Which one is right for your event?
We have received numerous 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 still loves a good fireworks show! Many people think laser shows and fireworks can be easily interchanged. While both experiences involve dazzling displays of light and require professionals to oversee the operations, the logistics and price structure of each are very different.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:
EOP wants to build long term relationships with our clients and partners. This means having your best interests in mind. The truth of the matter is that sometimes fireworks are a better option than laser shows and sometimes laser shows are the better option.That might mean EOP talking ourselves right out of a sale! But that is okay. We will give you honest information so you can make the decision that is best for your organization. We have heard about laser shows in places where they just did not fit and doing so damaged the laser show brand. That is not good for anyone in the long run. We'd rather earn your trust and wait for a particular event where EOP is a perfect fit!
PROS AND CONS:
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 services?" Any provider that tells you there are no limitations is either not being truthful with you, 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 service is better for you.
DIFFERENCE #1:
LASER SHOWS ARE VERY COST EFFECTIVE WHEN RUN FOR MULTIPLE SESSIONS/NIGHTS
Fireworks are an expendable product. If you have a fireworks show, your quote is highly dependent on how long your show will last. If you want a longer show, you need to buy more fireworks. If you want to run a show multiple nights, you need to buy more fireworks. They are one use only.
Lasers are a fixed asset, or investment, that a laser show company shall use for several years. Unlike fireworks, the overhead 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, one customer asked us with 30 minutes notice if we could run an unscheduled show later that same night for their workers who never got to see it. We were able to accommodate at no extra charge!!!!
Therefore, it is common to see the rate for additional nights be significantly less than the first night. The lasers you have rented are yours for the week, the show has already been designed and saved into a computer, and set-up/take-down labor is the same rate whether your show is 10 minutes or 10 straight nights.
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!)
While this can be a strength, it can also be a limitation. If you just need a one-time 10-15 minute laser show, the rate might feel expensive for such a short time. That is because these fixed costs 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!
DIFFERENCE #2:
Lasers do not use any pyrotechnics, often allowing for indoor usage, or outdoors in dry weather.
If you have an indoor rain venue, or any indoor event, laser shows are often very possible options. Since there are no pyrotechnics, laser shows can also be run safely outdoors even if your area has been very dry.
DIFFERENCE #3:
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 need to be 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 #4:
Laser Shows can be customized to fit a variety of themes.
The biggest behind the scenes work on a labor show is the design of your laser show. Our laser designers spend countless hours choreographing every laser at your show to every second of music. This is what makes the show so spectacular. The viewers see amazing colors and can appreciate the creativity of the designer synchronizing these colors to the music being played!
This allows for different themes to be possible. Themes can range from Christmas/holiday, 80s and 90s, country, Top 40, Christian Rock, One Hit Wonders, or any other theme you can imagine!
DIFFERENCE #5:
Lasers can project in light to moderate rain.
Assuming no thunderstorms, lasers can be weatherproofed so that your show can run in the rain! In fact, the show is enhanced when the laser beams hit the thousands of rain droplets and natural fog in the air! The same show you saw the night before can look totally different in the rain.
DIFFERENCE #6:
Lasers are projected mostly horizontal, while fireworks are fired straight up. This means lasers must be set up close to where people will be viewing them.
This is a very significant difference if you are thinking about replacing a fireworks show with a laser show. Many first time laser show clients are under the impression that we will set up and run the show from the same location previous firework shows have been set up.
To our knowledge, fireworks and drone shows are the only entertainment options available that can be seen for miles around in any direction.
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up. It would not be safe for aircraft and there would be no view of the show. Laser beams by themselves are not very visible without the use of fog/haze machines. Think of a laser pointer -- the beam is there, but it is not visible to the human eye until you see the red dot on the wall. (But if you turn out the lights and fill your area with haze, that beam will become very visible!)
