15 Second Bursts of Fun with New Firework App at Two Bit Circus

Social community apps are, of course, everywhere, and it seems like every week a new barcade opens up in L.A., so you might assume that there is no longer any room for innovation in either of these spaces. On Thursday, September 13, the “Firework” app blew that idea up with an explosively fun, star-studded launch party at new Arts District hot spot Two Bit Circus.

Firework is a self-described mobile-first social community connecting talented creators and passionate fans through interactive short-form video entertainment. The interface facilities some very cool experiences- for example, in one campaign, a creator posted a split-screen video of him giving away a boxed present. Users can then record and post their version of the other half of the video, where they unbox the gift to reveal their chosen contents, ranging from a baseball cap, an empty tube of toothpaste, and even a baby! Videos are limited to 15 seconds, and the app team is committed to emphasizing quality over viewing counts, so that “any video has the potential to be featured within the community, exponentially increasing visibility and viewership for professional and casual creators alike.”

Describing itself as “a micro amusement park”, Two Bit Circus was the perfect venue for Firework’s global launch party. Celebrities such as Rachael Leigh Cook, Adina Porter, Scheana Marie and the cast of “Vanderpump Rules,” Ryan Cabrera, Gilles Marini and many more were given the red carpet treatment below the giant neon entrance sign, but they didn’t linger too long. From outside, you can feel the energy of Two Bit Circus- the building feels like it’s bursting at the seams with booming music, flashing lights, and pure, unadulterated joy. When you head inside, your eyes are immediately drawn to the 360 bar, topped with bright yellow and red panels reminiscent of a carnival tent. You quickly check-in at the front desk to get a reloadable card that is used to pay for all of the games, before heading to the aforementioned bar, which is fully stocked with a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, and is even staffed by a robot bartender named Guillermo del Pouro!

From there, you take stock of the space, which is separated into several distinct zones. Club01 will host trivia nights and special shows. The Arcane Arcade has a mix of classic and exclusive modern button mashing games- that’s where 2018 Primetime Emmy Nominee Adina Porter spent part of her night. The Midway recreates boardwalk favorites with new tech- for example, popping virtual balloons with physical plastic balls, or competitive skee ball, which Ryan Cabrera and pal Jesse McCartney enjoyed. The Story Rooms provide escape-room like experiences for teams to complete unique missions, like Space Squad, where you and your crew pilot a spaceship through asteroid fields and enemy fleets. And there are tons of virtual reality experiences for individuals and teams, including a jump-filled jaunt through the Minotaur’s Maze. As the last element of the Two Bit Circus manifesto states- when in doubt, step right up!