Access All Areas Winter Issue | Page 41

PYROTECHNICS WINTER | SECTOR FOCUS The world is embracing fireworks at events, but not everyone’s on board BREAKING TRADITION MTFX TALKS TO ACCESS Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is looking to ban fireworks. He says firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations are dangerous, as well as being against his wish to observe holidays with solemnity. MTFX’s MD Mark Turner talks about his recent work... What recent events have you been involved in? In October we were invited to the NIO Global 2019 Formula E unveiling in London. Our role was to mask the car in a glass box which would be entirely filled with smoke. By using a number of different smoke effects and machines, timing was our main challenge. Once the car had been revealed, a prolonged low smoke effect, achieved by dry ice was created to hover around the base of the car. We were to ensure this effect was consistent for the next 3 hours. BBC’s Casualty saw us create our biggest explosion to date. MYANAMAR MAYHEM A hot air balloon packed with pyrotechnics exploded over a crowd on 14 November during the Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights in Myanmar. Video showed the balloon exploding, sending fireworks shooting toward the ground as the balloon came crashing down toward the crowd. At least nine people were injured, festival organisers reported. Having only one shot at this monstrous explosion, we had to make sure our timing was perfect. 200 litres of fuel and several smaller explosive detonators were prepared with intervals set closely between each other to create one giant explosion. How are client needs evolving? With warmer summers and the need to stay cool, our misting systems have become popular. The misting effect covers a broad audience from festivals, various outdoor shows and creative bespoke events/projects. Read in full at accessaa.co.uk 41