HOT SHOTS: Vitale brothers plan to take show north

By Nancy Lowry
New Castle News

July 18, 2008 10:43 pm

— Steve and Rocco Vitale have moved from the audience to center stage.
For the past few years, the brothers, executives of Pyrotecnico Fireworks of Lawrence County, took a breather from their hectic summer fireworks show schedule to journey north of the border to enjoy the Canadian International Fireworks Festival.
The two would watch fellow fireworks friends and associates shoot their wares and see the latest sights and techniques of international exhibitors who represented China, Italy, the United Kingdom and other nations.
Generally, it was a time for the Vitales to relax and have a a good time.
This year they won’t be looking. They’re in the show.
On July 30, Pyrotecnico will represent the United States in the 24th annual L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec show. The festival runs through Aug. 6.
Steve, president and chief executive officer, and Rocco, general manager of Pyrotecnico of Louisiana, will present a “pyro-musical” at 10 p.m. July 30 at La Ronde — Quebec’s largest amusement park — in Montreal.

HEADING
NORTH
The Vitales decided last year the time had come to participate rather than just watch. However, presenters must be invited.
“We contacted the show organizers, gave them our information and contacts,” Rocco said. “We didn’t have to shoot for them (to get onto the program). They checked our references and decided to give us a shot.”
The brothers will involve their two great loves in the show — 30 minutes of fireworks coordinated to rock ’n’ roll music.
Rocco outlined the show’s main theme as “Rock Loves ...”
“It will be a five-act rock opera, each with a separate theme. We’re using color and combining innovative pyrotechnics and synchronization with timeless rock ’n’ roll music.”
The “acts” of the rock opera include: “Rock Loves Tonight,” “Rock Loves Peace” and “Rock Loves Color.” The show will be shot from both water and land, he said.
Steve noted he will accompany a 10-member crew to the event.
“We’re going to have fun — but we want to win,” he said. “This is serious competition. This is the Olympics of the fireworks industry.”
The winner will take home the Golden Jupiter Award and bragging rights for the coming year. There is no cash prize.
“The professional fireworks community, even on the international level, is a very small, close-knit fraternity,” Steve said. “Everyone knows everyone else nationally and worldwide.”

SCOUTING
COMPETITION
To prepare for the event, Steve said ventured to Montreal during the June 28 opening weekend to see the space exploration-themed presentation by Prestatech-Artifice, which represents France.
“These are good to attend to see what the competition is doing,” Steve said.
Nine fireworks companies will compete for the top prize, with entries from France, Italy, South Korea, Portugal, Australia, Canada, Austria, China and, of course, Pyrotecnico representing the United States.
A 10th presentation on Aug. 6 will be by a non-competitor at the close of the festival.
In fact, this is the second time Pyrotecnico was invited. The company had to turn down the honor last year because of its busy schedule, Steve said. It also allowed them more time to prepare.
“We’re going (to Canada) to have fun, but we also want to show everyone what we have,” he said. “We’re shooting with the best and we will most definitely be putting our best foot forward. We’re going to have a lot of fun doing it, but I think we can win this.”
Steve said Pyrotecnico has been invited to participate in other international fireworks festivals in Shanghai and Monte Carlo. Both times they declined. However, he is considering taking part next year at a festival in Vietnam.

PERFECT
SHOWS
In addition to the fun and thrill of rivalry, the L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec is one of the few competitions that pays participants for their efforts, Steve said.
Each presenter is providing a fixed amount of money for materials. Many shows exceed this budget with competitors providing shells and effects out of their own pockets
“They really do it right,” he said about the organizers. “They understand that if they want the best fireworks they must chip in.”
He said the festival also pays travel expenses and a per diem rate. They also provide a crew of 18 of “the best fireworks pyrotechnicians in the world” to help presenters.
Steve also noted that La Ronde, with Montmorency Falls as a backdrop, “is one of the best places to shoot fireworks, a really prime location.”
Future competition will depend on the company’s schedule.
“Our customers don’t care if we win here or not,” he said. “This is something we do for ourselves but as my father said, ‘Ego doesn’t pay the bills.’ We know that what we offer is top rate. Now, others will know it too.”

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