LOS ANGELES — Pyrotek Special Effects punctuated the American Music Awards program with special effects for several of the performers. The 2008 edition of the show, hosted for the fifth time by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, was staged at the Nokia Theatre. Pyrotek used a combination of silver gerbs and red mines to underline the beats and intervals between tracks for Christina Aguilera, who opened the show with a medley of songs from her career.
The Pussycat Dolls performed an up-tempo mix with transitions, and in the transition from the first medley to their hit, “When I Grow Up,” orange mines burst from upstage, followed by a white flash wash. That led to a choreographed dance sequence culminating in an all-fire green flame projector effect.
Rihanna, named Favorite Female Artist in the Soul/R&B category and Favorite Female Artist for Pop/Rock, performed “Rehab” on a set with an industrial look that used a combination of low-lying fog and flames. The low-lying smoke overtook the stage while four of Pyrotek’s dragon heads shot flame columns and a flame ball asymmetrically across mid-stage at the end of Rihanna’s act.
The Jonas Brothers, who used Pyrotek’s effect on tour, collaborated again for their song, “Tonight.” Lorenzo Cornacchia, with Pyrotek’s Laser Design Productions, worked with touring director Rob Brenner to provide laser support. The gear list included two 40-watt YAG laser systems with three fiber-fed remote scanners, three micro air-cooled YAG laser systems and two mini air-cooled YAG laser systems.
Pyrotek also provided effects for performances by Neyo, Leona Lewis, New Kids On The Block and Pink.
For more information, please visit www.pyrotekfx.com and www.laserdesignproductions.com.
