I met with Michael Lutz of Rozzi’s Famous fireworks and Maria Grazia Gerbaudo of Panzera whose companies are collaborating to put on the closing show of the 34th edition of the Montreal International Fireworks Competition.
This year’s closing theme, “For Your Eyes Only” (as well as the opening display’s Tribute to ABBA) had been chosen by La Ronde’s Marketing department, though the soundtrack itself was put together by Michael. The show design itself, though, was executed by a combination of Michael and his Uncle Joe Rozzi (ten year’s Michael’s senior). Both are great James Bond fans and embedded the display with one-liners from all of the Bond actors represented in the soundtrack.
The display will feature products from Panzera (Italy), Vincente Caballer (Spain), Igual (Spain), Vulcan (Hong Kong), ICON (Foti’s Chinese brand), San Tai (Taiwan) as well as some of Rozzi’s own American products. There will be approximately 6000 cues, Michael noting there will be more one-shots and slice cakes than in the display he designed for Giuliani last week. In terms of site usage, all ramps will be featured, including five pontoons (two large and three small) forming ramp 5 as well as ramp 4. Afficiandos of large shells can expect to see twelve 250mm shells and thirty four 200mm.
Maria Grazia noted that Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks are Panzera’s largest US partner and were involved in homologating the company’s products for the United States market. Traditionally Panzera were famous for their Roman Candles, but Maria Grazia noted that their one-shots are renowned, now, for colour, consistent height and interesting effects.
Michael noted at the end of the interview that James Bond is an iconic character that will bring many back to their adolescence. He also noted that more than half of the soundtrack is represented by female artists – this being entirely appropriate for James Bond’s character! Hopefully the weather will cooperate on Wednesday for both the awards ceremony and this closing celebration!