Global Special Effects, formally known as Snowmasters Inc., is a special effects company headquartered in Lexington, Alabama. The firm, founded in 1992 by former magician Francisco Guerra, specializes in artificial snow, cryo, smoke, bubble and fog machines. The company's products have been used in music videos such as "Back to December" by Taylor Swift and "Mistletoe" by Justin Bieber, film productions such as Harry Potter and Lucky, television shows such as Fear Factor, and at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.[1]


On Sep 24, 2021, Francisco Javier Guerra Torres (owner) was indicted by a grand jury and arrested by federal agents with Homeland Security.[2] He is accused of federal money laundering charges.

History

The company was founded in 1992 after Francisco Guerra, a Cuban native who emigrated to the United States as a child, utilized a system for producing artificial snow to use in his magic shows.[1] Guerra developed a 98% water and 2% surfactant solution[3] which evaporates shortly after touching the ground,[1] known as Evaporative Snow. as well as machines to distribute the substance in various forms. Snowmasters has subsequently branched into other products, including fog, cryo, foam, smoke effects and bubble machines.

Products

Global Special Effects' main product offering is its proprietary artificial snow and range of snow machines, which sell for $1,500 to $5,000 each.[1] Subsidiary companies of Snowmasters include Flogos, whose machines produce floating shapes constructed from helium-filled soap bubbles.[4] Flogos has been contracted to produce Mickey Mouse shapes at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.[5] Another operating company, Foam Masters, manufactures foam machines for use at parties and auditoriums.[6]


See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Inventor of snowmaking machines full of ideas". Associated Press. USA Today. 3 November 2005. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  2. ↑ Kroschel, Matt (2021-09-24). "Shoals business owner faces federal money laundering charges". WAAY 31 News. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  3. ↑ Nakashima, Ryan (14 July 2007). "Vegas spa hopes cold therapy is hot". Associated Press. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  4. ↑ Thompson, Andrea (7 May 2008). "Company Makes Soap-Bubble Ads That Float in Air". Fox News. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  5. ↑ Cockcroft, Lucy (12 June 2008). "'Flogos', the corporate icons in the sky". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  6. ↑ "Foam Masters: About us". Foam Masters. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
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