PHILADELPHIA, Dec.6, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- MEDIA ADVISORY -- A fireworks show combines the sophistication of a Broadway show and the thrill of a roller coaster ride. The beauty of what you see in the sky is orchestrated by fireworks maestros behind the scenes ... Pyro Spectaculars.
- Preparing for New Year's Eve -- Mr. Dominic Sabatini, president, and Joseph Brooks, senior vice president, of Penn's Landing Sharon Tice, vice-president of Marketing, Penn's Landing - New Year's Eve Party on Ice -- Blue Cross RiverRink (Mr. Brooks, Sharon Tice) The most unique non-alcoholic family party in the area! Ice skating on an Olympic-size rink situated next to the Delaware River, there's an all-inclusive party with food, entertainment, fireworks and ice skating. ($25 for skaters, $15 for spectators.) - Holiday Ice Skating - Blue Cross RiverRink The perfect location for holiday family-fun, wintry visuals right in the heart of the city! - Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) - commitment to celebration -- Linking of the two cities through generosity of fireworks sponsor, DRPA Manny Stamatakis, Chairman or Paul Drayton, President - Song List Ald Ansign- Guy Lombardo Philly Song- Linda Swain Good Morning/Good Morning- Beatles Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds- Beatles Glass Onion- Beatles Happy Birthday- Beatles Imagine- John Lennon Magical Mystery Tour- Beatles A Day in the Life- Beatles - The Philadelphia Song is the finale of the fireworks show. It was written by Linda Swain. It is an emotional piece marking the renewed patriotism in America and Philadelphia, as well. - History of PPA Spectaculars -- 12th year doing Philadelphia fireworks! www.pyrospectaculars.com: Eric Tucker, Artistic Director John Berson, Director of Operations PPA Spectaculars -- Division of PyroSpectaculars -- First year of this merger. Company does some of the most spectacular shows in the world -- Disney in Florida and CA as well as throughout Europe, Asia and Mexico About Eric Tucker, Artistic Director: Sound expert who worked on live acts and in studio - stage management 1984-- World's Fair in New Orleans - involved in firework presentations Paris -- French Company -- moved to U.S. and worked under French company Worked for Pyrodyne 1987 -- formed PPA with 3 other partners Has many talents, gifts -- skills and artistry to paint the sky About John Berson, Director of Operations: NYU -- School of film and television -- documentaries Laser business -- discotheques -- Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, France, Mexico, US, rock and roll shows Back in movie business -- 1990 -- b movies Met Eric in 1986 -- worked at World's Fair together in 1988 -- Olympics together 1995 - moved to St. Louis to join Eric's business - Writing the script of a fireworks show - Eric Tucker Eric reviews the process - includes theme and selection of titles and choreographing various styles of fireworks - Types of Fireworks -- Fireworks 101! Different types of fireworks: 1. Roman candles -- tube 7-9 individual items -- lower level devices. They shoot from the ground up to 150-200 ft. Sometimes they have whistles, balls of light - glitter - re-break into little ones 2. Comets - big bright head, flowing tail, ground up to 200-250 ft. usually gold or silver 3. Mines - ground level up - column of colored points of light 4. Shell - typical type of firework. Goes up and breaks in the air from 3-12 inches at 1000-1200 ft across. There are a large number of the largest shells in this show - more than in the last few years -- it is a huge look - Fireworks Advances through Technology Various Ways of Shooting off Fireworks: 1. Hand fire Much more dangerous - illegal now to reload during show, not great quality because it depends on how fast they can load, fuse, and you can't hear the soundtrack to try to coordinate it 2. Electrical fire Match - wire with compound of the end and it fires electrically. Each switch goes to field / panel. Headset - music on there and maybe someone directing you on what to fire and when 3. Computer Controlled Firing *** -- This is what is used for this Computer fires the fireworks off. Person monitors the computer it is more choreographed and much faster reaction time. It is precise exactly when the shell leaves the pipe 4. Computer controlled shell breaking -- only Disney uses this occasionally Firework/Explosive Regulations Operationally, industry has changed -- hyperawareness from government's Department of Transportation side -- transport fireworks -- driven here (can't fly explosives) - Artistry of Fireworks Order and scripting - like making a movie from beginning to end Soft, emotional, moving then fun and uplifting. Eric can talk about what he was thinking when he scripted certain things -- running commentary as the script runs on the computer --teach reporter how the show was made. How you make the light dance Fans of 15 comets It is all about angle, timing and positions Type, color duration, secondary effect - Loading the barge in Chester at Hays Tug and Launch -- (best days - 12/ 29 to 12/31 ... between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) Directions: Take 95 to Highland Ave exit, foot of exit Drive toward the river - over railroad track, silver gate on left, go into the back to the boatyard Interview Harry Hays about use of barges, positioning on the river, etc.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information regarding these events, please see the release headlined "Free New Year's Eve Fireworks to Dazzle Crowds on Penn's Landing" released earlier.