Today we’d like to introduce you to Basak Ozer.
Hi Basak, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, Basak Ozer is a world-class pyrotechnics expert, Creative Compliance Designer, and Hazmat Specialist whose career has spanned some of the biggest live productions in the music industry. From massive stadium tours to historic festival moments, her fingerprint is on many of the most iconic live visuals of the last decade.
Basak began her journey in artist management and live production before transitioning into special effects at ffp, one of the top companies in the global pyro industry. In 2024, ffp was nominated for Best Pyro Company at the Parnelli Awards, in part due to its groundbreaking work on the Morgan Wallen One Night at a Time Tour, where Basak played a key role on the design team. She was instrumental in implementing new effects for the 2024 leg of the tour — building upon the visual impact of the 2023 shows with even bolder, more complex pyro elements.
Basak quickly distinguished herself not only with her technical skills, but also her creative vision — playing a crucial role in designing effects that are visually breathtaking while staying within strict safety frameworks.
As a Creative Compliance Designer, she bridges the gap between creative ambition and regulatory safety. She ensures that explosive elements, flame projections, and other special effects are executed with maximum visual impact while fully compliant with local, federal, and international laws. Her meticulous work includes risk assessment writing, designing flame and pyro cues, and coordinating with creative directors, fire marshals, and permitting agencies to bring ambitious effects to life safely and legally.
In her parallel role as a Hazmat Specialist, Basak oversees all safety aspects of hazardous materials used in shows. She ensures proper permitting, trains staff on safety procedures, and is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and programming the specialized firing systems used. She also monitors transport compliance and environmental safety at all stages of production.
Basak holds several high-level certifications, including the ATF Federal Explosives License, the IATA Dangerous Goods Certificate (for air transport), and the DOT Hazardous Materials Certificate (for ground transport) — all of which are required for the Dangerous Goods her work involves.
Her expertise has powered shows for Kanye West, Lady Gaga, KISS, Drake, Rammstein, Avenged Sevenfold, Greta Van Fleet, and more. One of her biggest milestones was the KISS 2020 Goodbye show in Dubai, where she served as Lead Creative Compliance Designer and Main Pyro Specialist for a production that earned two Guinness World Records — including the highest flame projection ever used in a concert.
Basak’s work is equal parts art, science, and precision — and she continues to set new standards for safety, creativity, and technical mastery in live entertainment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. One of the biggest ongoing challenges is navigating the highly complex regulatory landscape of special effects and pyrotechnics. Every jurisdiction around the world has its own set of rules and requirements, and every fire marshal or authority having jurisdiction interprets them differently. It requires an immense amount of preparation, communication, and adaptability to ensure everything we do is compliant and safe, especially when we’re working under tight timelines.
On top of that, ffp isn’t the kind of company that takes on just any project. Artists come to us when they’re looking for something different — something that pushes boundaries and breaks away from the ordinary. That mindset means we’re constantly challenging ourselves to innovate while still operating within the strictest safety standards. It’s a creative and logistical balancing act every single time.
And of course, being a woman in the world of special effects and pyrotechnics has its own set of challenges. It’s a male-dominated space, and earning respect takes time, consistency, and showing up with both technical expertise and creative vision. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve grown stronger through every experience, and I’m proud to be where I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Hazmat Specialist and Creative Compliance Designer at ffp, one of the world’s leading companies for pyrotechnics and special effects in live entertainment. My work spans both the creative and technical sides — I make sure that every effect is used safely and legally, while also helping artists bring larger-than-life visions to the stage.
I handle the permitting process, coordinate with fire marshals and authorities having jurisdiction, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that all effects are not only spectacular but executed with the highest safety standards. I hold an ATF Federal Explosive License, as well as IATA Dangerous Goods and DOT Hazardous Materials certifications — both crucial for air and ground transport of the materials we work with.
On the creative side, I specialize in “creative compliance” — blending artistic vision with regulatory precision. I’ve had the honor of working closely with Nicolai Sabottka, the owner and creative force behind ffp, to design some of our most iconic effects, including: Sideways Shooting 50 ft Flames for KISS, Morgan Wallen logo in Flames, Flame Thrower Backpack for Rammstein to name a few.
What sets me apart is the combination of technical skill, safety leadership, and a deep appreciation for the emotional power of pyro. I don’t see effects as just flash and fire — I see them as another layer of storytelling onstage.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was trained as a classical pianist from age 7 to 15 — I’ve always been a live music lover, obsessive concert-goer, and basically allergic to anything boring. Back in Turkey, I working in a booking agency, so I’ve been in the entertainment world from multiple angles. These days, I’ve just moved to the other side of the stage — now I’m the one setting things on fire (on purpose).
I’ve always gravitated toward energy, emotion, and anything that leaves a lasting impression — whether it was playing Bach or now triggering a wall of fire during a stadium show. Being part of the crew that enhances live music with theatrical effects feels like the most full-circle (and honestly, way more fun) version of everything I loved growing up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ffp-fx.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffpfx/?hl=en
Image Credits
photo credit: nicolai sabottka
