Explosive Personality

Special Effects

 
His prior music experience became an asset for the company when Chuck started to digitally edit the music for Grucci’s musically choreographed firework shows. Being able to keep this process in-house instead of the usual out-sourcing meant quicker turn a round times and a more expansive and varied catalogue. Beside being a pyrotechnician for the company Chuck also helped design events, on-site Producer for fireworks productions as well as coordinating the logistics involved with executing some the biggest events during this period of time. A lot was learned during Chuck’s time with the Grucci’s, however he still wanted to broaden his knowledge in his chosen career. After leaving Fireworks By Grucci, Chuck started to work with Drew Jiritano Special Effects (DJFX). Drew’s forte is primarily in the Film and Television realm. An area Chuck was excited to delve into. “My experiences with Drew have been invaluable, and I truly consider him my mentor in the field of “Physical Movie Special Effects.” From Rain to Snow, Squibs (Blood bags) to Car Explosions, I’ve done it all with the guidance of Drew. To this day, he is still one of my closest friends”. The year 1997 seemed to be a good year for a change, and Chuck felt the time was right to give it a shot in Los Angeles. However, the town was not as receptive regardless of Chuck’s prior experience. After an 11 month stint in L.A., he decided to head back to N.Y.C. But not before a stop in Las Vegas to visit friends. While in Vegas, Chuck found himself at work within a week! Not long after, Chuck started working on a production and found himself re-designing the pyrotechnics for “Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance”. The road show was being adapted for a sit-down production at New York, New York Hotel. Now living in Las Vegas, Chuck stayed with the production for 4 months before returning to NYC for a short stint with the “Radio City Christmas Show” for DJFX. Chuck continued to do the Radio City show annually for Drew from 1996-2003. Between this period of time Chuck found himself touring with the likes of “Jay-Z”, “DMX”, “Iron Maiden”, “Godsmack” and “Metallica/Limp Bizkit” to name a few, as well as working on Movies, Music Videos and Television. Not to mention numerous Corporate events. It’s been a long and fulfilling road for Chuck Khoury. Avoiding the “Status-Quo” and thinking “Outside the Box” has helped him come into his own as it relates to the design factor. Chuck has established himself as one of the premiere “Go-to” individuals in Las Vegas with production shows like “Lord Of The Dance”, “STORM”, “We Will Rock You”, “Curtis Adams-ADRENALINE”, “Hans Klok, The Beauty of Magic” and currently “PHANTOM - The Las Vegas Spectacular” under his belt. Explosive Personality Special Effects will supply your Theatrical, Film, Television and Video production with quality Special Effects and all the professionalism and experience you deserve and expect.
Explosive Personality Special Effects was founded by Chuck Khoury, FX Designer and Pyrotechnician. Originally from New York, Chuck’s experience spans 30 + years in the field of pyrotechnics. His introduction to “Hands on” pyrotechnics was more out of necessity than anything else. An avid fan of rock music while growing up during the 1960’s & ’70’s, Chuck developed a keen interest in the elaborate stage shows of this era. So when Chuck started performing music professionally during the early 1980’s, it was natural for him to seek out the “Tricks of the Trade” as it related to putting on an impressive stage show. At the time, Flash Paper and Flash Powder were the only products readily available at the local magic stores. Along with “Stage smoke,” this primarily made up the early stage shows. But Chuck wanted more. This led him to Peter Cappadocia (a.k.a. “Pyro Pete” as he’s know throughout the industry), a friend involved with the local rock club and touring scene. Pete at the time was the pyrotechnician for the most unique, outlaw N.Y.C. Punk/Metal band of the time. . .THE PLASMATICS. Having become friends with Pete through the local rock club scene, Pete showed Chuck essential safety concerns regarding indoor pyrotechnics, making the different equipment needed to execute a pyro show and the different pyrotechnic materials of the time. . .this was 1982. Before long, Chuck and his bands we’re putting on some of the best stage shows in the area. This attracted attention from other local bands who would hire Chuck to design and perform stage pyrotechnic shows for there bands. Unfortunately in the late 80’s another local act, inexperienced with the use of pyrotechnics, had an accident and injured some spectators and crew. In the wake of this event, Chuck concentrated on his music career until leaving music in 1991. Luckily, Chuck’s transition from music lead him to the world renown firework company “Fireworks By Grucci”. During Chuck’s 5 year tenure with the fireworks company starting as a shooter, he eventually became the company’s “Director of Show Productions”. Responsibilities with the Grucci’s were many, including managing in excess of 200 pyrotechnicians across the country.

Check out the Imdb.com links below:


Chuck Khoury: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1979179/

Chuck Khoury: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1328720/