Five questions with:
Steven Dobo
President Zenith Pyrotechnology
gameops.com: In
your opinion, what are the most effective uses of pyrotechnics in sports
and why is it a valuable resource?
Steven
Dobo: The
most effective uses for pyrotechnics in sports are to enhance
player introductions, scoring by the home team and half-time
festivities. It has been our experience that pyro lends a
palpable adrenaline rush for both the audience and the players
-- it heightens the experience for everyone, making the moment
that much more exciting. The other element that I believe
is important is that pyro very much increases the perceived
value of the event for the fans in the audience and also
for those watching at home -- it very much says to fans that
the team appreciates your loyalty and wants to enhance your
experience as a fan as much as they possibly can.
gameops.com: For
teams who currently do not use pyro what are the steps in order
to research and source a vendor?
Steven
Dobo: Locating
vendors can be as simple as a search on the Internet or even
browsing through the Yellow Pages. Qualifying a vendor is
a trickier process -- most of our sports clients have come
through referrals from one team to another. We also refer
prospective clients to our website, where we feature actual
photos of our sports pyro -- this ability has proven very
helpful in providing instant visual feedback.
gameops.com: What
are the timelines involved with contracting pyrotechnics
for an event? What are the timelines involved with
contracting pyrotechnics for an event?
Steven
Dobo: Timelines
for contracting pyrotechnics have several variables -- is
it for the entire season? A home opener? How elaborate is
the display? These are all important elements. Is there sufficient
time to secure a permit? Most permits require two weeks'
lead time or even a month in some cities, so this can be
a factor. For us, a month is ideal for a basic show, although
we have had displays with only one or two days' notice --
it's not impossible, but it's certainly not preferable.
gameops.com: What
are the steps you take to ensure safety for your clients
as well as balance value and quality? What are the
steps you take to ensure safety for your clients as well
as balance value and quality?
Steven
Dobo: Safety
is paramount for us -- it is the key to our reputation, so
each display is designed with the audience and players in
mind and their proximity to the pyrotechnics. Another element
is the products themselves -- we only use products from a
select group of manufacturers to ensure consistency and control.
Product selection also plays a big part in quality -- teams
are obviously concerned about the effect of pyrotechnics
on the playing field -- the NHL has very strict rules about
ice conditions, smoke output can be a big factor and the
last thing you'd want is a fine for the team because of game
delays. We also invest quite a bit in our equipment -- this
past year we've relied heavily upon computerized firing systems
that can synchronize with sound tracks and video tracks,
which have proven very effective for teams that feature pre-game
videos or sound tracks where the pyro hits can be fired to
the time code of the music.
We strive
always to provide the best value for our clients and will work
within their budgets. I think value is assured
when everyone sees the show and walks away thinking it was
great, no matter what the budget. We've also introduced other
special effects elements into our repertoire that have worked
well in sports, specifically confetti units that fire continuously
for approximately a minute or more -- the material can be team
colors, and the fan reaction has been overwhelming.
gameops.com: What
do you see as the future of the pyrotechnics industry in sports?
What do you see as the future of the pyrotechnics industry
in sports?
Steven
Dobo: Pyro
in sports has grown tremendously just over the past few years,
and it is a trend I believe will continue. Fans have come
to expect high production values from their teams, and I
believe they appreciate the creativity of the Game Day coordinators
in putting together a pre-game or half-time extravaganza
-- even if the team doesn't win the game, fans have been
given that extra excitement, the feeling that they've gotten
a bit more for the price of their ticket. If the team wins,
then the pyro simply heightens that experience.
Special thanks
to Steven Dobo and Zenith Pyrotechnology.
If you have
further questions for Steven or Zenith please visit their website: Zenith
Pyrotechnology or call (631) 242-2110 fax: (631) 242-2125
