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{{PageCredits|compiled=RSX-798}} |
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{{PageCredits|description=James Fabiano, Jlgarfield and Shadeed A. Kelly|capture=Shadeed A. Kelly, V of Doom and others|edits=Shadeed A. Kelly, V of Doom, Brendan Richards, Wyraachur, Liwakip, Syn3h and Michael Kenchington|video=AnotherGaaraFan1, ThamesTV, Broken Saw and others}} |
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{{About|the production logos used by Thames as an ITV franchise from 1968-1992 and as a production company from 1993 onwards|Rediffusion's TV idents|Rediffusion London (UK)|ABC's TV idents|ABC Television (UK)|Thames' TV idents|Thames Television IDs (UK)}} |
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===Background=== |
===Background=== |
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The '''Thames''' production company was originally the production arm of [[Thames Television IDs (UK)|Thames Television]], from a merger of the separate previous units '''ABC Television Productions''' and '''Rediffusion London Productions'''. Even though after Thames had lost its ITV franchise in 1992 to Carlton, it continued on as a production company, which was acquired by [[Pearson Television (UK)|Pearson Television]] in mid-1993 (itself sold to CLT-UFA in 2000, merged to become the RTL Group, and rebranded as [[Fremantle (UK)|FremantleMedia]] in 2001). In 2003, Thames was merged with another Fremantle subsidiary, [[Talkback (UK)|Talkback]] to form [[Talkback Thames (UK)|Talkback Thames]], which was then split in 2012 into four production companies, resurrecting the Thames brand. |
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'''Thames Television''' (commonly simplified to just '''Thames''') was the second [[ITV (UK)|ITV]] franchise holder serving London and its surrounding areas on weekdays. It was formed from a "shotgun marriage" between [[ABC Television (UK)|ABC Television]] and [[Rediffusion London (UK)|Rediffusion London]], and started broadcasting on July 30, 1968. Over the years, Thames became highly regarded inside the ITV network for its consistently high-quality programming, which included shows like ''The Benny Hill Show'', ''The Kenny Everett Video Show'' and ''The Avengers'', and (through its animation subsidiary [[Cosgrove Hall Films (UK)|Cosgrove Hall Productions]]) a variety of cartoons like ''Chorlton and the Wheelies'', ''The Wind in the Willows'' and ''Danger Mouse''. |
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==Rediffusion London Productions== |
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Amidst the passing of the Broadcasting Act 1990, Thames' broadcasting license was withdrawn, and the network was replaced on January 1, 1993 by [[Carlton Television (UK)|Carlton Television]] after the auction-style 1991 franchise round (interestingly, Carlton had already made two unsuccessful attempts to outbid Thames beforehand). Afterwards, Thames continued on solely as a production company, which was acquired by [[Pearson Television (UK)|Pearson Television]] in mid-1993 (itself sold to CLT-UFA in 2000, merged to become the RTL Group, and rebranded as [[Fremantle (UK)|FremantleMedia]] in 2001). In 2003, Thames was merged with another Fremantle subsidiary, [[Talkback (UK)|Talkback]] to form [[Talkback Thames (UK)|Talkback Thames]], which was then split in 2012 into four production companies, resurrecting the Thames brand. |
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=== 1st Logo (September 22, 1955-April 5, 1964) === |
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===1st Logo (July 30, 1968-1969)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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File:Rediffusion London (1955, production).png |
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Thames (1968).png |
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File:Rediffusion London (1964, bold text).png |
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File:Rediffusion London (1955, network production).png |
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File:Rediffusion London (1955, network presentation).png |
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File:Associated Rediffusion (1959, inverted) (From - the Boyd Q.C. episode In Camera).png |
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File:Rediffusion London (1955, in-credit network production).png |
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File:Rediffusion London (1959, in-credit).png |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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{{YouTube|id= |
{{YouTube|id=M7EsocWSrt4}} |
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'''Logo:''' Essentially a still version of the 1955 Rediffusion logo, with either "{{Font|Times New Roman|Presents}}" or "{{Font|Times New Roman|Channel Nine}}" being replaced by "{{Font|Times New Roman|An Associated-Rediffusion Production}}" or "{{Font|Times New Roman|An Associated-Rediffusion Network Production}}" |
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'''Variants:''' |
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'''Nicknames:''' "Rising Buildings", "Early Rising Buildings" |
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*There exists production, network production, and network presentation variants for this logo |
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*Later versions of this logo has the text appear bolder than it was previously. |
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*This logo can appear during the end credits of some shows |
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**On ''The Circus is Back, Olympia'', this variant has this logo transparent. |