Laser shows are projected horizontally out over the audience. Fog/haze machines are strategically placed to create particles in the air, which make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. While projected safely over everyone, it is not uncommon to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" As one client said "They look the Northern Lights!" Lasers create a huge wow factor for people within the viewing area.
This strength can also be a limitation. From an audience positioning standpoint, a laser show is much more similar to watching a band than a fireworks performance. Since lasers do not fire upwards into the sky, there is not a 360 degree view and they are not visible from miles away. This means participants must be at the venue in order to see the show. If you are replacing fireworks, it may take time for people to get used to needing to be at the venue as opposed to being able to walk out on their porch, the beach, or a top of a hill to watch.
This also means the laser set-up will be relatively close in proximity to where the people are going to be positioned. Unlike fireworks, we will not set up in a field several hundred yards away. If there is other entertainment happening, our set up time needs to be planned in advance to avoid interfering with other acts. We will also need to "share the space" with other entertainers while positioning lasers according to FAA specifications. With that said, we are used to this, we "play nice with others", and any logistical concerns can typically be resolved by having a group phone call with all other entertainment providers in advance. This ensures there are no surprises on the day of the event.
Viewer position during a laser show is also important. Like a band, you would never put viewers behind the stage or way off to the side. The same is true with a laser show. Since lasers project horizontal, views from behind and from the side are limited and should never be used as a seat or a spot. So people cannot just watch from anywhere.
Lastly, like fireworks, any ambient light will take away from your show. You will want to be able to extinguish any nearby parking lights, street lamps, or other lighting sources that come on at night for the laser show portion of your evening. Bright ambient light will "wash out" your beautiful laser show.
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. Otherwise, it can create a negative impression of laser shows (Ex: I walked out on my porch and couldn't see a thing!)
Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about a profit sharing event together! We can plan a separate event together that actually increases the
We have received numerous 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 still loves a good fireworks show! Many people think laser shows and fireworks can be easily interchanged. While both experiences involve dazzling displays of light and require professionals to oversee the operations, the logistics and price structure of each are very different.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS:
EOP wants to build long term relationships with our clients and partners. This means having your best interests in mind. The truth of the matter is that sometimes fireworks are a better option than laser shows and sometimes laser shows are the better option.That might mean EOP talking ourselves right out of a sale! But that is okay. We will give you honest information so you can make the decision that is best for your organization. We have heard about laser shows in places where they just did not fit and doing so damaged the laser show brand. That is not good for anyone in the long run. We'd rather earn your trust and wait for a particular event where EOP is a perfect fit!
PROS AND CONS:
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 services?" Any provider that tells you there are no limitations is either not being truthful with you, 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 service is better for you.
DIFFERENCE #1:
LASER SHOWS ARE VERY COST EFFECTIVE WHEN RUN FOR MULTIPLE SESSIONS/NIGHTS
Fireworks are an expendable product. If you have a fireworks show, your quote is highly dependent on how long your show will last. If you want a longer show, you need to buy more fireworks. If you want to run a show multiple nights, you need to buy more fireworks. They are one use only.
Lasers are a fixed asset, or investment, that a laser show company shall use for several years. Unlike fireworks, the overhead 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, one customer asked us with 30 minutes notice if we could run an unscheduled show later that same night for their workers who never got to see it. We were able to accommodate at no extra charge!!!!
Therefore, it is common to see the rate for additional nights be significantly less than the first night. The lasers you have rented are yours for the week, the show has already been designed and saved into a computer, and set-up/take-down labor is the same rate whether your show is 10 minutes or 10 straight nights.
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!)
While this can be a strength, it can also be a limitation. If you just need a one-time 10-15 minute laser show, the rate might feel expensive for such a short time. That is because these fixed costs 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!
DIFFERENCE #2:
Lasers do not use any pyrotechnics, often allowing for indoor usage, or outdoors in dry weather.
