large. Per my understanding, a 6 inch shell is the largest you can buy.

  • @danielskramest1615
    @danielskramest1615 6 лет назад +3

    kinda flabbergasted at the "just one 30 minute show" 30 minutes of continual fireworks is a lot! (not compared to preparation time I get it) but it's still a HUGE show, with MASSIVE fireworks.

    • @c5ster
      @c5ster 3 года назад

      @Yama Fanboy because a 30 minute shows gonna cost around $30,000-40,000. Gotta keep the clients happy. I worked this show for the Oakland A's. Started crew shows in the Bay Area around 1996.

  • @DilipKumar-ol2up
    @DilipKumar-ol2up 10 месяцев назад

    What chemical used for oxidiser?

  • @Djtonydraper
    @Djtonydraper 6 лет назад +2

    Wow! Gotta love this mans passion.. Thanks for posting. Great video.

  • @fragfarmerCA
    @fragfarmerCA 6 лет назад +89

    I love how cities all over the world (espec. here in Europe) spend 364 days a year to emit less fine particles/dust and so on and just throw away these efforts on new years eve by launching fireworks into the sky.

    • @clax5612
      @clax5612 6 лет назад +14

      fragfarmerCA The amount of pollution caused form fireworks on new years is about the same that it takes cars to emit in a week. It makes barely any difference

    • @TheUckles
      @TheUckles 6 лет назад +3

      Well in germany it emits about 17% of the yearly finedust output of all cars together - in just one night.
      www.umweltbundesamt.de/themen/dicke-luft-jahreswechsel

    • @jill9356
      @jill9356 6 лет назад +8

      The chemistry of fire works can be found in nature, potassium, calcium etc. the only thing that’s bad about them is the soot in the smoke. Which isn’t any thing comparable to what a car emits, or a factory.

    • @sacha8972
      @sacha8972 6 лет назад +1

      All greenhouse effect gas can be found in nature, that's not really the issue here. But I agree there are things more urgent to consider than the fireworks.

    • @BaoNguyen-iv1zx
      @BaoNguyen-iv1zx 6 лет назад +1

      I guess something is better than nothing lol

  • @kylealexander7024
    @kylealexander7024 3 года назад

    Where do i sign up? What kinda schooling do i need?

  • @AlejandraPerez-sv3tr
    @AlejandraPerez-sv3tr 6 лет назад +79

    Happy 4th of July!

  • @ninnelis
    @ninnelis Год назад

    Is it possible to make firework without the clack and whitle? Like silent or minimal sound as possible?

    • @WyattWinters
      @WyattWinters Год назад +1

      Yes, there are some effects (such as horsetails or falling leaves) that make little to no sound. But many people enjoy the sound as much as the sight. Salute shells are a common firework in professional shows that create very little light or color, and are all about the bang

  • @mrebbesen
    @mrebbesen 5 лет назад +1

    1:30 this illustration is incorrect... The black powder just explodes and launches it into the air, there isn't a flame stuck to the shell after the launch, - rather, it's coming up the tube

  • @nedisahonkey
    @nedisahonkey 6 лет назад +7

    Hey I've been to those fireworks nights at As games! Cool to see the behind the scenes stuff.

    • @zachperez8937
      @zachperez8937 6 лет назад

      well my condolences to you for the outcome of the As game this evening ;p
      they looking pretty good though, but no team looks as good as fireworks!!

    • @nedisahonkey
      @nedisahonkey 6 лет назад

      Neil Hatrick Harris I missed the game tonight, and I'm a Giants fans anywaysy freind just gets free tickets to A's games. But then again not like the Giants are doing too much better this season.

    • @zachperez8937
      @zachperez8937 6 лет назад

      yeah lmao but hey, getting free tickets to games, thats pretty sweet!

    • @nedisahonkey
      @nedisahonkey 6 лет назад

      Neil Hatrick Harris Definitely!

  • @michaelwelker6201
    @michaelwelker6201 5 лет назад +2

    He said it. There is nothing like a fireworks display.

  • @PandaFireworks
    @PandaFireworks 6 лет назад +2

    Nice video, 1.4g fireworks are fun, but for me display products always impressed the most

  • @Grit489
    @Grit489 4 года назад +1

    I didn't realize how much chemistry is involved.

  • @jinx7637
    @jinx7637 3 года назад

    Where is his bunker located.... For research purposes of course...

  • @jackpot7898
    @jackpot7898 2 года назад

    They make it look simple but it isn't. Kudus to technicians & engineers. Looks awesome

  • @rock3tcatU233
    @rock3tcatU233 5 лет назад

    Lasers and drones can't possibly compete with the sounds and smells of a fireworks show.

  • @edwinvarela4779
    @edwinvarela4779 4 года назад

    What's the name of the software?

