Skylighter Fireworks returned to ignite the skies of the 2022 Royal Queensland Show as the finale to the #EkkaNites program.
The display, presented over nine nights featured a 15-minute display with over 3,200 effects launched from 70 positions including static positions on the ground, moving platforms including RC Cars, Quad Bikes, Motorbikes, Kites, and a 40-metre-high crane that had a separate 130 individual positions in the round.
An additional 27 Galaxis ‘G’ Flames immersed audiences and brought the heat ringside, chewing through over 3000L of gas for the display.
Designed and programmed in Finale 3D by lead designer Harrison Smith, the brief was to unite city and country, together again. Harrison said “The highlight for me this year was incorporating all the moving platforms into the display, and seeing the transformation from screen to sky”.
Working with all stakeholders including H20 Events, Airtime FMX, Watts on Wheels, Rooftop Express Horse Show, High Impact Lighting and RNA’s entertainment team to design the show to meet the creative brief and having the ability to visualise things in 3D allowed the team to make edits along the way to allow for product availabilities and budget. As soundtracks were confirmed and finessed, it gave Harrison a clearer picture of what things were going to look like.
“I think from our initial simulation to some of the images that have come through the socials we got pretty close,” Harrison notes.
Controlled via FireOne Ultrafire, the team ran dual redundant control out to all the units in field slaves, receiving FSK Timecode for the Fireworks and SMPTE for the flame units.
The Ekka threw a unique set of curve balls at the team, in that access to the arena is only granted to the night-time entertainment crew, 90 minutes prior to the display commencing, and during that time, the arena is utilised by other night-time entertainment programming including FMX, Monster trucks and live performances.
“It’s about everyone knowing their job, their position and what they are required to do,” notes Skylighter Team member Dale Norris. “Communicating via the Motorola Digital Radio Network all of our team were able to check in, complete the show safely, and hand the arena back over to event organisers to allow event scheduled activities to continue.”
Additionally, a display at the largest show in the state means working closely with animals. Skylighter pioneered the incorporation of display elements utilising rider-worn backpacks for stockmen and stockwomen providing de-sensitising training for both animals in the display and those who call the EKKA home for the 12 days onsite.
Each night post-event saw the display re-loaded, tested and secured safely with feedback from the night’s display taken on board to ensure the following day’s work on site was minimal and non-display activities were not interrupted.
“It was a mammoth effort by the entire Skylighter Team with over fifteen technicians onsite each show to ignite the skies over Brisbane and another 5-8 back at the shop preparing for the following day displays, all whilst keeping other projects progressing forward and ensuring the office ticked over, I’m very pleased with the result,” said Skylighter Director Nick Mitri.
#TeamSkylighter is looking forward to getting stuck into the second half of the year as they head into Christmas, New Year and the summer of sport and continuing to develop innovative special effects across Queensland.