If you have an indoor rain venue, or any indoor event, laser shows are often very possible options. Since there are no pyrotechnics, laser shows can also be run safely outdoors even if your area has been very dry.
DIFFERENCE #3:
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 need to be 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 #4:
Laser Shows can be customized to fit a variety of themes.
The biggest behind the scenes work on a labor show is the design of your laser show. Our laser designers spend countless hours choreographing every laser at your show to every second of music. This is what makes the show so spectacular. The viewers see amazing colors and can appreciate the creativity of the designer synchronizing these colors to the music being played!
This allows for different themes to be possible. Themes can range from Christmas/holiday, 80s and 90s, country, Top 40, Christian Rock, One Hit Wonders, or any other theme you can imagine!
DIFFERENCE #5:
Lasers can project in light to moderate rain.
Assuming no thunderstorms, lasers can be weatherproofed so that your show can run in the rain! In fact, the show is enhanced when the laser beams hit the thousands of rain droplets and natural fog in the air! The same show you saw the night before can look totally different in the rain.
DIFFERENCE #6:
Lasers are projected mostly horizontal, while fireworks are fired straight up. This means lasers must be set up close to where people will be viewing them.
This is a very significant difference if you are thinking about replacing a fireworks show with a laser show. Many first time laser show clients are under the impression that we will set up and run the show from the same location previous firework shows have been set up.
To our knowledge, fireworks and drone shows are the only entertainment options available that can be seen for miles around in any direction.
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up. It would not be safe for aircraft and there would be no view of the show. Laser beams by themselves are not very visible without the use of fog/haze machines. Think of a laser pointer -- the beam is there, but it is not visible to the human eye until you see the red dot on the wall. (But if you turn out the lights and fill your area with haze, that beam will become very visible!)
Laser shows are projected horizontally out over the audience. Fog/haze machines are strategically placed to create particles in the air, which make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. While projected safely over everyone, it is not uncommon to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" As one client said "They look the Northern Lights!" Lasers create a huge wow factor for people within the viewing area.
This strength can also be a limitation. From an audience positioning standpoint, a laser show is much more similar to watching a band than a fireworks performance. Since lasers do not fire upwards into the sky, there is not a 360 degree view and they are not visible from miles away. This means participants must be at the venue in order to see the show. If you are replacing fireworks, it may take time for people to get used to needing to be at the venue as opposed to being able to walk out on their porch, the beach, or a top of a hill to watch.
This also means the laser set-up will be relatively close in proximity to where the people are going to be positioned. Unlike fireworks, we will not set up in a field several hundred yards away. If there is other entertainment happening, our set up time needs to be planned in advance to avoid interfering with other acts. We will also need to "share the space" with other entertainers while positioning lasers according to FAA specifications. With that said, we are used to this, we "play nice with others", and any logistical concerns can typically be resolved by having a group phone call with all other entertainment providers in advance. This ensures there are no surprises on the day of the event.
Viewer position during a laser show is also important. Like a band, you would never put viewers behind the stage or way off to the side. The same is true with a laser show. Since lasers project horizontal, views from behind and from the side are limited and should never be used as a seat or a spot. So people cannot just watch from anywhere.
Lastly, like fireworks, any ambient light will take away from your show. You will want to be able to extinguish any nearby parking lights, street lamps, or other lighting sources that come on at night for the laser show portion of your evening. Bright ambient light will "wash out" your beautiful laser show.
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. Otherwise, it can create a negative impression of laser shows (Ex: I walked out on my porch and couldn't see a thing!)
Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about a profit sharing event together! We can plan a separate event together that actually increases the
Laser Beam Show
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Laser Graphics/Animation Show
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DIFFERENCE #4:
Laser Shows can be customized to fit a variety of themes because much of the work is done in advance of the show.
The biggest behind the scenes work on a labor show is the design of your laser show. Our laser designers spend countless hours choreographing every laser to every second of music. This is what makes the show so spectacular. The viewers see amazing colors and can appreciate the creativity of the designer synchronizing these colors to the music being played!
