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.
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
