18 replies to this topic

[JonW]

Something also to note is the differences between fireworks and pyrotechnics, legally there are differences. One of the really newbie differences is that an article of Pyrotechnic (for stage) will not have any type of delay fuse inside so can be approached if failed to fire almost straight away, however, doing the same with a large Cat 4 cake might take a few chunks out of you ;-)

The association of stage pyrotechnicians (ASP) do a good intro course to stage effects, however, if you want to join the big boys (and girls) in film then an explosives course would help you. A company called Event Horizon do 5 day courses (if i remember) for basic explosive introduction and will allow you to hold a title of SFX trainee or technician (depending on experience) as a member of BECTU (the trade union for film and television - also theatre so you are on a winner there!). It is usually taught by a number of SFX co-ordinators with a history of doing films such as James Bond, Indiana Jones....just keep naming big films and they were probably involved. I will not name drop any, Malcolm Ingry, Charles Addock. ;-)

Just remember that Film, TV and Theatre rely on connections as well as training, you could be the most qualified person in the world but if you don't know anybody then you won't get anywhere!!

[Arthur Brown]

Having done the Event Horizons course, don't do it first - maybe later. It's very specifically the course needed to progress up the BECTU SFX gradings, if you are not already a BECTU SFX group member with some SFX experience as an assistant then you don't have the standing in BECTU to need the course. Also the course costs about £500 and if you are at the right stage in your BECTU training then they refund much of that cost, if you are not then they do NOT.

The ASP is the current defacto standard for theatre and stage effects.

Yes you will always need contacts.

IF the UKPS reruns their HE SFX course that would be well worth attending, it's syllabus is similar to the BECTU course but the cost is less.

Edited by Arthur Brown, 18 September 2011 - 06:48 PM.

[exat808]

Having done the Event Horizons course, don't do it first - maybe later. It's very specifically the course needed to progress up the BECTU SFX gradings, if you are not already a BECTU SFX group member with some SFX experience as an assistant then you don't have the standing in BECTU to need the course. Also the course costs about £500 and if you are at the right stage in your BECTU training then they refund much of that cost, if you are not then they do NOT.

The ASP is the current defacto standard for theatre and stage effects.

Yes you will always need contacts.

IF the UKPS reruns their HE SFX course that would be well worth attending, it's syllabus is similar to the BECTU course but the cost is less.

I have been in contact with Zebra and advised her of the BECTU courses, and also the courses that we run on behalf of the Institute of Explosives Engineers for SFX techs. In my opinion - practical experience is just as valuable as a theory based courses and I would encourage any pyro operator to offer young entrants to the industry as much hands on experience as possible.

[Arthur Brown]

MY whole point about the BECTU course is that done at the right point in progress up the BECTU SFX gradings Bectu subsidise the £500ish to a large extent but done out of their sequence it counts for little or nothing. Why waste £300 missing the subsidy.