Welcome to Noah's Workshop. Join me as I play with explosives, guns, and other dangerous and awesome stuff. Videos are presented from an educational and "how to" perspective. I'm having fun already, I'm just trying not to blow myself up. Cheers.
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Joe, Very few people do this as their primary source of income. It's typically a side job. As far as getting on a crew, my recommendation is to find a show and approach the operator and tell him you're interested. We've been known to gain crew members this way. I hope that unfrowneys the frowny face.
If you listen closely he says "are you going to use that?" (meaning in my final edit) I respond "No." Of course, when I heard it on video I knew it deserved the final word.
Well, we typically never know. Maybe in other places it's different. I'm told the parent company (that sells the show to the customer and hires the pyrotechnician) pays the pyro a percentage. Let's say that percentage is ..um.. a convenient store where people buy coffee. Not the eleven. The other number. The actual price of a show can vary widely. Permits, whether a show is choreographed, how much insurance is required, and of course which effects (mortars) were purchased can all vary from show to show. If I had to take a wild guess, I'd say, maybe 30,000? Maybe half that, maybe twice? Who knows?
Jordan; You are correct. I misspoke during the video shoot. The gun tubes are indeed HDPE and not ABS. The reason is because ABS would likely shatter in the event of detonation, whereas HDPE will deform (bulge) reducing the risk of injury. Good catch.
How hard is it to get certified in pyrotechnics? I live in north carolina and you must get clearance from the ATF and the state fire marshall to even handle/help set up even while under the supervision of a certified company.
To become licensed in CA you have to take a license exam and get a letter of recommendation from a number of licensed pyrotechnicians, stating that you've worked for them. The rules must be different in NC, as that would be a catch-22; you couldn't handle product until you get clearance, and couldn't get clearance until you handle it. So, again, the rules must be different in NC. My advice is to ask a licensee there in NC.
I think it's like any hobby-job; there are a few people who make a living at it, but most do it for fun and maybe some extra cash. Like commercial pilots that tow banners over the beach, or race car drivers who are sponsored. I myself do it for fun, but one of the guys on the crew in this video actually makes money at it. I think if you're motivated and have good business sense you can make a living at almost anything.
I'd recommend finding a show and approach the operator and tell him you're interested. We occasionally gain crew members this way. Sorry for the late reply.
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback. And technically ems97340 is correct; They are mortars and not cannons. A cannon is loaded from the front and fired from the rear, whereas a mortar is both loaded and fired from the front. But it's kind of like how nobody says "Allow me to procure my rightful belongings from the passenger compartment of your automobile." We say: "Lemme get my stuff outa your car." Nevertheless, calling a mortar a "shooty thing" might get some funny looks though.
If I want ill call the mortar a gun, and the shells , bombs. It doesnt make a difference. I setup shows and I do it correctly and safely, and thats all I need to do. Its up to others to follow the correct way.
No, I've never been to PA, but I do weld things made of steel, and my truck has Pennzoil in it. Oh, and I like a good cheesesteak. Do I get partial credit? :D
La Mirada, CA. The audience was at La Mirada Park, the actual pyro setup was in the field at La Mirada High School. Copy and paste this into Google maps: 33.906619,-118.003523 --Noah