This allows for different themes to be possible. Themes can range from Christmas/holiday, 80s and 90s, country, Christian Rock, One Hit Wonders, or any theme you can imagine!
DIFFERENCE #5:
Lasers can project in light to moderate rain or even snow.
Assuming no thunderstorms or heavy winds, lasers can be weatherproofed so that your show can run in the rain or snow! In fact, the show is enhanced when the laser beams hit the thousands of rain droplets or snow flakes and natural fog in the air! The same show you saw the night before can look totally different in the rain or snow!
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A Christmas laser show in Pittsburgh, PA is made even better when it started to snow!
DIFFERENCE #6:
An excellent laser show is customized to fit your venue, viewing area, and your budget. They are not a "one size fits all."
We have an entire page on site visits and getting quotes for laser shows. The size of your venue and the area where people are located will have an impact on how much laser brightness (known as wattage) and how many lasers are needed to deliver a high quality show at your venue. The wider your viewing area, the more lasers you need to fill the space. The longer your viewing area, the more powerful, or higher wattage, lasers you need.
Laser show can be also be scaled up or scaled down to a point, in order to meet a certain budget. For example, we may find a venue where 5 lasers would be sufficient, but 9 lasers would look amazing! We do not want to give you only the cheapest option if you want to deliver the biggest wow factor. We also do not want to give you options that are beyond your price range.
HOW EOP CAN HELP?
We may ask for an approximate budget so that we can present options that are practical for your needs and goals. If possible, we try to do an on-site visit so we can give you the most accurate quote possible. We do not want to sell you more than you need, however, we also want you and your participants to love your first laser show!
DIFFERENCE #7:
Laser set up is close in proximity to the audience.
Unlike fireworks, we will not set up hundreds of yards away. If you are including a laser show as part of other entertainment, we will often be setting up on the same stage as your bands or other performers. So we may have to coordinate set-up time so that we are not interfering with another act. We also will need to share the space. We always play nice with others so long as we can set up lasers according to FAA specifications and laser safety guidelines.
DIFFERENCE #8:
Lasers are projected horizontally, while fireworks are fired vertically, or straight up.
This is a very significant difference if you are thinking about replacing a fireworks show with a laser show. Many first time laser show clients are under the impression that we will set up and run the show from the same location previous firework shows have been set up.
To our knowledge, fireworks and drone shows are the only entertainment you can provide that can be seen for miles around in any direction. (Tell us if we have forgotten something!)
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up. It would not be safe for aircraft and there would be no view of the show. Unless it is a foggy night, laser beams by themselves are not very visible without the use of fog/haze machines. Think of a laser pointer -- you can see the red dot on the wall but you can't see the beam traveling in space. The beam is there, but it is not visible to the human eye. (But if you turn out the lights and fill your area with haze, that beam will become very visible!)
Laser shows are projected horizontally over the audience. Fog/haze machines are strategically placed to create particles in the air, which make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. While projected safely over everyone, it is not uncommon to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" As one client said "They look the Northern Lights!" Lasers create a huge wow factor for people in the viewing area.
This strength can also be a limitation. From an audience positioning standpoint, a laser show is much more similar to watching a band than a fireworks performance. Since lasers do not fire upwards into the sky, there is not a 360 degree view and they are not visible from miles away. This means viewers cannot just watch from anywhere. They must be at the venue within the viewing area to see the show. Like a band, you would never put viewers behind the stage or way off to the side. The same is true with a laser show. Since lasers project horizontal, views from behind and from the side are limited and should not be used as a seat or a viewing area.
If you are trying to replace fireworks, it may take time for people that have grown accustomed to just walking out on their porch, the beach, or to a top of a hill to adjust to this significant difference.
HOW EOP CAN HELP:
EOP will help you make this transition. We will include videos of amazing laser shows and other marketing materials explaining the need for this transition at no extra cost. You can then distribute those to your viewers so they know of the changes in advance!
