32 of the three-second Line Rockets from Le Maitre's Prostage II range of professional pyrotechnics were used, running on 190ft lines across the front of the Empire. Line Rockets travel at high speed along a wire, emitting a loud whistling sound and creating a tail of brightly-coloured sparks. They were fired in volleys of eight and four, at 10-minute intervals. The doors of the première opened at 1.00pm and the guests were inside for 2.00pm, giving Thomas an hour to shoot blasts from the Cryo Jets as they made their way down the red carpet. Le Maitre's client, UIP, was reportedly thrilled with the effects and the celebrity guests were certainly impressed with the impact it gave to their arrival.
(Lee Baldock)
