AT HEARING THE SOUND OF FIREWORKS IN the near distance, most people usually run to the doors and windows to see if they can catch a glimpse of a glittery show of shimmering lights livening up the evening sky. | | |
| | |  | | | | The sentiment is clear—somewhere, someone was celebrating an event, be it ushering in the New Year or superstitiously chasing away ghosts and ghouls. And though we may be miles away, when we feast our eyes on these brazen trails and bursts of colours erupting with thunderous bellows in the still of the night, we can’t help but feel included in the distant festivities. Yes, it’s certainly fun to watch the fi ery dance of fi reworks, and the darkness and quiet of night usually prevails all too soon. For Joe Ghazzal however, there’s always more where that came from.
There is an art to doing most things well in life. Accepting a compliment gracefully, preparing the perfect souffl é…‘sabering’ a bottle of champagne. Joe seeks to perfect the art of creating the ultimate musical fi reworks display to excite and captivate the senses of millions. With a fl air for the dramatic, he orchestrates a phenomenal visual and auditory rollercoaster ride by painting breathtaking landscapes of fi re and colour in the sky. “A brilliantly coordinated fi reworks display can hush the most boisterous crowds into a state of awe. It is a personal experience between a person and the environment, yet is shared collectively by thousands. There is no need for words, no explanation or narration required,” says Joe zealously. It’s impossible to disagree. As the lights zip across whiz heavens for our enjoyment, little else matters except that you’re part of something beautiful, complex and bigger than you.
WHEN OPPORTUNITY DOESN’T KNOCK, KNOCK FIRST
Joe Ghazzal discovered a penchant for entertaining the masses right after attending university. He worked as a DJ, spinning an eclectic blend of music for club goers. He was so good at it, he took his act on the road, travelling abroad to explore new surroundings. Joe reached a turning point in his career when he gained backstage access to renowned Las Vegas shows which attracted an endless stream of crowds by putting on over-the-top spectacles. Aristotle is credited for saying where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation. Well, Joe recognized early on that the world loved a good show of theatrical proportions, and he believed he had the talent to supply this. He founded and serves as CEO of Global2000, initially an integrated events management company that played an integral part in numerous special themed event productions.
The KLSE Building Launch, ASTRO Brand Launch, Mercedes Benz S-Class / EClass/ C class Launch, Formula 1 “Fantasia” Gala Dinner, Maxis launch, KL Tower Launch, Measat Satellite launch, Telekoms Malaysia new Corp Identity and re-branding launch and Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 2000 Opening Ceremony and the recent ECER (Eastern Corridor Economic Region) Petronas launch event makes up only a tiny fraction of Global’s outstanding portfolio.
More acclaim was gained for the splendid work done for clients Petronas, KLCC, Mandarin Oriental and Esso in organizing “Malaysia’s Magical Moments”, the country’s offi cial Millennium Countdown celebration at the KLCC Twin Towers. The countdown drew over 150,000 spectators and was viewed by millions of television viewers. The monumental event encompassed a stunning array of special effects such as a giant water screen that displayed Malaysia’s progress into the new millennium and a shower of fi reworks overhead choreographed with music. Simultaneously, ZERO Countdown was also in progress—on the runway of the Subang International Airport. Working with top producers from Europe and America, Global arranged a 3-dimensional journey of sound, lighting and overall visual brilliance for the 80,000 strong gathering of revellers welcoming in the New Year. The breezy, wide, fl at tarmac played host to a memorable party that boasted a unique digital clock in sync with a superb lightshow and ‘Armageddon-like’ fi reworks. ZERO was even net-cast worldwide by Rave World in Los Angeles to other world Millennium gatherings, which reinforced our patriotic feelings of ‘Malaysia Boleh’. | | |  | "A brilliantly coordinated fireworks display can hush the most boisterous crowds into a state of awe…" | | | |
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FAST FACTS ON FIREWORKS:
• Fireworks use black powder, also known as gunpowder. They are classed as low- level explosives in contrast to the infi nitely more powerful high explosives such as TNT and dynamite. In pyrotechnics, an oxidizer and a fuel react together to produce light. • The central tool in fi reworks is the shell or “bomb”. A bomb is usually round or cylindrical in shape, and it’s covered with a casing of cardboard and/or plastic and twine with a liftcharge beneath it made from black powder. • The design of each shell coupled with the blend of chemical ingredients determines its colour, animation, sound and fl ight pattern. • Deep blue and purple are the most difficult fireworks colours to create. The chemical reaction must be flawless because these colours have a very narrow band on the colour spectrum. Most pyrotechnicians agree that creation of the elusive Deep Blue Flame is an infi nitely delicate process. • There are only about 100 top fireworks manufacturers in the world. Each company closely guards their secrets formulas. The chemical and powder recipes are often handed down through generations. |
