Walt Disney World Hiring Seasonal Fireworks & Special Effects Designer

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Walt Disney World has a job posting for a seasonal fireworks and special effects designer. Though no announcements have been made, this may point to the return of fireworks shows to Walt Disney World theme parks. Nighttime spectaculars, including fireworks, have been suspended due to COVID-19 since the parks reopened.

Walt Disney World to Stream Its Magic Kingdom Fireworks Display https://app.asana.com/0/1135954362417873/1172825916323514/f Credit: Walt Disney World

EPCOT’s upcoming nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” was set to open later this year, although the designer could be working on any number of projects. A 50th anniversary fireworks show is rumored for Magic Kingdom, dubbed “Project Nugget” in construction permits. Fireworks were tested at Magic Kingdom late last year.

The job description for the fireworks and special effects designer is below.

Job Summary:

The Fireworks & Special Effects Designer develops/executes pyrotechnic and special effects designs for live shows across property, including Parks, Resorts, Special Events and DISNEY CRUISE LINE®.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversees ordering of pyrotechnic and special effect equipment and product
  • Provides updates to Show Directors, Producers, and Production Managers about confetti, pyrotechnics and other special effect development and availability
  • Interfaces with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by WDW
  • Supervises effects crews for special events, road shows, and permanent installations
  • Provides ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations of existing shows
  • Manages and provide proper documentation of all live show effects plots at WDW
  • Develops and realizes the design intent through the effective execution of the creative process
  • Participate in project’s creative development
  • Develops and executes special effects/pyrotechnics designs for live shows and facility infrastructure as assigned
  • Develops and/or provides input to project special effects budgets and labor requirements
  • Stays current with special effects technology research and development efforts within industry
  • Partners with Consultant Special Effects/Pyrotechnics Designers and vendors to ensure Disney quality, compatibility, training and proper documentation of all audio/video services delivered
  • Functions as a resource to maintain the proper training of operating area special effects/pyrotechnics Technicians
  • Conducts on-going “Entertainment Show Quality” evaluations of existing offerings at Walt Disney World and provide support to maintain their original show intent
  • Maintains a strong relationship with fireworks compound, safety, purchasing, vendors and interface with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by Walt Disney World
  • Maintains up-to-date show documentation and special effects R&D lab

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry working in show development and operation of live shows
  • Working knowledge of current technology and industry standards for all aspects of, special effects/pyrotechnics design, presentation styles, (theatrical, industrial, concert, touring, etc.) as applied to live show and facility systems
  • Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other Designers, Directors, Writers and Producers
  • Proven leadership abilities to work closely with the special effects crew to prioritize, organize, instruct and problem-solve during installation, test & adjust and cueing throughout delivery of project
  • Proven ability to deliver on a project’s established scope, schedule and budget
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to express creative ideas
  • Ability to work flexible hours – nights, weekends, holidays – including occasional travel
  • General computer skills including basic Microsoft Office products and industry specific software
  • Demonstrated commitment to on-going personal education

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 2 years experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture

Required Education

  • College degree or equivalent experience in theatre with focus on special effects/pyrotechnics design or equivalent experience

Disney Is Hiring a Fireworks & Special Effects Principal Designer

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

A good sign has arrived with Disney Careers for all of us Disney goers! Disney is now hiring a Fireworks & Special Effects Principal Designers based in Kissimmee, Florida. The position recently posted and is drawing all sorts of attention because, yes, the hope is that this means Walt Disney World will be returning the fireworks and nighttime spectaculars soon enough! Check out the full job description below as listed on DisneyCareers.

The Fireworks & Special Effects Principal Designer serves as the creative leader and overall representative for the Disney Live Entertainment Fireworks & Special Effects Design department. The demands of this role require an in-depth understanding of the design intent and the ability for realizing it through the effective execution of the creative process. As the leader, the Fireworks & Special Effects Principal Designer directs all special effects design (including pyrotechnics), helping to prioritize, organize and problem solve during entire course of a project.

Core Function and Responsibilities:

