BSTE History

Incorporated in December 2000, Back Stage Technologies (European division) was the first step in the International expansion plans of its sister company based in Florida, USA. Now a "stand-alone" design and production facility in its own right, BSTE has provided many spectacular special effects for clients throughout Europe and the World.

Headed-up by John Coller (Creative Director) and Nick Spells (Technical Director) together with Jeff Wade (CEO - USA) the Wiltshire based company specializes in repeatable special effects for theme parks, concerts and general entertainment applications and has received particular notoriety for its work in cryogenics and simulated flame systems.

FIRE, WATER, SMOKE & MIRRORS BSTE - Special Effects Specialists

Back Stage Technologies Europe (BSTE) turn imagination into reality!

We have been active in the SFX industry for over 12 years and have built a solid international reputation though our quality installations of cryogenic special effects, show action equipment and flame effects.

Over the years, we have produced a wide array of effects, both real and illusory, including liquid, wind ,lighting and mechanical effects.

Among other SFX, our workshop facility can produce set pieces, items like Ice Cannons, faux snow machines and effects not even dreamed up yet! Below are just an example of some of the effects our team have dreamt-up to date

Latest FX projects

The impressive catalogue of recent projects includes:

Working on the 'Bubble Tap' advert for O2 (watch here)

UK distributor for LaserWorld of Switzerland. In a move designed to bring high quality, low cost, laser systems to the UK theme park industry.

UK distributors of RetroScent Fragrance systems. These professional fragrance systems are specifically designed for theme parks, theatres, dark rides, concerts, hotels and other entertainment outlets as well as specific point-of-sale applications for in-store advertising.

Sony's 'Foam City' advert in which we designed, built and operated the largest portable foam generating system in the World.

The “Pirates of Mutiny Bay” attraction at Alton Towers, UK
A 12m high, simulated, flame atop the 300m high Sports Tower in Qatar (replacing the original propane flame of the Asian Games with a larger and more cost effective alternative).

A series of 27, one meter wide, simulated flames for Disney SCA, Paris.