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*A rare inverted variant exists. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''Logo:''' In an oval-shaped frame, a group of buildings meant to represent London (from left to right: BT Tower, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge) quickly rise up from the middle of the screen. In the bottom half, another set of buildings rise upside-down, giving the effect of a reflection. The word "'''THAMES'''" in Helvetica appears in both images, then fades out from the reflection, leaving the right-side-up word. This logo was in black and white, as colour broadcasting was not introduced on ITV until November 15, 1969 at the earliest. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' The ending theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Extinct. Pretty much of Rediffusion's programmes has been wiped by Thames. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===2nd Logo (April 6, 1964-July 29, 1968)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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File:Associated-Rediffusion - CLG Wiki(3).jpeg |
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Rediffusion London (1964, production).png |
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Rediffusion London (1967, small variant).png |
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Rediffusion London (1967, small production variant).png |
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Rediffusion London (1967, Christmas production variant).png |
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</gallery> |
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{{YouTube|id=iOl5BuukckI}} |
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'''Logo:''' Essentially, a shortened version of the 1964 Rediffusion logo, except the text is already formed, and the word "PRODUCTION" is shown below the logo. |
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'''Variants:''' |
'''Variants:''' |
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*The first production version from the first year only has the already-formed version of the 1964 Rediffusion logo. |
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* At first, only London got the standard logo. The rest of the United Kingdom simply got a plain black screen with the words "'''FROM THAMES'''", which revealed itself by "opening" vertically, and was the only one of the original Thames idents without a skyline until the name-only logo was introduced in 2001. |
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* |
*A Christmas version used the same effect from the station ID. |
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*On ''Farewell Arabia'', the logo is smaller, like the network ID. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' Only the Adstral spinning. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' The right-side-up and upside-down buildings rising together. For the "non-London" variant, the black screen "opening" vertically and revealing itself. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the ending theme of the programme. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' A loud eight-note horn fanfare, known as the "Salute to Thames", composed by Johnny Hawksworth. The first four notes would be played on a tenor saxophone (the fourth one sounds like a duet with another instrument), and the last four notes would either be played on a trumpet or a French horn. |
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'''Availability:''' Was seen in-credit with animation on ''Ready, Steady Go!'' VHS releases in the mid-1980s. The Christmas variant was seen on the first episode of ''Do Not Adjust Your Set''. Was fallen to victim with Thames' wiping of the Rediffusion archives. |
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'''Music/Sounds Variant:''' A re-arranged version of the fanfare was also used. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds Demo Variants:''' According to the [http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/itvlondon/thames-main.html TVArk] website, a test version of the animation was discovered on a Thames demo videotape from 1967 with twenty-two separate tunes dubbed onto the animation, including predecessor ABC Weekend's chime tune; several variants of what would eventually become the standard Thames logo music in 1968 were also used. |
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==ABC Television Productions== |
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'''Availability:''' Extremely rare. |
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===1st Logo (February 18, 1956-1958)=== |
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* This was a placeholder logo, made weeks before the station signed on. |
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* Seen on very early productions from Thames like ''Father, Dear Father'' (intact on Forces TV airings) and ''Mystery and Imagination''. |
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'''Logo:''' Same as the 1956 production logo, except "presents" would be replaced with "Network Production" with "An" above the logo. Sometimes, this text would also be in capitals. |
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* This was also used to plaster over the Rediffusion logo on some of the predecessor company's programmes that were still re-aired on ITV in the early 1970s. |
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* It is also preserved on sites such as the aforementioned TVArk. |
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'''Variant:''' An in-credit version with "Filmed Production" also exists for the above variant. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the end theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Extinct. These ABC programmes have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged together to form Thames in 1968. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===2nd Logo ( |
===2nd Logo (1958-1964)=== |
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{{Gallery |
