The Hollywood Bowl Fireworks: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Images by Gianina Ferreyra. Firework Image by Adam Latham, Courtesy of LA Phil.

by William Devin Walsh & Gianina Ferreyra

Hollywood— Our primal human instincts have always recognized the symbiotic relationship between music and fire. Today, the tradition of singing around campfires has evolved into the science of themed pyrotechnical displays. One of the world’s most exciting settings to experience a night sky full of fire is The Hollywood Bowl—with fireworks designed by “Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.” For 50 years, the Souza Family has been coordinating The Bowl’s pyrotechnics shows.

Each summer, The Hollywood Bowl holds four concerts featuring dazzling fireworks. This year’s lineup promises to be memorable, starting with an Opening Night celebration of Henry Mancini. A Fourth of July Spectacular will be headlined by Harry Connick Jr. and his band, along with Thomas Wilkins, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The season continues with the Tchaikovsky Spectacular, and concludes with a Fireworks Finale featuring Boyz II Men.

Ensuring Safety Amidst the Spectacle

A common concern about fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl is safety, given the dry canyon location. We asked Paul Souza, a producer for Pyro Spectaculars, about the precautions they take:

“We do a lot of testing of the product, so we’re very deliberate about what we’re shooting. Fireworks are explosives, so there’s always a risk element, but we buy and order high-quality products to diminish that risk.”

Paul continues, “Anything in the ‘front of house’ is fine, it’s the ‘side of house’ [we pay special attention to] because things are launching sideways. In fact, part of the fallout zone includes the parking lot, so The Bowl staff has to cover all the cars to keep them from getting damaged from ash and fire.”

About 30 minutes before the show, his crew hoses down the northwest hillside to anticipate any embers. During the show, Paul’s team is on the radio, positioned at different observation posts, looking for signs of danger. One team member sits next to a giant red “kill switch” just in case things get too hot. The Los Angeles Fire Marshal is on site as well.

These are routine practices developed over years of experience. The hazards are minimal but not “zero”, Paul emphasizes.

The Art and Science of Fireworks Design

Paul Souza’s work focuses on making people smile by lighting up the night. It takes about 30 hours to design a 5-minute firework display. In past years, the Fourth of July performance at The Bowl was 10 minutes, with 155 cues and 600 effects. The approach depends on whether the music is pre-recorded or performed live.

With pre-recorded music, specialty scripting software creates cues based on the song’s audio waveform. A computer plays the track during the performance, triggering fireworks that Paul has set to launch precisely to this timecode. The computer’s accuracy is within 1/100th of a second.

For live performances, such as with the LA Phil at The Hollywood Bowl, timing is different. The LA Phil provides a track from a previous performance, which Paul works with in his scripting software. Once he exports his script, a score reader interprets the cues onto sheet music. During the live performance, the score reader calls out these cues, and Paul fires off the pyrotechnics. In the control booth, they have a monitor directly on Gustavo Dudamel to match his conducting perfectly.

“That aspect is some of the most stressful, challenging, and yet rewarding things in fireworks,” Paul explained with a deep exhale, and a smile.

On Top of The Bowl

We had the opportunity to spend time with Paul Souza during show preparations. He gave us a tour of his operations, both inside The Bowl’s control rooms and on the roof, where a small group of people were rigging fireworks for the evening’s show.

The Hollywood Bowl is unique because all the wiring from the detonators connects to outlets along the roof and walls. “Everything we shoot is self-consuming,” Paul explains. “It’s lit upon ignition, and during its trajectory, it burns itself out completely by the time it reaches the apex.”

Creating a beautiful firework display is a “very creative process,” which rests on the intersection of artistry and safety. Without either, the show cannot happen.

Technological Innovations

Paul shared insights about technological advancements. “In the past, creating effects like smiley faces or intricate patterns required painstaking manual timing. Now, with sophisticated computer systems, we can achieve precise effects more efficiently.”

“From the 1980s to now, the safety has improved dramatically. We test everything rigorously to ensure it’s safe before use,” Paul tells us.

He also discussed the creative trial and error involved. “From a creative standpoint, we do a lot of trial and error. I listen to the music and mark where I think a firework effect should go, then build upon that. It’s like putting together a puzzle.”

Environmental Considerations

The environmental impact of fireworks is a serious concern. “We use biodegradable materials and ensure all remnants are cleaned up immediately after the show,” Paul explained. They work closely with environmental experts to minimize the impact on local wildlife and vegetation. “We’ve developed quieter fireworks that reduce noise pollution and are less disruptive to local wildlife,” Paul added. Advancements in chemical formulations have allowed for fireworks that produce less smoke and fewer harmful byproducts as a result.

The Fireworks Experience

For many, the fireworks at The Hollywood Bowl are more than just a show. “Seeing the fireworks at The Bowl is a family tradition for us,” says one man. “You can really feel it in your chest,” exclaims another. “Best way to spend the Fourth.”

The experience begins with palpable anticipation, enhanced by the electric atmosphere of The Hollywood Bowl. Families often bring picnics and enjoy a meal together before the show. As the night progresses, the crowd buzzes with excitement. And for those seated further back, the view remains spectacular. A combination of live music and synchronized fireworks creates an impressive multi-sensory moment.

And as the last firework fades and the applause dies down, we remember why we return year after year. There’s something magical about watching the evening explode with colors, a reminder of our ancient connection to fire, and the joy it brings. The Hollywood Bowl, with its rich history, ensures that this tradition will continue to sparkle for generations to come.

Audience Tips

To get the most out of your Hollywood Bowl fireworks experience, consider a few of these simple tips:

- Arrive Early: Beat the traffic and find the best parking spots by arriving a couple of hours before the show.

- Pack a Picnic: Enjoy a pre-show meal with friends and family. The Bowl allows you to bring your own food and drinks.

- Use Public Transport: Avoid parking hassles by using public transport. The Red Line subway and shuttle services from Union Station are convenient options.

- Best Viewing Spots: Sections ‘V, W, or X’ offer the best vantage points for the fireworks. Don’t worry if you’re in the “nosebleed section”; the view is spectacular from almost any seat.

- Stay Hydrated: Bring water and stay hydrated, especially on hot summer nights.