Zambelli's show

Documentary delves behind scenes at fireworks company

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

Vindicator Entertainment Writer

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — “Secret World of Fireworks” isn’t the first television documentary to focus on Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. The New Castle company has seen its share of film crews over the years, and has been the star of several Fourth of July-related specials.

But “Secret World of Fireworks” is the definitive documentary on the science of fireworks. So says Dr. George R. Zambelli Jr., chairman of the company. “Secret World” will premiere at 10 p.m. tonight on National Geographic Channel, with repeats at 10 a.m. Friday and Sunday and 6 p.m. July 9.

“They dive into the engineering of fireworks and the innards of display,” said Dr. Zambelli.

Marabella Productions of New York, maker of the documentary, used high-speed photography to slow down the explosions. Many of the shots were filmed from helicopters, said Dr. Zambelli. In one scene, a rocket is fired through a shell as it explodes.

“Secret World” also discusses the science of making and firing a shell: the chemistry and propulsion. “All in high-definition,” said Dr. Zambelli.

The 60-minute documentary was filmed at the New Castle plant and at Zambelli shows in several cities in 2008. It sheds light on what it takes to put on one a massive show. Filmmakers followed Zambelli pyrotechnicians as they staged displays at Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve celebration; the ball drop in New York’s Times Square; the Independence Celebration at Mount Rushmore; the Kentucky Derby Festival; and Pittsburgh’s 250th birthday celebration, which featured a record 17 launch positions.

“They go into detail on how a show is choreographed and how it’s fired with computer equipment,” said Dr. Zambelli. It also explores closely-held secrets, recipes and techniques that the company has developed.

Four generations of the family-owned Zambelli Fireworks are depicted in the documentary. “It shows my Uncle Lou Zambelli, who is 83, making shells,” said Dr. Zambelli. “He still comes into the factory at 5 a.m. every day. It’s a labor of love for him.”

Dr. Zambelli’s son Jared is also shown in the special.

Zambelli Fireworks will produce about 800 fireworks shows of all sizes this Fourth of July weekend. “This program will give you a greater understanding of the care and attention that is always given, not only to the national shows, but also to your upcoming event, whether it is a community celebration or a daughter’s wedding,” said Dr. Zambelli.