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Putrajaya, the offical venue for MIFC; Official MIFC car; Zero Millennium 2000; KLCC Twin Towers Millennium 2000;
PM congratulates organiser and producer of MIFC, Joe Ghazzal;
Astro Brand Launch; Global Fun World Theme park at MIFC; |  | | | | |
SHUN CONTENTMENT, SEEK CHALLENGES As Joe’s expertise in this field grew, so did his popularity. Global developed a stellar reputation for providing business solutions that present companies in the most powerful way possible using creative hi-tech special effects and innovative approaches. But with all his dazzling genius, all Joe could think was, “What else can I do to achieve greater heights?” He’d had more than 20 years of executive management experience in both public and private high technology events covering a rich variety of market categories. He was even accredited with 2 International Event Awards presented by the Special Events Society of America. Driven by ambition and motivated by imaginative and radical concepts, Joe continued to dream big, knowing there were greater horizons to be conquered. He decided to begin work on an idea he had been mulling over since 2001— organizing a prestigious musical fireworks competition. “It did not escape my attention throughout my career that at any event, no matter how fantastic the proceedings, the climax of a fireworks display is always considered the main highlight. Few things can compare,” Joe says, with a twinkle in his eye. Indeed, fireworks can definitely spice up a celebration, unifying crowds from all cultures and backgrounds in one solitary purpose: to rejoice. As Joe is fond of saying, “It doesn’t only light up the sky, it lights up your heart too!” Organizing an international musical fireworks competition turned out to be a definitive way for the illustrious producer extraordinaire to take things to the next level.
MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION (MIFC 2007) After a year of planning, and with valued support from the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, Joe produced the first Malaysian International Fireworks Competition (MIFC 2007) in conjunction with Malaysia’s 50th Independence Day Anniversary on August 31st 2007. Joe engaged the services of Canadian-based Frank Furtado, who specialises in musical fireworks competitions, to be his co-producer. Furtado’s experience stems from two decades of generating similar events of international calibre in several Canadian cities, Mexico and South Africa. Joe was determined to ensure those who attended MIFC 2007 would remember the encounter for the rest of their lives. Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Tajuddin Abdul Rahman served as the Chairman of MIFC, and Putrajaya, the nation’s admin capital was chosen as the venue. Through a meticulous selection process, participating teams were handpicked from Australia, Malaysia, Italy and Japan. The countries were
| | |  | MIFC 2007 was one of the biggest international musical fireworks competitions in the world, attracting a flood of around
3.6 million locals and tourists combined | | | | | represented by Howard and Sons Pyrotechnics Pty. Ltd., Pyro-Splendour Services Sdn. Bhd., Parente Fireworks and Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co. Ltd. respectively. And the prize? The exalted Golden Merdeka Trophy aptly named to mark the milestone of Malaysia’s Golden Jubilee Celebration.
The inaugural MIFC 2007 ended up being one of the biggest international musical fireworks competitions in the world, attracting a flood of around 3.6 million locals and tourists combined. Words can’t begin to describe the intricacies of putting together an unprecedented two-week long affair of this magnitude. Among the esteemed sponsors were Maybankard, American Express, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa and Maxis. The Putrajaya International Convention Centre offered a stylish, relaxed setting with a range of dining options available and incredible views of the fireworks reflecting majestically on the glassy surface of the nearby lake. A carnival set up on the grounds functioned as a huge playground for children and adults, with a gorgeously lit Ferris wheel standing out surreally amongst the other amusement park rides. Over the course of a fortnight, each team showcased their considerable skills and personal styles during 20-minute-long fireworks extravaganzas which required months and months of painstaking effort and work to prepare. Joe couldn’t have hoped for a better turnout. People came in droves to gaze up in anticipation at the darkened sky, which seemed a convenient black velvet backdrop. Mesmerizing bursts of bright, meteoric fireworks weaved calculatedly through the air amidst rousing music, leaving sizzling tendrils of wispy smoke in their wake. The countless flashes from cameras held by eager lensmen both amateur and professional could in no way compete.
