Avatar: Fire & Ash

Before the big Thames reveal, the sculpture was built and tested in the Royal Docks. This venue was selected for its stability and controlled conditions, which are crucial for an installation of this scale.

The structure itself was an engineering project in its own right: it incorporated over 60 flame bars, 100 hoses, 1km of steel piping, and took six weeks and 1,000+ man hours to build.

The sculpture was mounted to Remus, our multi-purpose flat top steel pontoon. With the artwork weighing 3,000kg and designed to burn 380kg of liquified petroleum gas over 15 minutes, the platform needed to be stable, practical, and fit for a high-exposure public spectacle. And yes – Remus stole the show if you ask us!

On the night, Livett’s arranged the tug and marine logistics required to move the pontoon carrying the sculpture to and from its position for the event. With a major activation like this, the plan has to account for timings, river traffic, safety zones, and coordination between creative, production, and marine teams – all while keeping the operation seamless and camera-ready.

The entire stunt was staged from Butler’s Wharf Pier, our central marine base a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge. This gave the production a reliable operational hub right where they needed it: close access to the river, efficient crew movements, and a secure base for managing a fast-moving live event.

The press event and ignition also took place on the pier, with cast members including Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Oona Chaplin involved in the switch-on moment.

To elevate the spectacle and photography, Livett’s also arranged a Tower Bridge lift, creating a show-stopping moment as the sculpture and pontoon moved through the most iconic backdrop possible.

For aerial coverage, Bravo Lima GB was used as a platform for drone filming, supporting dramatic overhead shots of the “fire and water” spectacle on the Thames.

Meanwhile, Romeo Lima was deployed as the dedicated safety boat, providing on-water safety oversight throughout operations. This is a critical element for any live river-based event.

To support the talent and key event personnel, Livett’s arranged the luxury passenger vessel Edwardian to serve as the green room boat. This gave the cast and crew a comfortable, private space close to the action – an important detail on a night where timing, movement, and security all mattered.

James Cameron, writer and director of the Avatar films, said: “London holds a special place in my heart. To celebrate the upcoming release of the next instalment, Avatar: Fire and Ash, what better way than to be on the River Thames, under the iconic Tower Bridge, combining the elements of fire and water that are the lifeblood of the Avatar films. We can’t wait for you to journey back to Pandora with us.”

Ed Livett, Managing Director of Livett’s, said: “This was a brilliant example of what the Thames can do as a stage – but only when the marine planning is right. From the build and testing in stable water, to moving the pontoon, coordinating the bridge lift, drone filming and safety cover, it was a proper team effort and an incredible result on the night.”