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 Montreal Fireworks Forum —› 2003 Display Reviews —› 2003 results, an editorial
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Posted: Jul 31, 2003 10:32:36   Edited by: fireworksforum

There seems to be some controversy this year as to the results, with rumours of bias towards local artificiers and other mumblings that somehow the results are unfair.

First of all, the fact that the competition was so close this year is bound to cause disappointment. There were six displays that deserved a prize, the sad fact is that only three can succeed.

When I publish my personal view, remember that it is just that: my personal opinion. Due to the pressure of writing the reports, I do not evaluate the displays in as rigorous a way as the jury do. There is always the inevitable feeling that the most recently seen is the most memorable, and hence higher rated.

In looking at the results, I note that two out of the three were in my personal picks. I also note that all three displays were either strongly themed or seamless, rather than of the type of display which is more like a series of vignettes. I observe that this latter type of display tends to be less popular with the jury for the very simple reason that one of the criteria is the overall pyromusical concept. Thus it is also interesting to note that the Gold Jupiter winning display used a similar formula to that employed by Eric Tucker - who won four Gold Jupiters. This is not to detract from either Eric's work nor the work of Royal Pyrotechnie, but simply an observation of what works with the jury here.

I know many people were disappointed that Italy didn't place; same thing with the US and, to a lessor extent (due to the adverse weather), England. All three of these displays were simply excellent and right up there at the pinnacle of pyromusical design. In any other year, each one of these would have placed in the top three.

I also note in my personal reviews that, due to having seen so many displays here, I inevitably remember previous work a company has done. This can have a negative bias on my opinion, as it did with Australia. Having seen similar effects in their previous entry, I was less excited about seeing them a second time. The jury, of course, evaluate only the displays that they see in the current year so are not biassed in the same way. I'm also biassed to an extent, though I try not to be, by talking to the designers of the displays. If I understand in advance what they're trying to achieve, then, assuming everything works, I see the display in a more positive light. This is why the jury do not mingle with the visiting pyrotechnicians.

Whatever system of judging is used will always provoke cries of "unfair" when the results aren't to an individuals expectations. However, the system that is in place is as fair as can be.

One final comment based on something I heard someone say that there "were two Canadian teams that won". This is a gross disservice to the companies involved. A display is much more than just the designer. Since this comment was aimed at Patrice, I know that it is simply unfair since he has worked for several years in Hong Kong. All the fireworks were sourced from Hong Kong and so to say this was a Canadian display is not only unfair, but completely incorrect.

Finally, congratulations to all the winners, and also congratulations to all the teams that didn't make it into the top three: you were all up there with the best of the best and brought your passion to an enthusiastic and very discerning audience.

Paul.


Posted: Aug 2, 2003 11:07:35

Yes, I strongly agree.

For most it was seemingly unfair. I was also dissapointed when neither Italy, U.S or England didn't get in there, but I'm sure that the judges were beeing as fair as possible and compationate with the displays, but as usual only three can win.

On the bright side, at least three of the six top displays did in fact make it.

As a final note, like Paul said, the judges were trying to be as fair as possible and in my opinion I feel that they knew it was very easy to know that England, the U.S and Italy were extremely good displays as well, but I feel that the judges had all of the pressure and it was very very hard for them to make the final decisions, I'm sure Paul would agree with me.


Trav.
 

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