  • @Yathuprem
    @Yathuprem 6 лет назад +6

    What an amazing video. Thanks Wired

  • @BrayanDiazssJD
    @BrayanDiazssJD 3 года назад

    I have never looked at a firework show, but ¡I hope to look at one like that!

  • @Beautylifestyle222
    @Beautylifestyle222 7 месяцев назад

    I like the way ace pyro and zambelli do it

  • @ridk689
    @ridk689 2 года назад

    Bro it’s crazy to know there are people around my area in Los Angeles that have what you have out on that table I love Los Angeles

  • @timrose5740
    @timrose5740 2 года назад

    I agree... Nothing beats fireworks...

  • @rebekah8725
    @rebekah8725 4 года назад +1

    This was my dream job as a kid

  • @macuss87
    @macuss87 6 лет назад +8

    Philip Defranco sent me here.
    Where are all the beauty bastards at?

  • @stevenscottoddballz
    @stevenscottoddballz 6 лет назад +7

    How are the whistles and crackles made?

    • @pyrotom8139
      @pyrotom8139 6 лет назад +8

      Steven Scott whistles are made by pressing a tube with what's known as "whistle mix". Usually it consist of
      7 parts potassium perchlorate
      3 parts sodium benzoate.
      2 parts iron oxide as a burn rate catalyst.
      The tube usually has an inch or so of empty space before the fuel grain starts , this causes a resonance "vibrating" effect much like a whistle, due to the fuel burning so violently. This in turn causes the whistling effect.
      Crackle, also known as dragon eggs are a bit harder to explain. But it usually consist of an oxidizer, nitrocellulose, powdered magnesium-aluminum alloy, and bismuth trioxide. The popping effect is caused by the rapid cooling and heating of the pyrotechnic material, the effect happens when the compound is heated so rapidly it actually makes a popping sound, Combine this with multiple other crackle "stars" which is the compressed, granulated pyrotechnic composition you get the crackling effect. Hope this explains some things for you!
      I know this because I am a licensed display operator, and manufacturer of fireworks, as well as a hobbyist. I also happen to be in this video!

    • @marioarchuleta8723
      @marioarchuleta8723 4 года назад +2

      @Yama Fanboy where are the microphones positioned .... Thats just a guesstimate

  • @lahecoq2417
    @lahecoq2417 5 лет назад +1

    My uncles son works in similar business, tomorrow i go there and get box full of diffrent things due New Year celebration super cheap bcz they are labeled as "broken"

    • @84knucks05
      @84knucks05 4 года назад

      You mean your cousin...?

    • @lahecoq2417
      @lahecoq2417 4 года назад

      @@84knucks05 yea sry english isnt my first language

    • @84knucks05
      @84knucks05 4 года назад

      @@lahecoq2417 no need to apologize... i was trolling

  • @echxudn
    @echxudn 5 лет назад +2

    Japan : hold my fish

  • @digarcia1890
    @digarcia1890 4 года назад +1

    Very interesting this year when multiple shows closed down due to " virus" that I witnessed 30 residents firing off fireworks in California. Heard the same thing throughout the state. How can common people be capable of having the sound knowledge and capabilities to do this? It was awesome to behold but wondered???

  • @shonpius
    @shonpius 4 года назад

    തൃശ്ശൂർ പൂരം കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ടോ സായിപ്പേ. At least കല്പറമ്പ് Pindi Perunnal
    Have you seen THRISSUR Pooram fireworks
    Kerala, India

  • @doodelay
    @doodelay 6 лет назад +1

    I love these expert videos.

  • @liam4210
    @liam4210 6 лет назад +4

    Good video

  • @FierceDeityLink1
    @FierceDeityLink1 6 лет назад

    Do you think fireworks viewed from the side look round or flat?

  • @derperderp9036
    @derperderp9036 2 года назад

    But it's so fun running around with a propane torch and beer

  • @kii_oippp5518
    @kii_oippp5518 6 лет назад +17

    I guess these fireworks are.. mind blowing?
    I'll leave...

  • @Windkisssed
    @Windkisssed 6 лет назад +7

    Interesting!

  • @pyroguy5766
    @pyroguy5766 6 лет назад +1

    How does one ever get to build,load, and hand-light on shoot sites??

    • @sethwatson8952
      @sethwatson8952 5 лет назад

      Take down your OL vids and I'll tell you.

  • @themkof
    @themkof 5 лет назад +5

    3:59 mac running windows 🙄

  • @OrganicGreens
    @OrganicGreens 6 лет назад

    the software cold be made a lot more intuitive by the looks of it, looks like something made in the 90's

  • @Ryanstuff
    @Ryanstuff 6 лет назад +1

    How cool would a fireworks launching drone be?

  • @samkelocele19
    @samkelocele19 9 месяцев назад

    Wow this is so amazing

  • @lazyskull7949
    @lazyskull7949 5 лет назад +1

    0:25 . Wrestlemania?

