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Pyrotechnics, including fireworks, are used in entertainment industries such as film, music concerts, and television studios. Pyrotechnicians must be licensed and trained to create realistic explosions while maintaining control. The field has a long tradition, dating back to China and Italy in the Middle Ages.
A curtain of sparks suddenly surrounds the band during a rock concert in the stadium. A fireworks display draws large crowds to a city park. An entire office building appears to be consumed by a giant fireball during an exciting movie scene. All of these fiery events and others are collectively known as fireworks. Professionals who work around fireworks and other explosive devices are known as pyrotechnicians.
Many people associate pyrotechnics with outdoor fireworks displays, but that is only one aspect of the field of pyrotechnics. Fireworks are certainly one of the oldest forms of pyrotechnics, dating back to the discovery of explosive powders by China and Italy during the Middle Ages. The Chinese may have created the first practical explosive shells and shells, but the Italians used these fireworks for artistic expression. Many modern pyrotechnicians belong to families with a long tradition of making fireworks.
While most of us are familiar with the pyrotechnics aspect of fireworks, the primary source of income for pyrotechnicians is the entertainment industry. Pyrotechnicians work closely with stunt coordinators on films to create realistic explosions and controlled fires. The fireworks involved in film making could range from small explosive charges used to simulate gunshots to giant bags of explosive chemicals to a large all-consuming fireball. Trained pyrotechnicians must be able to create a convincing explosive effect, but also maintain control over what may seem uncontrollable.
Pyrotechnics is also used extensively in music concerts and television studios. Special chemicals are used to reduce lingering smoke or sparks. Fireworks displays on stage add a feeling of excitement when synchronized with a dramatic piece of music. To achieve this effect, pyrotechnicians often connect electronically controlled charges directly to a motherboard. When the performers reach a safe position, a trained special effects person flips a switch and the desired curtain of sparks or explosion occurs.
Most pyrotechnicians who work belong to highly selective unions and must be licensed to carry out every aspect of pyrotechnics. Entry into the field is very limited unless one is willing to go through years of journeyman apprenticeship and training. Fireworks factories may hire workers for on-the-job training, but the work can be very dangerous and some chemicals can be toxic. The most important thing to keep in mind when using consumable pyrotechnics (Class C fireworks) is to respect their potency.
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