Which one is right for your event?
We often receive inquiries as to whether a laser show can be a replacement for fireworks. Let us start with a disclaimer. Emerald Owl Productions does not provide fireworks. However, our EOP team still loves a good fireworks show.
Many people assume laser shows and fireworks can be easily interchanged. While both experiences involve dazzling displays of light, the logistics, execution, and price structure of the two experiences are very different. In fact, the only thing they might have in common is it must be dark outside before either can each start!
We often receive inquiries as to whether a laser show can be a replacement for fireworks. Let us start with a disclaimer. Emerald Owl Productions does not provide fireworks. However, our EOP team still loves a good fireworks show.
Many people assume laser shows and fireworks can be easily interchanged. While both experiences involve dazzling displays of light, the logistics, execution, and price structure of the two experiences are very different. In fact, the only thing they might have in common is it must be dark outside before either can each start!
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:
EOP wants to build long term relationships. This means having your best interests in mind. The truth is that sometimes fireworks are a better option and sometimes laser shows are a better option. That might mean EOP talking ourselves right out of a sale! But that is okay. We'd rather earn your trust and wait for an event where a EOP laser show is a perfect fit!
EOP wants to build long term relationships. This means having your best interests in mind. The truth is that sometimes fireworks are a better option and sometimes laser shows are a better option. That might mean EOP talking ourselves right out of a sale! But that is okay. We'd rather earn your trust and wait for an event where a EOP laser show is a perfect fit!
ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS
One of the first question you should ask any entertainment provider, regardless of service, is "What are the advantages (pros) and limitations (cons) of your experience?" Any provider that tells you there are no limitations is either not being truthful, or perhaps just never thought of it. Since we do not provide fireworks, we will not discuss the pros and cons of that industry. However, we can describe the differences between fireworks and laser shows, so you can determine which experience is better for your needs.
One of the first question you should ask any entertainment provider, regardless of service, is "What are the advantages (pros) and limitations (cons) of your experience?" Any provider that tells you there are no limitations is either not being truthful, or perhaps just never thought of it. Since we do not provide fireworks, we will not discuss the pros and cons of that industry. However, we can describe the differences between fireworks and laser shows, so you can determine which experience is better for your needs.
DIFFERENCE #1:
Laser shows are projected mostly horizontal, while fireworks are fired vertically straight up. This is a very significant difference and is why we list it first.
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up as there would frankly be no practical point or quality view of the show.
Laser beam shows are projected over and above the audience in the shape of a 'V." Fog/haze machines are often strategically placed to make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. It is common to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" although they are safely high enough. Lasers create a huge wow factor for people within the viewing area.
WHAT IS 'THE V?'
Since lasers do not project straight up, there is not a 360 degree view. This means participants must be inside the viewing area at your venue, which is typically shaped as a 'V' in order to have a great view of the show.
This is an advantage if you are selling tickets because people cannot see the show from outside the viewing area. However, this will be a limitation if you want a free event that people can watch from miles around in all directions.
Laser shows are projected mostly horizontal, while fireworks are fired vertically straight up. This is a very significant difference and is why we list it first.
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up as there would frankly be no practical point or quality view of the show.
Laser beam shows are projected over and above the audience in the shape of a 'V." Fog/haze machines are often strategically placed to make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. It is common to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" although they are safely high enough. Lasers create a huge wow factor for people within the viewing area.
WHAT IS 'THE V?'
Since lasers do not project straight up, there is not a 360 degree view. This means participants must be inside the viewing area at your venue, which is typically shaped as a 'V' in order to have a great view of the show.
This is an advantage if you are selling tickets because people cannot see the show from outside the viewing area. However, this will be a limitation if you want a free event that people can watch from miles around in all directions.
Is your audience in "The V?" Notice each laser is projected in a V shape -- the more lasers you have, the more V's, and the wider your viewing area.
DIFFERENCE #2:
Lasers do not use any pyrotechnics of any kind.
This often allows for indoor shows. It can also allow for outdoor shows when there are dry conditions or you are in close proximity to homes and other structures.
Lasers do not use any pyrotechnics of any kind.
This often allows for indoor shows. It can also allow for outdoor shows when there are dry conditions or you are in close proximity to homes and other structures.