  • Participate in project’s creative development including blue sky brainstorming, project kick-offs, internal reviews and other project specific check-ins
  • Develop and/or execute special effects designs for live shows and facility infrastructure when required
  • Direct the Special Effects Designers’ plan and execution for new shows and remounts
  • Be an engaged leader of special effects technology research and development efforts participating as necessary with other Company technology divisions
  • Partner in design scope development and staffing to ensure assignments are “right fit” and that the needs of the projects will be creatively satisfied
  • Provide creative and feasibility input to show concept; review and approve project special effects budgets and labor requirements
  • Act as liaison for Special Effects/Pyrotechnics Designers and vendors ensuring Disney quality, compatibility, training and proper documentation of all special effects services delivered
  • Be a resource to maintain the proper training of operating area special effects/pyrotechnics Technicians
  • Direct on-going “Entertainment Show Quality” evaluations of existing offerings at Walt Disney World and provide support to maintain their original show intent
  • Maintain a strong relationship with fireworks compound, safety, purchasing, vendors and interface with governmental agencies in approving/permitting effects uses by Walt Disney World
  • Demonstrate commitment to both on-going personal and departmental education for Walt Disney World and industry standards
  • Maintain up-to-date show documentation, special effects R&D lab and talent/industry contact database
  • Leadership Skills:
  • Effectively orchestrate activities and team dynamics
  • Persuasive advocate for good design and a steadying influence for the team
  • Natural collaborative ability to make sense out of diverse multidisciplinary requirements and to bring the project goals into focus for everyone involved
  • Working member of the Design team with a natural inclination to generate ideas and the ability to do so with great fluency
  • Ability to research and present design options so that the team can make informed decisions that ultimately give the project greater depth

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry working in show development and operation of live shows
  • Strong understanding of current technology and industry standards for all aspects of special effects and pyrotechnics design, (theatrical, industrial, concert, touring, etc.) as applied to live show and facility systems
  • Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other Designers, Directors, Writers and Producers
  • Strong understanding and experience in contract negotiations for Consultants to develop scope and value
  • Extensive knowledge of industry standards and regulations (NFPA 1123, 1126, 160 APA 87-1)
  • Experience with facility design, engineering and construction
  • Proven ability to deliver on a project’s established scope, schedule and budget
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to express creative ideas
  • Ability to work flexible hours – nights, weekends and holidays – including occasional travel
  • General computer skills including basic Microsoft Office products and industry specific software

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
  • Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture

Required Education:

College degree or equivalent experience in theatre with focus on special effects/pyrotechnics design

What do you think? Is this good news that hopefully means fireworks will be coming back to us soon? In the meantime we’ll keep you posted. To review more about this position and/or to apply, visit DisneyCareers.com.

EPCOT’s Harmonious Barges Fountain Testing

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

As we highly anticipate the arrival of EPCOT’s new nighttime spectacular, “Harmonious”, we have been in awe of the arrival of the massive barges that have been placed into Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon. Disney recently shared the progress details as you’ll find here if you missed them. It looks like testing is moving right along as videos taken last night (March 11) show the fountains being tested.

A Disney blogger, Jonathan Twitted via @DisneyXC two short clips of the fountain testing as shown below:

Disney Releases Update, Video and Photos of Harmonious At EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Work is continuing on Harmonious, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering, shares an update.

EPCOT has always been a special place where the world comes together to celebrate human achievement. Nothing has embodied this spirit more over the years than the park’s lineup of original nighttime spectaculars.

Although we have not yet determined when our next spectacular will debut, our Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment teams are hard at work building on that legacy with “Harmonious.” Early in our plans for the transformation of EPCOT, we recognized the power and potential this new show has to tell a story of global connection and celebration. This grand, original spectacular is a tribute to the power of story and song that unite us, leveraging music and visuals from across Disney and artists around the world.

“Harmonious” is a global effort, truly embracing the magic of possibility. In recent weeks, Disney Live Entertainment technical designers across the country have been programming various elements of the show, from media and fountains to lighting and pyrotechnics, working in a completely virtual environment. Our music producers at Walt Disney Imagineering have been remotely directing recording sessions with an incredibly diverse array of musical artists, performing in studios around the world.

Once complete, “Harmonious” will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars we’ve ever produced. We’re busy setting the stage of this innovative toolkit, preparing each of the show’s five floating platforms to take its place on World Showcase Lagoon. Positioned like a compass, these platforms house the primary show equipment for “Harmonious,” and on the recently-placed center platform stands an iconic six-story-tall central ring structure, supporting a high-density water curtain, moving lights, fountains and more.

While the show is still in the early stages of development with more finishing details to come, I’m excited to share some recent progress.

Virtual Viewing of ‘Happily Ever After’ at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

There is nothing quite like experiencing ‘Happily Ever After,’ the nighttime firework spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Disney has released a pre-recorded video of the fireworks to bring some magic into our homes. While it certainly isn’t the same as watching it in person, it is so nice to be able to watch it whenever we need a pick me up! 

From a Disney Cast Member;

We’re bringing more #DisneyMagicMoments to everyone at home with a virtual viewing of one of the most spectacular nighttime shows ever created at Disney Parks – “Happily Ever After.”

For this special pre-recorded viewing of “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park, you have the best seat in the house!  Watch as the castle you know so well becomes a canvas for the heart-tugging story of the importance of chasing your dreams, no matter what, and finding your happily ever after.