  • @exdee8446
    @exdee8446 6 лет назад

    no wonder we all love fireworks so much.

  • @xendu-d9v
    @xendu-d9v 6 лет назад +1

    Happy Diwali

  • @durchschnittlich
    @durchschnittlich 6 лет назад +47

    He runs Windows on a MacBook tho

    • @xgozulx
      @xgozulx 6 лет назад +7

      thats bad ass xD

    • @davis050594
      @davis050594 6 лет назад +18

      The majority of firework related applications run on windows. Ex, finale fireworks, fire one, etc.

    • @josephhicks9716
      @josephhicks9716 6 лет назад +1

      VM

  • @markuchiha7737
    @markuchiha7737 5 лет назад

    happy new year

  • @LouisianaPyro93
    @LouisianaPyro93 6 лет назад

    Would love to meet this man.

  • @my_carp_life3424
    @my_carp_life3424 2 года назад

    Electric firing takes the buzz out of firing shells hand lighting always for me...

  • @jakeaivilo3821
    @jakeaivilo3821 6 лет назад +7

    Very interesting

  • @plywoodpenya1119
    @plywoodpenya1119 3 года назад +1

    I love fireworks

  • @youmustbebored1250
    @youmustbebored1250 6 лет назад +1

    Happy (late) Canada!

  • @jasondads9509
    @jasondads9509 6 лет назад

    I'm not subscribed to this channel... why is it in my subscriptions tab?

  • @PatrickMichael2002
    @PatrickMichael2002 5 лет назад +2

    DREAM JOB!!!

  • @mr.johnzussino6217
    @mr.johnzussino6217 2 года назад

    Great video - thanks:)

  • @596xhgi
    @596xhgi 5 лет назад

    How much does a shel cost ?

    • @edwinlee750
      @edwinlee750 4 года назад

      www.fireartcorp.com/Shop/Fireworks/Shell-Ball

    • @edwinlee750
      @edwinlee750 4 года назад

      Just note that the shells that are made by Yung Feng are hella expensive but are the hardest hitting and nicest ones. And some are sold my the case which is why there are 3 digits for a few of them. Format is usually like for example 36/1 which means 36 shells in one case and so on.

  • @dyervisuals9963
    @dyervisuals9963 6 лет назад +1

    that windows mac tho 3:44 LOL

  • @marknoelcahiles9291
    @marknoelcahiles9291 4 года назад +1

    He is like the Gordom Ramsey of Fireworks😄

  • @johndelaislas5517
    @johndelaislas5517 6 лет назад

    Copper is blue. But I heard a deep blue that last longer hasn't been invented yet.

  • @tos5664
    @tos5664 5 лет назад

    2019 happy new year!

  • @HispanicThundara
    @HispanicThundara 6 лет назад +1

    Running Windows on a Mac. Epic.

  • @devonpetit5491
    @devonpetit5491 5 месяцев назад

    Looking for a hands on course in the United States ?

  • @frostbite4954
    @frostbite4954 6 лет назад

    Only the dude did forget something,the shell has tails.

  • @skemsen
    @skemsen 6 лет назад

    Thank you for an excellent and very interesting video. Loved it. Happy 4th of July America :-)

  • @FusionKota
    @FusionKota 6 лет назад +1

    I wanna do this for a living

  • @CoyFishKoiFish
    @CoyFishKoiFish 6 лет назад +1

    Awesome

  • @damonmccray85
    @damonmccray85 2 года назад

    Show us how to make those shells my guy

  • @Lyndanet
    @Lyndanet 2 года назад

    This is amazing 🤩

  • @JAIMELUIS
    @JAIMELUIS 6 лет назад +1

    HAPPY FOURTH EVERYONE!!!!

  • @danniel.berg17
    @danniel.berg17 5 лет назад

    Happy New Year 2019 ! :)

  • @miqiee
    @miqiee 3 года назад

    I hate music with fireworks. Give me old school with just the pops and bangs.

  • @mattsimon931
    @mattsimon931 6 лет назад

    if fireworks are ignited electronically, how come there was no ESD safety equipment shown anywhere? Wouldn't that be the proper PPE for working with those explosives similar to manufacturing electronics.

    • @ME-im3ui
      @ME-im3ui 5 лет назад

      Who needs safety anyway

  • @henryheinzjunker8807
    @henryheinzjunker8807 3 года назад

    WONDERFUL !!!

  • @PhearaXT
    @PhearaXT 2 года назад

    Do pyrotechnicians have to wear the hearing protection during fireworks show?

  • @donniecatalano
    @donniecatalano 3 года назад

    Hundred of years? Wasn't black powder used in Asia in the 9th Century?

  • @davidginn2
    @davidginn2 6 лет назад +1

    "No Smoking"

  • @wormbaby666
    @wormbaby666 6 лет назад

    This would be my dream job. Easily.