The designers actually used music as a starting point for the creation of the displays. How the artists interpreted the choice of music was evidenced by how pyrotechnics were utilized to represent rhythm and meaning. Different fireworks were deployed according to their aesthetic and technical characteristics. Timing was essential. Participants had to take into account the seconds (or fractions of a second!) between the time a piece is launched and when it is released in the sky while programming their advanced computerized firing systems. Displays were judged by a jury of local personalities based on the general concept in terms of presentation, structure and scale. Additionally, choice of colours, rhythm of fire and synchronisation of effects with the individually-selected pre-approved music were also considered. There were 2 shows per week, starting with Team Australia on August 18th, (which was also the night | | |
|  |  | | Though many nations stake claim to its invention, most historians agree fireworks were invented by the Chinese in the 9th century. The Chinese found that items commonly available in the kitchen, namely a combination of potassium nitrate or saltpeter (a salt substitute), sulphur (a flammable solid) and charcoal burned with a combustible force when ignited. But if enclosed in some way before ignition, these ingredients did not simply burn but exploded with a frightening din. To this day, the Chinese still use fireworks to ward off evil spirits and celebrate special occasions. Its infusion into the West began when Italy’s Marco Polo returned home from an excursion to the Far East. As early as 1532, Charles V, then ruler of the Holy Roman Empire used fireworks to mark military victories. In Europe, more sophisticated fireworks were increasingly used by royal families during wedding ceremonies, coronations etc. The entertainment was aimed at winning them the affections and devotion of their subjects. It was custom for Tsar Peter the Great to herald the New Year with an assortment of fireworks, while King Louis XIV enjoyed using them lavishly in the pleasure gardens of Versailles. In the 16th to 18th centuries, Italy and Germany emerged as the two leaders in constructing the best fireworks displays. |  |  | | Music was being incorporated into fireworks displays by the 18th century. To commemorate the signing of a peace treaty in London, England ending the War of the Austrian Succession, a fireworks display was planned. As ’Music for the Royal Fireworks’, a symphony devised by German-born composer George Friedrich Handel accompanied the luminescent, hissing fireworks, everyone was spellbound. In 1960, the French took on the intricate task of synchronizing fireworks to a sound track at Cannes. Inexplicably, after that, the style remained dormant until 1985, when it re-emerged with the introduction of an international fireworks competition in Canada. Perfect execution of this ‘theatre of fire’ continues to be the pinnacle of achievement for every fireworks enthusiast. | | | | |
| | | | | | |  | L-R: Stanley Tham from Team Malaysia, Team Japan representative, Minister of Tourism Malaysia YB Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, MIFC Producer and Global2000 CEO Joe Ghazzal, Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, MIFC Co-Producer Frank Furtado, Team Italy representative and MIFC Chairman YB Dato’ Haji Tajuddin Abdul Rahman. | | | | |
of the Opening Ceremony) followed by Team Malaysia on the 22nd. Team Italy performed on the 25th, while Team Japan performed on the same day of the Golden Countdown, August 30th. On non-competition nights, Team Global delighted spectators with musical fireworks sessions that surpassed anything ever produced in Malaysia. The Grand Finale on September 2nd which ran for 30 minutes included excerpts from each of the competitor’s presentations as well as a final section produced and performed by Global2000.
AUSTRALIA WINS 1ST PLACE AT MIFC 2007
Ultimately, the Golden Merdeka Trophy was claimed by Australia’s Howard and Sons Pyrotechnics Pty. Ltd., for their magnificent showcase themed “Aurora Australie”. Joe Ghazzal accepted the trophy from Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on their behalf during the grand closing ceremony. “I must say that the competition had brought colour and excitement to Putrajaya, which is usually rather quiet at night,” commented the Malaysian Prime Minister after the prize giving. Ecstatic to come in First Place amongst such tough competitors, Howard and Sons was pleased to rack up another star to its name. The Aussie pyrotechnics company’s past credits include the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge way back in 1932 by Howard Snr. and the opening of the Sydney Opera House by his successors Les and Syd Howard Jr. The Melbourne Commonwealth Games opening and closing ceremonies last year were one of its more recent works. Les has produced high quality fireworks since the 1960s when he designed a state of the art manufacturing plant in Sydney’s western suburbs. Another testament to the pyrotechnical prowess of this family-owned and run company is the fact that it won the highly sought after contract to supply fireworks to Disneyland and Disneyworld in the USA, the largest daily users of fireworks in the world.
