Gabriel Legrand, technical excellence in service of creation
Behind every grand show, there is an invisible component: organization, precision, coordination.
RTL Belgium even took its viewers behind the scenes of the New Year’s Eve fireworks preparation in Brussels, illustrating the work carried out by our company’s teams to prepare this type of event.
At ARTEVENTIA, this essential mechanism largely relies on the work of Gabriel Legrand, the company’s General Manager, and his team.
While the artistic signature of the shows is driven by the artistic direction, their concrete realization, from the initial technical plan to the final firing, requires rigorous organization and perfect operational mastery.
In this regard, Gabriel Legrand plays a central role in the success of projects.
A passion passed on early
For Gabriel, pyrotechnics is not just a profession: it is a world in which he grew up.
Coming from a family already involved in this activity, he discovered the behind-the-scenes of shows very early on and naturally became familiar with the demands of the profession. This family transmission gradually nurtured a passion that would become a vocation.
One episode in particular marked his beginnings.
On a July 13th, his father called him to help a team experiencing difficulties with a fireworks display.
That day, he realized that by observing the work of his elders for years, he had already assimilated a great deal of knowledge. But above all, he discovered that he possessed a real aptitude for team coordination and the logistical management of a show.
A dimension of the profession that would never leave him.
International experience in Italy
Before joining ARTEVENTIA, Gabriel started in several pyrotechnic companies as a temporary worker. At 18, he went to Italy to work for Parente Fireworks, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of pyrotechnic products.
He joined the team dedicated to major international events and also participated in development and production activities within the factory.
This immersion allowed him to discover another dimension of the profession: the manufacturing of fireworks and the continuous search for new effects.
An experience that helped shape his technical vision of the show.
Progression within ARTEVENTIA
Gabriel Legrand joined ARTEVENTIA in 2014 as a project manager.
Two years later, he was appointed General Manager, before becoming a partner in 2021.
In this role, he directs all of the company’s operations and ensures coordination between the various trades involved in creating the shows.
His role is to guarantee:
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team organization
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technical preparation of shows
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operational implementation of projects
In other words, transforming an artistic vision into a concrete realization.
Managing the mechanics of shows
In the creative process, his involvement occurs at two key moments.
First, at the beginning of the project, when technical decisions are made based on the location, safety constraints, or budget.
Then at the end of the creation phase, when it comes to implementing the entire technical setup.
Firing setup, team coordination, logistics, safety: the success of a show largely depends on this preparation.
As he summarizes it himself:
“Technical excellence dedicated to creativity, to convey ever more emotions.”
Memorable shows
Over the years, Gabriel Legrand has participated in the creation of numerous shows in France and internationally.
Some projects remain particularly memorable, notably Montreal 2024 and the Fête du lac d’Annecy 2025, two events that symbolize the culmination of many years of work.
The specialized press has also taken an interest in this creation. The website Light Zoom Lumière notably reviews the show presented during the Fête du lac d’Annecy, describing a visual and poetic creation imagined around the theme of the moon.
The company’s recognition now extends far beyond the local sphere. In an article dedicated to ARTEVENTIA, Actu.fr thus refers to the team as true “Olympic champions of fireworks”, highlighting the successes achieved by the company in several international competitions.
But for Gabriel, the most moving shows are not always the biggest.
Events organized in his region, such as the Fête du Muguet in Rambouillet or the festivities of the town of Ablis, remain special moments: the audience is composed of relatives, friends, and local residents.
The importance of the collective
Beyond the shows themselves, what motivates Gabriel Legrand most is teamwork.
At ARTEVENTIA, he attaches particular importance to the human balance within the company. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can find their place and contribute fully to projects.
Over time, a true corporate culture has been established: an intergenerational team of pyrotechnicians and technicians, united by the same passion for entertainment.
“We have succeeded in creating a true family, composed of pyrotechnicians of all ages who love to work and spend time together.”
Between tradition and new technologies
Like the entire sector, pyrotechnics is currently undergoing profound changes.
Hybrid shows combining luminous drones, lasers, or architectural lighting open up new creative possibilities. Gabriel Legrand observes these developments with interest.
According to him, each technology brings a different dimension to the show.
When used intelligently and combined with pyrotechnics, they allow for the creation of increasingly immersive experiences.
A vision inspired by great builders
Outside of entertainment, Gabriel Legrand often draws his inspiration from the history of engineering and industry.
Figures like Gustave Eiffel embody for him a form of ideal: combining extreme technical rigor with strong aesthetic ambition.
An approach that particularly resonates with ARTEVENTIA’s philosophy, where technology always serves creation.
Excellence, creativity, human touch
If he had to summarize ARTEVENTIA in three words, Gabriel Legrand would choose:
Excellence.
Creativity.
Human.
Three values that reflect the spirit of the company and how the team designs each show.
Because behind the explosions of light and the emotions of the audience, there is always meticulous organization, a united team, and collective work.
And it is precisely this invisible mechanism that allows the magic to happen.
This article is part of the ARTEVENTIA Team Portraits series, which highlights the women and men who design and produce our shows.
Gabriel Legrand
General Manager — ARTEVENTIA
Responsible for the technical coordination and implementation of the company’s shows.
Specialties:
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technical direction of shows
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coordination of pyrotechnic teams
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event project management
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logistics and safety of shows
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