ASEPO - Home

Welcome to the ASEPO website!

Mission Statement

ASEPO is a Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation.

The specific purposes of ASEPO are to:

• promote the science and improve the methods of special effects and pyrotechnic operators

• share information regarding safety and liability issues

• obtain and circulate information on these subjects

• secure the cooperation of its members and the business entities that utilize special effects and pyrotechnic operators

• establish proper safeguards against loss of life and property and address liability concerns

• interface with local, state and national administrative and governmental authorities with regard to legislation directed at the regulation and use of special effects and pyrotechnic materials and devices.

ASEPO is a professional organization created to serve the interests of all special effects and pyrotechnic operators, both union, non-union, in the United States and internationally.

ASEPO helps and represents not only the coordinator, but also those who do the work.

ASEPO is the only organization dedicated to looking out for your interests.

Without ASEPO's tireless efforts, many unwelcome regulations and standards would have been inflicted on the Special Effects Community and the entire Entertainment Industry.

ASEPO was founded in 1993 to give representation to the community of special effects professionals toward regulatory agencies and government organizations, and to protect our craft from unfair motion picture production liabilities. Together, we speak with a collective voice. We have since evolved close relationships with film industry officials and regulators, and prevented unnecessary overreach on many fronts.

ASEPO currently hold seats and representation on several industry bodies, including:

• Nation Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 140, 160, 1123, 1126

• State Fire Marshal Special Effects Advisory Committee (SEAC)

• Entertainment Services & Technology Association (ESTA)

• Safety Advisory for Fire & FX in Entertainment (SAFFE)

• IATSE Local 44 Executive Board

• CSATF Special Effects Qualifications Committee (SEQC)

We maintain this website as a hub for various information regarding safety, industry news, upcoming events, special effects documentation (State, ATF, DOT, NFPA), networking resources, and vendor information. We also maintain an accessible archive of newsletters from ASEPO, ATF, and more.

Our periodic newsletter covers current events and in-depth discussion of safety topics. Along with featured articles, recurring columns include industry updates, safety tips, product spotlight, and ASEPO events. We also send out occasional email blasts with more current alerts and updates.

We hold two popular social events each year – an outdoor Summer family picnic at the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum and an evening member’s banquet and meeting in a more formal and elegant setting. These events are free to members and their guests.

Our board of directors is comprised of special effects professionals who volunteer their time to keep vital information circulating amongst other professionals in our industry, and help keep them current on issues that matter. Support the organization that supports you.

Stay connected, stay informed, stay safe.