DIFFERENCE #3:
Lasers can project in light to moderate rain, snow and wind.
Advantages:
1) Assuming no thunderstorms, your show can run in the rain or snow. In fact, the view is actually enhanced when laser beams hit the thousands of rain droplets or snowflakes in the air! The same show you saw the night before can look totally different in the rain or snow!
2) Since laser shows are programmed to project in precise locations, they can safely run in moderate to strong wind conditions, although fog/haze coverage might be impacted. Very strong winds may cause an issue if we determine the lasers cannot be safely secured onto raised stands or truss.
Lasers can project in light to moderate rain, snow and wind.
Advantages:
1) Assuming no thunderstorms, your show can run in the rain or snow. In fact, the view is actually enhanced when laser beams hit the thousands of rain droplets or snowflakes in the air! The same show you saw the night before can look totally different in the rain or snow!
2) Since laser shows are programmed to project in precise locations, they can safely run in moderate to strong wind conditions, although fog/haze coverage might be impacted. Very strong winds may cause an issue if we determine the lasers cannot be safely secured onto raised stands or truss.
A Christmas laser show in Pittsburgh, PA is made even better when it started to snow!
DIFFERENCE #4:
Lasers make no noise. Laser Shows are choreographed to music.
Laser shows do not have loud booms as there are no explosions. In fact, lasers are silent. Depending on your needs, we will bring a FM transmitter, sound system, or both, so the audience can hear the music.
Our laser show designers spend hours in advance choreographing each laser to every second of music. This is what makes a well designed laser show so spectacular. Viewers see amazing colors and can appreciate the creativity of the designer synchronizing these colors to the music being played!
Advantages:
1) If noise ordinances are a concern, a FM transmitter is the answer. Our drive-in laser shows can have no outdoor sound since everyone is listening in their cars.
2) Different themes can range from Christmas/holiday, 80s and 90s, country, Top 40, Christian Rock, One Hit Wonders, or any other theme you can imagine!
3) Customized shows are possible. For example, we had a client in Pittsburgh, PA who requested a "Steelers fight song" at the end of the performance.
Lasers make no noise. Laser Shows are choreographed to music.
Laser shows do not have loud booms as there are no explosions. In fact, lasers are silent. Depending on your needs, we will bring a FM transmitter, sound system, or both, so the audience can hear the music.
Our laser show designers spend hours in advance choreographing each laser to every second of music. This is what makes a well designed laser show so spectacular. Viewers see amazing colors and can appreciate the creativity of the designer synchronizing these colors to the music being played!
Advantages:
1) If noise ordinances are a concern, a FM transmitter is the answer. Our drive-in laser shows can have no outdoor sound since everyone is listening in their cars.
2) Different themes can range from Christmas/holiday, 80s and 90s, country, Top 40, Christian Rock, One Hit Wonders, or any other theme you can imagine!
3) Customized shows are possible. For example, we had a client in Pittsburgh, PA who requested a "Steelers fight song" at the end of the performance.
DIFFERENCE #5
Laser Show Footprint Is Much Closer to the Audience
Unlike fireworks, we will not set up in a field several hundred yards away. If there is other entertainment, our set up time needs to be planned accordingly to avoid interfering with other acts. We may need to "share the space" with other entertainers while positioning lasers according to FAA specifications. We "play nice with others", and logistical concerns can typically be resolved by having a phone call with all other entertainment providers in advance. This ensures there are no surprises on the day of the event.
Laser Show Footprint Is Much Closer to the Audience
Unlike fireworks, we will not set up in a field several hundred yards away. If there is other entertainment, our set up time needs to be planned accordingly to avoid interfering with other acts. We may need to "share the space" with other entertainers while positioning lasers according to FAA specifications. We "play nice with others", and logistical concerns can typically be resolved by having a phone call with all other entertainment providers in advance. This ensures there are no surprises on the day of the event.
DIFFERENCE #6:
Lasers can do more than one thing and can create very different experiences.
There are two types of laser shows:
1) A Beam show focuses on choreographed beams of light projecting over the heads of your audience. This is usually a bigger wow factor and can easily last 30 minutes or a bit longer. No screen or surface to project onto is necessary, however, fog/haze machines are almost always necessary.