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| align=center |
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| mode=packed |
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| height=200 |
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| width= |
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|ABC Production (1958).jpeg| |
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|ABC Network Production (1958).jpeg| |
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}} |
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'''Logo:''' A still version of the 1958 logo, except "an" was above the triangle and "PRODUCTION" below the "ABC". |
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'''Variant:''' "NETWORK" may also be below "ABC" as well. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the end theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Rare. It exists on DVDs of ''The Avengers'' (the 1962 and 1963 seasons). Other ABC programmes featuring the logo have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged in 1968. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===3rd Logo (1964-1968)=== |
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{{Gallery |
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| align=center |
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| mode=packed |
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| height=200 |
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| width= |
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|ABC Production (1964).jpeg| |
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}} |
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'''Logo:''' A still version of the 1964 logo, except "'''production'''" replaces "'''presents'''". |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the end theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Found on ''The Avengers'' '64 DVD set, and it appears on ''The Avengers'' from the 1964 (last Catherine Gale) and 1965 (B&W Emma Peel) seasons. It was also seen on the ABC run of ''Callahan''. Again, other ABC programs have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged with Thames in 1968. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===4th Logo (1966-1968)=== |
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{{Gallery |
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| align=center |
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| mode=packed |
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| height=200 |
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| width= |
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|ABC Production (1966).png| |
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|ABC Television (1966).png| |
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|ABC Production (1968).png| |
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|ABC Television (1968).png| |
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}} |
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'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see the letters: |
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<center>{{Huge|'''{{Font color|red|ABC}}</br>production'''}}</center> |
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in the centre of the screen, with "{{Font color|red|'''ABC'''}}" in red, The letter "{{Font color|red|'''C'''}}" in "{{Font color|red|'''ABC'''}}" then slides onto the "{{Font color|red|'''A'''}}" and "{{Font color|red|'''B'''}}" and the word "production" wipes out from the right, then the logo dramatically zooms out, then the letters "{{Font color|red|'''B'''}}" and "{{Font color|red|'''C'''}}" slide downwards and then reveal the words: |
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<center>{{Huge|'''{{Font color|red|A}}ssociated</br>{{Font color|red|B}}ritish</br>{{Font color|red|C}}orporation'''}}</center> |
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The logo then fades out. |
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'''Variant:''' In 1968, the {{Font color|red|red}} letters were changed to {{Font color|#FFD900|yellow}}. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' The letters sliding and the logo zooming out, sorta simple. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' The closing theme of the TV show. |
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'''Availability:''' Can be found at the end of every colour episode of ''The Avengers'' when reran on television and on DVD. The colour episodes were produced by the Associated British Corporation for airing on overseas networks between 1966 until the ITV franchises changed in 1968 (the original UK airings would of been in B&W). |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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==Thames== |
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===1st Logo (July 30, 1968-1969)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames without London.png |
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</gallery> |
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'''Logo:''' Essentially a still version of the 1968 logo, with "FROM" on the top left of the logo. |
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'''Variant:''' On some programmes, a still version of the black background version is used. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' The ending theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Common. Many Thames shows had kept the logo, like ''General Franco'' and ''Special Branch'', among others. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===2nd Logo (November 15, 1969-September 1, 1989)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"> |
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Thames12.jpeg |
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From Thames (1989).png |
From Thames (1989).png |
