Strictly FX lit up the skies of Washington DC for Joseph R. Biden's inauguration celebration on January 20, 2021. And it seems as if everyone is in agreement that the pyro show was a sensational way to close the evening's festivities, with pop star Katy Perry singing "Firework" as pyrotechnics exploded over our capital's monuments and the COVID-19 memorial. Live Design chats with Strictly FX's Adam Biscow about designing and producing such a winning 'wow moment' with increased security considerations and COVID-19 restrictions.
Live Design: Please talk about the design process for a pyro show like this; how is the decision made as to what it will look like and how do you make that happen?
Adam Briscow: Ricky Kirshner from KEI, who produced the show, reached out about what we could do for the event. We have worked together on many shows including ten Super Bowl Halftime Shows, and just recently, the Biden/Harris Election Night celebration. After the great success we had during that event, we had talked about using the drones again. But in the end, due to security risks after the events of January 6, we learned that drones would not be allowed. We have the most important dramatic monuments in our Nation’s capital as a backdrop on a historic evening. Only the largest scale display in my mind would do. Along with our partners, Garden State Fireworks, Chris Santore and I sat down and laid out the basic show itself. Important moments, requests from the producers, etc, were all taken into account.
LD: What were the constraints imposed on you by the Covid-19 regulations and precautions?
AB: Well, we all seem to be becoming pros at the production game in the midst of COVID-19. Mandatory testing before everyone arrives onsite as well as testing every other day while onsite. N95 masks are required at all times as well. I think everyone realizes that this is what’s required and does their part.
LD: What where the technical parameters, kinds of pyro used, where was it placed, launching system?
AB: Two Fire One XL4s were used in ultra fire mode due to the long cable runs and the amount of product we were firing. We had 11 firing positions between Potomac Park and the Washington Monument. The fireworks are imported and come from various manufacturers, but 500 of them were specialty handmade shells up to 10” in diameter. Those were constructed at the GSF facility in NJ. They were quite stunning and filled the sky. There were approximately 20,000 pieces used in the show.
LD: Where was the pyro stored prior to the show?
AB: Obviously, with security being so tight in the DC area, it was almost impossible to move yourself around, much less a truckload of explosives. Careful coordination with the US Park Police, ATF, and Secret Service was required for delivery. Pre-planned routes and escorts were required to get thru the maze of endless security, police, and soldiers. Once onsite, it was stored in designated magazines.
LD: The show was fabulous and got rave reviews, are you pleased with the outcome?
AB: Absolutely! I find myself saying this all the time but all of us are truly blessed to be part of these moments in history. Such a talented group of people to be associated with. It was truly a special night.
LD: Where there any particular challenges on this show?
AB: Not really. Very minor blips here and there but honestly, on our end, it was a great event.
PYRO TEAM CREDITS:
Adam Biscow Designer Strictly FX
Chris Santore Designer GSF
August Santore Jr. Designer GSF
CREW:
Brian Megaro
Chris Santamaria
Everett Seemann
James Ballantyne
Ron Paduganao
Gabriel Auslander
Jeffrey Ward
Thomas Castagna
John Grimes
Andrew Fountain
Joel Stahr
Carlos Santiago
Barry Squier
Salvatore Croce
Daniel Papa
Anthony DeBiasse
Nelson Alfaro
Austhyn Alfaro
Jose Santamaria
Lorena Hidalgo
Andrew Santamaria
Jeremy Santamaria
Teresa Santore Bland
Tyler Bland