Global Special Effects

History

The company was founded in 1992 after a former magician utilized a system for producing artificial snow to use in his magic shows. The company developed a 98% water and 2% surfactant solution which evaporates shortly after touching the ground, known as Evaporative Snow, as well as machines to distribute the substance in various forms. Global Special Effects has subsequently branched into other products, including fog, cryo, confetti, foam, scent, bubbles, smoke, and Flogos machines.

Federal raid and criminal conviction

ln September of 2021, federal agents raided Global Special Effects as part of an investigation into money laundering, bribery, and fraud related to government contracts. Company owner Francisco Guerra was indicted and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. In May 2025, Guerra was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

Products

Global Special Effects' main product offering is its proprietary artificial snow, known as Evaporative Snow, and range of snow machines, which sell for $300 to $5,000 each. Subsidiary companies of Global Special Effects include Flogos, whose machines produce floating shapes constructed from helium-filled soap bubbles. Flogos has been contracted to produce custom cloud logos for major companies and organizations all over the world. Another operating company, Foam Masters, manufactures foam machines for use at parties and auditoriums.

References

References

1. (3 November 2005). "Inventor of snowmaking machines full of ideas". [[USA Today]]}}{{dead link.
2. Nakashima, Ryan. (14 July 2007). "Vegas spa hopes cold therapy is hot". [[The Globe and Mail]].
3. Thornton, William. (2021-09-22). "Federal agents raid north Alabama special effects business".
4. Kroschel, Matt. (2021-09-24). "Shoals business owner faces federal money laundering charges".
5. (2024-12-19). "Northern District of Alabama {{!}} Three Plead Guilty in Conspiracy Scheme Involving Bribery of Government Contracting Officer {{!}} United States Department of Justice".
6. (2025-05-22). "Northern District of Alabama {{!}} Three Individuals Sentenced in Conspiracy Involving Bribery of Government Contracting Officer {{!}} United States Department of Justice".
7. Thompson, Andrea. (7 May 2008). "Company Makes Soap-Bubble Ads That Float in Air". [[Fox News Channel.
8. Cockcroft, Lucy. (12 June 2008). "'Flogos', the corporate icons in the sky". [[The Daily Telegraph]].
9. "Foam Masters: About us". Foam Masters.