Smith-Hemion Productions

Background

Smith-Hemion Productions was formed in the early 1960s by director Gary Smith as Gary Smith Ltd., producing TV shows like Hullabaloo and The Music Scene. During the early 1970s, it teamed up with producer Dwight Hemion, in order to rename the company to Smith-Hemion Productions. The partnership ended in 2001 and was renamed to its current moniker The Gary Smith Company. It did not use a logo until the early 1980s.

1st Logo (1980-1989)

Visuals: At the end of the credits, the word "SMITH-HEMION" slides in from the left and the right. The word "A" and "PRODUCTION" appear above and below the text.

Variants:

Sometimes, "This has been" or "This has been a" is shown above the logo.
On Linda in Wonderland, the text says "SMITH-HEMION PRODUCTIONS".
On EPCOT Center: The Opening Celebration and America's Tribute to Bob Hope, the letter "A" is missing.
Sometimes, a copyright stamp is shown below the logo.
On 25 Years of Country Music, the logo is red with a white outline.
On Screen Actors Guild 50th Anniversary Celebration, the logo flips in. Plus the text is blue with a white outline.

Technique: 2D animation.

Audio: The end theme of the special.

Availability: Seen on several 1980s television specials from the era, such as various Anne Murray and Disney specials, as well as Linda in Wonderland.

2nd Logo (1989-2001)

Visuals: On a purple space background, there is a yellow wireframe globe that zooms out, followed by the 3D wireframe text "SMITH HEMION" zooming out and moves toward the globe while the text starts to rotate. The globe then zooms from the text and lands itself to stand next to the two words, settling fast to the center. Then it flashes to a purple-white gradient text, while some electricity flashes and some drawings then surround the text.

Variants:

A print version of the logo appears on AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Barbra Streisand, with "PRODUCTIONS" below the logo.
A short version of the logo exists.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: An ascending synth, then futuristic beeping sounds, and a wind blowing, followed by an electricity sound, and ending in a synth hit.

Audio Variants:

Usually, the end title theme plays over the logo.
Sometimes, the logo is silent.
CBS airings starting in 1994 used a generic theme.

Availability: Seen on various Smith-Hemion specials, like AFI specials, The Jackson Family Honors and various Disney specials from the time period.

Smith-Hemion Productions

The Gary Smith Company

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