2) A Graphics/Animation show focuses on animations, characters, and sometimes tells a story. We find these are better when shorter in length as the "wow factor" for the average viewer wears off faster. No fog/haze machines are needed, however, a screen or surface to project onto that can be seen by all in attendance is necessary.
Yes, it is possible to combine a beam and graphics show!
Lasers can do more than one thing and can create very different experiences.
There are two types of laser shows:
1) A Beam show focuses on choreographed beams of light projecting over the heads of your audience. This is usually a bigger wow factor and can easily last 30 minutes or a bit longer. No screen or surface to project onto is necessary, however, fog/haze machines are almost always necessary.
2) A Graphics/Animation show focuses on animations, characters, and sometimes tells a story. We find these are better when shorter in length as the "wow factor" for the average viewer wears off faster. No fog/haze machines are needed, however, a screen or surface to project onto that can be seen by all in attendance is necessary.
Yes, it is possible to combine a beam and graphics show!
DIFFERENCE #7
Laser Shows Are Very Cost Effective When Run For Multiple Sessions/Nights
Fireworks are expendable. If you have a fireworks show, your quote is highly dependent on how long your show will last. If you want a longer show or multiple nights, you need to buy more fireworks.
Lasers are a fixed asset that our company uses for several years. Unlike fireworks, the overhead costs of a laser show is less dependent on the length of your show and more about how many lasers are necessary to fit your viewing area. In fact, once everything is set up and networked, it is quite inexpensive to run subsequent shows.
For example, we once had a customer indicate half the people missed the show due to a traffic jam. We simply played the show a second time at no extra charge!
The lasers are yours for the week, the show has already been designed, and set-up/take-down is the same amount of time whether your show is 10 minutes or 10 straight nights.
Advantage:
When you run a laser show multiple nights, these fixed costs are divided amongst more nights, making the nightly rate seem very reasonable (and potentially profitable for our clients!)
Limitation:
While this can be a strength, it can also be a limitation. If you need a one showing 10-15 minute laser show, the rate might feel high for such a short time. That is because the fixed costs to execute your show are the same regardlesss of your show length.
The example we often use is a t-shirt mold. The cost to design the shirt and create the mold is the same whether you print 3 shirts or 3,000 shirts.
With that said, we can often work out rates that are manageable even for one night shows. Our creativity in making numbers work for everyone is what we are all about doing! If you want a laser show, we want to work with you to make it happen!
FOLLOW UP:
Please give us a call if you have any questions. We would love to introduce you to the opportunity of laser shows. At the same time, we want to ensure that a laser show is the right fit for what you need. Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about the possibility of hosting a profit sharing event together!
Laser Shows Are Very Cost Effective When Run For Multiple Sessions/Nights
Fireworks are expendable. If you have a fireworks show, your quote is highly dependent on how long your show will last. If you want a longer show or multiple nights, you need to buy more fireworks.
Lasers are a fixed asset that our company uses for several years. Unlike fireworks, the overhead costs of a laser show is less dependent on the length of your show and more about how many lasers are necessary to fit your viewing area. In fact, once everything is set up and networked, it is quite inexpensive to run subsequent shows.
For example, we once had a customer indicate half the people missed the show due to a traffic jam. We simply played the show a second time at no extra charge!
The lasers are yours for the week, the show has already been designed, and set-up/take-down is the same amount of time whether your show is 10 minutes or 10 straight nights.
Advantage:
When you run a laser show multiple nights, these fixed costs are divided amongst more nights, making the nightly rate seem very reasonable (and potentially profitable for our clients!)
Limitation:
While this can be a strength, it can also be a limitation. If you need a one showing 10-15 minute laser show, the rate might feel high for such a short time. That is because the fixed costs to execute your show are the same regardlesss of your show length.
The example we often use is a t-shirt mold. The cost to design the shirt and create the mold is the same whether you print 3 shirts or 3,000 shirts.
With that said, we can often work out rates that are manageable even for one night shows. Our creativity in making numbers work for everyone is what we are all about doing! If you want a laser show, we want to work with you to make it happen!
FOLLOW UP:
Please give us a call if you have any questions. We would love to introduce you to the opportunity of laser shows. At the same time, we want to ensure that a laser show is the right fit for what you need. Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about the possibility of hosting a profit sharing event together!