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LAS VEGAS – The 2012 Billboard Music Awards at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena Stage May 20 included 17 artist performances showcasing the year’s Billboard chart toppers. Pyrotek Special Effects and its sister company Laser Design Productions provided the effects for the night’s ceremony. Working with Show Producer Brian Stonestreet and Art Director Alana Billingsley on the scenic elements, the telecast had the feel of a full concert experience, making it stand out from the usual awards ceremony.
LMFAO opened with a medley of hits including “Sexy and I Know It,” “Sorry for Party Rockin’” and “Party Rock Anthem.” Laser Design Productions Director of Operations Victor Tomei worked with Designer Hokuto “Hok” Konishi and Production Manager Tim Miller to create a stand out opening number. Twelve Cryo Jets surrounded the duo as they rose onto a center stage riser. Two 20W Full Color laser systems were placed on 7 ft. risers on stage right and left, while two 25W Full Color lasers were placed on stage left and right. Laser Operator Eric Taylor, also had Two 25W Full Color systems placed on a truss above the stage in order to shoot onto the downstage edge to create an all encompassing look for the performance.
Linkin Park took the stage to perform “Burn It Down.” Collaborating with Production Manager Jim Digby and Designer Travis Shirley, Pyrotek President Lorenzo Cornacchia, had three 7-ft. long Dragon Tail Units placed behind the industrial set to ignite the band from behind. Low Lying Fog units were inverted and placed within prop piping on stage left and of the band as they stood atop 5 ft. and 3 ft. risers across the stage. Inverted Gerb fans that held six 20 x 20 Silver Gerbs were hung center stage and raised the excitement of the end of the performance, bursting above the band.
Pyrotek worked with Creative Director Baz Halpin and Production Manager Harold Jones on Usher’s performance of his single “Scream.” The artist had the audience doing just that as 1 x 25 Silver Gerbs exploded over the set and Low Lying Fog was incorporated into his performance. Carrie Underwood performed “Blown Away” incorporating Low Lying Fog as well as Silver Technoflek confetti and eight Cryo Jets into her performance.
Cee Lo Green, joined by Goodie Mob performed “Fight to Win” and “Fight For Your Right” a tribute to The Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch who recently passed away. Double Headed Dragon units were used behind the four performers as they stood on risers spread out across the stage.
Nelly Furtado brought her “Big Hoops (The Bigger The Better)” to the crowd. Native American Hoop Dancers joined Furtado as she rose center stage on a lift using six Cryo Jets to create a rocket “lift off” look.
British band The Wanted brought their hits “Chasing the Sun” and “Glad You Came” to the Billboard stage. Low Lying Fog as well as Silver gerbs accented the excitement of the song and brought the crowd to its feet.
Designere Brian Freidman worked with The Wanted and also had a hand in creating the look of Justin Bieber’s performance, along with Production Manager Tom Marzullo. Bringing his single “Boyfriend” to the Awards stage for the first time, the number opened with blue emergency lights surrounding Bieber as he strutted and danced his way across the stage. The set – which included black lights and Low Lying Fog – also integrated multiple Silver Gerbs and Cryo Jets into this performance.
The 2012 Billboard Awards were watched by 7.4 million viewers. Crew Chief Bob Ross, Shooters Gary Bishop and Rory Jones and Pyrotechnicians Gregg Pearson, Mark Jones, and Kyle Priddy worked together to execute the massive show in the manner Pyrotek Special Effects is known for worldwide.
