How to get involved? Which countries are fireworks-friendly?

[DasSchaben]

Hello APC,

 

I am a lurker from a ridiculous number of years. Five years, maybe. I remember the old forum, where I also lurked.

 

I am an older member (mid twenties, female) who enjoys pyrotechnics. I'm a display assistant and an SFX operator.

 

How can I expand my knowledge legally? Is there a way? This is one of the situations where I envy Americans. I'm very serious about my appreciation of fireworks (since childhood) and fireworks chemistry.

 

I joined PGI. I might show up at Steve Wolf's camp in TX to learn more about pyro in terms of SFX.

 

I don't have enormous amounts of land where I could possibly apply to work with homemade fireworks legally, at least not yet. I might have my own space within six months, lots of safe space, but I still won't talk about it in public.

 

Who can I meet and where can I go in the meantime? I want to stay involved, and I especially want to meet people who will encourage my own (safe, fun, very hopefully legal) activities. Comrades in fireworks, basically, particularly those who are OK with my gender.

 

-DS

[hindsight]

Welcome DS! First off, while you are older than some, you are young enough to be the granddaughter of many members here. Age is no consideration. And while being female may put you in the minority, diversity is a benefit. If an old generation member treats you differently, "differently" is certainly not "worse". Your presence here is most welcome.

Knowing that northern Europe, in general, can be be less than pyro friendly, I would urge you to continue to be cautious. Unless you have already faced an angry government agency and know what that entails, I recommend staying legal. Having said that, sometimes one has to make ones own opportunities...provided no one else is put in harm's way.

Your willingness to travel will provide you opportunites, particularly in Asia, the Americas, and some eastern European countries.

Meanwhile, you are doing what many of us do--learning and experiencing life electronically, as well. (Not surprising for an Einstürzende Neubauten fan).

[flying fish]

I would say the average age in the fireworks hobby is probably middle aged, so you are a young-un. The demographics of this forum are not a good representation of the demographics of the hobby community as a whole. Pyro is a male dominated hobby, but don't let that scare you away. Most women just aren't attracted to the idea (and potential dangers) of making their own fireworks. Out of the few women who are in the hobby on their own (not just tagging along with a significant other) I have not seen them subject to discrimination. One of the five PGI officers (the publications manager) is a woman, and quite possibly the most respected member of the guild.

 

The first thing that comes to mind is to try to make it to the PGI convention, though it sounds like you already plan on it. PGI has plenty of legal, hands-on opportunities. Another thing that comes to mind is Bankok pyro! I have no idea what his prices are, but he teaches a hands-on class over in Thailand for building multi-break cylinder shells. I'm sure there are many other opportunities that I've just never heard of.

 

Are you looking mostly for brief travel opportunities or are you looking to actually move to a fireworks-friendly country?

Edited October 25, 2013 by flying fish

[Arthur]

http://www.precisionenergetics.co.uk/training.html in the UK do a well respected movie HE SFX course. It's relatively expensive but it's good the tutors have done SFX for Bond films.

http://www.stage-pyro.org.uk/news.php Is the UK Stage Pyro association -easy one day course, well regarded lots of members.

[Jonathan]

Hello, DasSchaben.

 

You might consider emigrating to the U.S. At ground level, the U.S. is a very libertarian country. Just need to stay away from cities and politicians.

 

I'm an old guy who's gotten back into pyro after 50 years; but I believe women of all ages are welcome in pyro circles.

[taiwanluthiers]

I'm not sure, besides from the fact that emigrating to the US isn't easy, it appears China may be more liberal when it comes to fireworks than the US. Of course stay away from big cities...