A spokesperson for 2nd Place winner Parente Fireworks of Italy commented on the experience of participating in MIFC 2007, saying, “We have been taking part in musical fireworks competitions for more than a decade now. Our compliments go out to Joe of Global2000 for making the competition in Malaysia the best we have seen in terms of organization, production and location. We hope to participate in Malaysia in the future.” The well-executed competition undoubtedly enhanced the image of the country to the world, further defining Malaysia as being a force to be reckoned with. Malaysia’s Tourism Minister YB Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor conveyed kudos to Global for spotlighting the various attractions and facilities in the country, particularly in Putrajaya. Malaysia’s own contender Pyro-Splendour proved to be a fierce player. Founded in 1993, the company specializes in Outdoor Aerial Displays and Indoor Theatrical including Stage Effects. Its Managing Director
| | | | "There are unlimited branding and marketing options for those who can recognize the immense potential of being associated with a highly visible marketing vehicle such as MIFC."
| | |  | | Official MIFC Icon & Global Fun World Theme Park | | | | |
Tony Chung says he is looking forward to taking on the challenge from the world’s top Pyro-Musical competitors and showing them what Malaysia can do. “They may be in for quite a shock!” declared Chung, whose team has been involved in pyrotechnics since 1986. Pyro-Splendour owns 3 factories in China and manufactures for the UK, Canada and South East Asian countries. They share an excellent working relationship with Global2000 in their capacity to provide the best pyrotechnic assistance for major events.
THERE WILL ALWAYS BE DEMAND FOR FIREWORKS
Following the success of MIFC 2007 came the MidZone Countdown 2008 at Mid Valley City KL at the end of December 2007. Part and parcel of organizing the event of massive proportions which carried the theme “One World, One City, One Party” involved Global virtually transforming Mid Valley into a mini Las Vegas within a mere 2 weeks. Due to the location of the event being in close proximity to many tall buildings, a full-blown fireworks show was unworkable. After much scrutiny and deliberation, Joe nevertheless safely overcame this aspect by using roman candles and other suitable pyrotechnics to create an umbrella effect over Mid Valley City. Approximately RM300,000 worth of fireworks and pyrotechnics went off at the stroke of midnight in an amazing 15- minute cosmic display. The show was appreciatively received by the hyped-up New Year’s Eve thrill seekers. Joe then turned his attention back to MIFC, which he aims to make a yearly event. He is looking forward to more blooming floral patterns resembling chrysanthemums and gigantic palms, whirlwind patterns, showers of sparks that can be varied in terms of colour, texture and height and fireworks resembling meteors entering the earth’s atmosphere with tails blazing.
MIFC 2008 IS SET TO BE SENSATIONAL
The viability of MIFC 2007 relied mainly on various sponsorship partners, but this year, the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is the sole backer for the auspicious event. Needless to say, Tourism Malaysia is stepping up its promotion campaign for MIFC 2008, which will be the official closing of Malaysia’s Golden Jubilee Celebration. The Ministry has prepared an all-out strategy encompassing a domestic and international A&P campaign that ranges from tour packages to broadcast, print and outdoor advertising media. Joe is already confident that it will be the biggest international fireworks competition in the world. 10 top teams are being sourced across the globe, and there will likely be at least one competitor from each continent. Judging from the response last year, it is expected that up to 5 million locals and tourists will attend MIFC 2008 over the course of the event. Due to the increase in number of teams participating, the competition this year will go on for an entire month. This will allow essential intervals to provide each team adequate time for setting up their equipment. The venue remains unchanged from last year.
