Watch fireworks open minded and let emotions take over, advises the manager of the German firework team
What do you like the most about your job?
My favourite part of my job is the ability to fascinate people.
Is your job more about art or technique?
Fireworks are definitely about both. Firstly, there is the artistic part, where you program or design the show. The technical part, carrying out the show, comes after that.
Why did you decide to become a fireworker?
I was really fascinated not only by fireworks, but also by the work that comes with preparing a show.
Is there anything that inspires you the most while creating a firework? What is it?
Music inspires me the most. I also draw inspiration from the location of the show, its architecture, stages...
What is the most important thing or moment when preparing fireworks? Why?
The most important thing is work safety and accuracy while preparing or carrying out shows.
Is there any manual or instruction for the viewers how to "read" a firework, how to watch it?
Everyone should watch with an open mind and let their impression and emotions take over. The firework can do the rest of the magic.
How was created the firework for the audience of the parade in Brno?
First we chose the music and then we designed a firework taking into consideration the condition of the venue. There are certain specifics such as the dam, the barge or the reflection of the water.
Are there any differences between other parades and the one in Brno?
The peculiarity and also challenge in Brno is that the fireworks will be fired from a barge on the lake. The barge is very big and rather unusual.
To which part of your firework can the viewers look forward to the most?
We hope that the audience will like the whole show, not only one part! We want to inspire their imagination by combining classical music and the passion of fire.
How do you choose festivals that you participate in?
It's difficult to summarize as it differs, but I can tell you why we have chosen Starobrno Ignis Brunensis. It's a well-known festival that offers its visitors a great and varied programme.
Do you remember any quaint or unusual assignment for a show that you had created?
We had created this really quaint show which theme was a fireworks show with biblical poems.
Where you are going to perform after the Ignis Brunensis festival ends?
We are going to Montreal, to the "L`International des Feux Loto-Québec". And we are looking forward to it.
Medallion of interviewed fireworker:
Name and surname: Mischa Berner.
Position within the team: Production Manager.
Work experience: Since 2012.
Three words that describe me: Pragmatic, always ready to help and humorous - but not early in the morning!
My job-related dream: To win in Brno
Medaillon of the firework‘s team:
The name of the team: Innovative Pyrotechnik GmbH.
Year the team originated in: 1994.
Shows per year: 80-120.
The biggest success: Montreal 2007, Shanghai 2015.
Pick three shows from the past 12 months:
Züri Fäscht, July 2016, Zurich, Switzerland.
International Baroque Fireworks Competition in the Royal Gardens of Hannover-Herrenhausen, June 2016, Hannover, Germany.
Konstanzer Seenachtsfest, August 2016, Constance, Germany.
Three words that describe how the team works: With a lot of fun and enthusiasm, but always careful and with respect to the explosives.
Dominika Bayerová
The author is a student of journalism on FSS in Brno,
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