Our Mission
Special FX 101 gives students a professional inside look at the special effects industry. Preparing you with
hands-on training and an understanding of the tools, equipment and hardware utilized, our classes offer the necessary
skills to become a special effects artist. If you are looking to expand your knowledge or to gain more experience,
Special FX 101 has the tools you need to succeed in the entertainment industry.
From giant fireballs and
car explosions to atmospheric, mechanical and physical effects, our school will teach you the nuts and bolts and
cutting edge techniques you need to jump-start a career in special effects.
Our Founders
Andy Nicholls
Andy’s continuing interest in theater and entertainment began in high school where he built and designed stage
sets,
operated stage lighting and worked in many “behind the scenes” areas. During summer vacations he worked with many general
contractors to gain knowledge and experience in the different facets of construction.
Graduated with a B.A. in
Technical Theater / Business Management from Stockton State College in New Jersey, Andy relocated to Orlando and worked as
a stage technician and pyrotechnician at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. He then moved to Disney MGM Studios where he worked as a
special effects technician to open the Epic Stunt Theater.
In 1990, Andy opened Orlando Special Effects and has
been providing Special Effects and Fireworks for films, television, sporting events and leading theme parks throughout the
world. Since 2000, Orlando Special Effects has also been providing Battlefield Special Effects for MOUT sites (Mobile
Operations on Urban Terrain) for the U.S. Army.
At Present, Andy is a representative on the National Fire
Protection Association Technical Committee for Special Effects. He is also a member of PGI (Pyrotechnics Guild International)
and FPAG ( Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild). Additionally, he often works as a consultant for local fire departments and
authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) providing training seminars that focus on pyrotechnics, special effects and
standards/ codes.
Ron Keller
With over a decade of entertainment and special FX experience, Ron’s education in the entertainment industry began in
high
school where he built and painted sets, worked on lighting plots and sound designs. After graduating, Ron attended the Joe
Blasco Make-up FX Center in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Joe Blasco and continued on to work for Mount Hope
Productions / Mazza vineyards where he was the special FX coordinator gaining eight years of knowledgable experience.
During his eight years in Pennslyvania, Ron attended various workshops, seminars, classes and tech schools which
included: mold making courses, rigging courses, electronics courses, physics classes, welding classes, fabrication classes,
robotics classes, computer classes for programming, firearms and safety courses.
Ron moved to Orlando, Florida in
2000 and opened KFX, a full-service company that caters to the action industry providing one-stop shopping for all their
special FX, stunts, firearms and rigging needs.
KFX has been credited with working with the following television
networks: ABC, CBS, History Channel, Learning Channel, Discovery Channel, The Encore Network, MTV and Telemundo. KFX has also
worked with: NFL, Pepsi, Visa, AT&T and many more. Among KFX’s film credits are Monster, Darkness and Stephen King’s Red
Rose. Ron’s company has shot pyro for the Daytona 500, Supercross Championship, Orlando Predators and has also shot pyro for
various musician’s on tour.
Through Ron’s various affliations and accredations, he continues to gain the essential
continuing education to stay competively knowledgable in the entertainment business. Ron belongs to PGI (Pyrotechnics Guild
International), FPAG (Florida Pyrotechnic Arts Guild), NRA (National Riffle Association).