Joe emphasises that there are ample opportunities for advertisers to strengthen their presence and reinforce branding activities to generate new customers and keep their old ones. “For one thing, the audiences’ heightened sense of perception in this controlled environment creates leeway for increased recall due to the uniqueness of the engaging medium”, he explains. Emotional, psychological and subliminal associations between prominent brands and the immensely enjoyable experience predicted to materialize at MIFC 2008 cannot be discounted. Supplementary business opportunities and sales for the Brand and company are limited only by the imagination. Giant LED Screens, Food Stations and cafés, promotion kiosks, site tents, inflatables… there are unlimited options for those who can recognize the immense potential of being associated with a highly visible marketing vehicle such as MIFC 2008. With the epic nature of this world-class event, the amount of visibility is incalculable. Advertisers who understand the implications of making a bold statement and reaching out to a turnout estimated to be in the millions realize the benefits of capitalizing on the optimum exposure supplied by the organizers. An upmarket image and brand positioning as well as strong cultural, community and business values are related areas of differentiation.
Encouraged by countless expressions of support for musical fireworks, Joe is dedicated to making Global2000’s presence more pronounced on an international scale by producing his signature musical fireworks displays overseas. He is currently producing the Danang International Fireworks Competition (DIFC) in Vietnam to commemorate the country’s 33rd Independence Day celebration in March 2008. In January next year, Joe will be breaking new ground by producing a musical fireworks competition in the Middle East. Global2000 will also be opening offices in London, Tokyo and New York in 2009 to facilitate the production of more international standard projects in those regions. For all the flamboyant pageantry and precision Joe has perfected in the management and production of larger-than-life musical fireworks displays, it can all be boiled down to but one thing. Joe Ghazzal inspires us to recapture the incomparable feelings associated with the 10-second sparklers of our youth. Specifically, that one moment where we realize that if we focused real hard, were coordinated and worked quickly, as outrageous as it sounds, it is possible to see one’s name in lights suspended in midair. And it doesn’t necessarily take the wave of a ‘magic’ wand to do it.
| | |  | | Team Malaysia's Display-Pyro-Splendour | | | | First and foremost, biggest Thank You to our beloved Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who graciously officiated the Grand Closing ceremony for MIFC 2007. We were most proud to have him as our guest of honour. I would also like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia for giving us their valued support throughout. In addition, our esteemed MIFC Chairman, Dato Haji Tajuddin Abdul Rahman is lauded for his inexhaustible efforts in overseeing the success of MIFC. On behalf of Global2000, I humbly wish for Timbalan Menteri Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam Negeri Y.B Dato’ Fu Ah Kiow and the related departments in Putrajaya to accept my appreciation for their patience and hard work. These include Putrajaya Council, Putrajaya Holdings, Putrajaya Police Department, Putrajaya Bomba, Putrajaya Convention Centre, Bukit Aman, IPK, Bomb Squad Malaysia and the Department of Civil Aviation. To the main sponsors Cyberview Lodge Resort and Spa (Official Hotel) and Maxis (Official Telco) as well as supporting sponsors American Express and Maybankard, I say we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you for your cherished contributions and for believing in Global. Credit also goes to Hill Davenport (Official AV/ LED Screen) and Adamsons (Official Sound System) for enhancing the setting of MIFC 2007 with top-notch equipment. Of Frank Furtado, Co-Producer and Chief Judge of MIFC 2007, I can only say that I admire his generous spirit and feel privileged to have had his respected input while producing this event. Technical Director Patrick Brault and local Technical Support team comprising Tony Chung, Stanley Tham and Deric Tham also deserve a honourable mention. Not forgetting, the MIFC 2007 jury consisting of Joe Bradley (Boeing), Hijjas Kasturi (Hijjas Kasturi), Datin Putri Julie, Bodeng and Alan Johnson (Global2000). Last but not least, I want to thank Pyro- Splendour (Malaysia), Howard and Sons (Australia), Parente (Italy), Tamara Kitahara (Japan) and Team Global for their devoted participation. The time and energy they put into creating their masterpiece is most commendable. They certainly made their countries proud with their fantastic performances. To Andrew Howard of Howard and Sons, I admire your undivided commitment and wish your team hearty congratulations on their win! Here’s looking forward to MIFC 2008! Joe Ghazzal CEO, Global2000 Sdn. Bhd. Fireworks Website: www.mifc.com.my Event Website: www.globalcomm.com.my | |
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