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. Otherwise, it can create a negative impression of laser shows (Ex: I walked out on my porch and couldn't see a thing!)
Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about a profit sharing event together!
An excellent laser show is customized to fit your venue, viewing area, and your budget. They are not a "one size fits all."
We have an entire page on site visits and getting quotes for laser shows. The size of your venue and the area where people are located will have an impact on how much laser brightness (known as wattage) and how many lasers are needed to deliver a high quality show at your venue. The wider your viewing area, the more lasers you need to fill the space. The longer your viewing area, the more powerful, or higher wattage, lasers you need.
Laser show can be also be scaled up or scaled down to a point, in order to meet a certain budget. For example, we may find a venue where 5 lasers would be sufficient, but 9 lasers would look amazing! We do not want to give you only the cheapest option if you want to deliver the biggest wow factor. We also do not want to give you options that are beyond your price range.
HOW EOP CAN HELP?
We may ask for an approximate budget so that we can present options that are practical for your needs and goals. If possible, we try to do an on-site visit so we can give you the most accurate quote possible. We do not want to sell you more than you need, however, we also want you and your participants to love your first laser show!
DIFFERENCE #7:
Laser set up is close in proximity to the audience.
Unlike fireworks, we will not set up hundreds of yards away. If you are including a laser show as part of other entertainment, we will often be setting up on the same stage as your bands or other performers. So we may have to coordinate set-up time so that we are not interfering with another act. We also will need to share the space. We always play nice with others so long as we can set up lasers according to FAA specifications and laser safety guidelines.
DIFFERENCE #8:
Lasers are projected horizontally, while fireworks are fired vertically, or straight up.
This is a very significant difference if you are thinking about replacing a fireworks show with a laser show. Many first time laser show clients are under the impression that we will set up and run the show from the same location previous firework shows have been set up.
To our knowledge, fireworks and drone shows are the only entertainment you can provide that can be seen for miles around in any direction. (Tell us if we have forgotten something!)
Unlike fireworks, lasers are NEVER fired straight up. It would not be safe for aircraft and there would be no view of the show. Unless it is a foggy night, laser beams by themselves are not very visible without the use of fog/haze machines. Think of a laser pointer -- you can see the red dot on the wall but you can't see the beam traveling in space. The beam is there, but it is not visible to the human eye. (But if you turn out the lights and fill your area with haze, that beam will become very visible!)
Laser shows are projected horizontally over the audience. Fog/haze machines are strategically placed to create particles in the air, which make the colors of the lasers explode overhead. While projected safely over everyone, it is not uncommon to see people raising their arms in an attempt to "touch the lasers!" As one client said "They look the Northern Lights!" Lasers create a huge wow factor for people in the viewing area.
This strength can also be a limitation. From an audience positioning standpoint, a laser show is much more similar to watching a band than a fireworks performance. Since lasers do not fire upwards into the sky, there is not a 360 degree view and they are not visible from miles away. This means viewers cannot just watch from anywhere. They must be at the venue within the viewing area to see the show. Like a band, you would never put viewers behind the stage or way off to the side. The same is true with a laser show. Since lasers project horizontal, views from behind and from the side are limited and should not be used as a seat or a viewing area.
If you are trying to replace fireworks, it may take time for people that have grown accustomed to just walking out on their porch, the beach, or to a top of a hill to adjust to this significant difference.
HOW EOP CAN HELP:
EOP will help you make this transition. We will include videos of amazing laser shows and other marketing materials explaining the need for this transition at no extra cost. You can then distribute those to your viewers so they know of the changes in advance!
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. Otherwise, it can create a negative impression of laser shows (Ex: I walked out on my porch and couldn't see a thing!)
Even if we are not the right fit for the specific event you had in mind, please call us and let's talk about a profit sharing event together!