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From Thames (B&W).png |
From Thames (B&W).png |
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From Thames (B&W) 1978-1983.png |
From Thames (B&W) 1978-1983.png |
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Thames7.jpeg |
Thames7.jpeg |
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Thames11.jpeg |
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Thames13.jpeg |
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Thames Television 1978.png |
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Thames (1987).png |
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From Thames In Colour 1978.png |
From Thames In Colour 1978.png |
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From Thames In Colour (1983-1989).png |
From Thames In Colour (1983-1989).png |
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Thames Colour Production.png |
Thames Colour Production.png |
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Thames8.jpeg |
Thames8.jpeg |
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Thames6.jpeg |
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Thames14.png |
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Thames15.jpeg |
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Thames .jpeg |
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Thames2.jpeg |
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Thames3.jpeg |
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Thames4.jpeg |
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Thames5.jpeg |
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Thames9.jpeg |
Thames9.jpeg |
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Thames10.jpeg |
Thames10.jpeg |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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'''Logo:''' It's a still version of the 1969 logo, but with the text reading "'''COLOUR PRODUCTION'''" below the logo. |
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{{YouTube|id=zwyFc7RAXdU|id2=6qBKACyY-pU|id3=7XJ0sTccd8Q}} |
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'''Nicknames:''' "Rising Buildings II", "Buildings Out of the Water" |
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'''Variants:''' |
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'''Logo:''' A colorized version of the previous logo, but it now has a sky background and looks more like a reflection in the water. Slight changes in definition of the image and such were made over the years, but this is basically how the logo went. |
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* During the 1970 ITV strike, a black-and-white version exists, where the logo reads only as "'''THAMES PRODUCTION'''" |
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* Other versions of the logo exist, reading as "'''FROM THAMES'''" or "'''FROM THAMES IN COLOUR'''". |
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'''Trivia:''' According to the [http://625.uk.com/tv_logos/thames.htm Thames Logo Parade] website: "The animated ident was created just as you would imagine. The top half of the image was laid flat and filmed from above. A sheet of foil was used to provide the reflection and was at a slight angle from the perpendicular (hence the tall vertical structures bend in towards St. Paul's dome in the reflection for a more realistic effect). Using stop-frame animation produces the appearance of movement. The skyline image did not have the letters on it. The letters were filmed separately using the same process and then the negatives from both films were married together to produce the final effect. Treating the letters separately allowed for the reflected letters to be faded out." |
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* Prior to 1985, the last of these variants also included the text "© UK (year in Roman numerals)" below "PRODUCTION". |
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'''Variants:''' There were quite a few variants of this logo: |
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* The bottom reflection was distorted for a brief period of time. |
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* One variant had the right-side-up "THAMES" text fade out at the same time as the reflection text, resulting in the logo being textless. |
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* A still variant was seen on ''Man About the House''. |
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* In 1980, there was a "night-time" version of the logo, with darkened buildings and a night sky. It was primarily seen preceding ''Armchair Thriller''. It was also used for mid-1980s overnight links, with the silver text "Into the Night" sliding in below; other versions were seen before different overnight "strands". |
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* Another variant was a Christmas version from Teddington in Middlesex, where Thames' studios were in use. It read "Merry Christmas - THAMES - Teddington". |
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* A variant was made for a special Russian-themed week in 1989, with the reflection of the landmarks replaced with a reflection of Russian landmarks (including the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral), and Thames in the reflection written out in Russian (as "ТЭMС", which is pronounced "Téms"). A version of this that inverted the sides (the Russian side on top and the Thames logo on the bottom, albeit with the reflection inverted) exists on a promo to promote this. |
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* There was a closing version, which was the usual logo with the phrase "'''FROM THAMES'''", "'''FROM THAMES IN COLOUR'''", or "'''THAMES COLOUR PRODUCTION'''". Prior to 1985, the last of these variants also included the text "© UK (year in Roman numerals)" below "PRODUCTION". |
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* Another version read "Produced for THAMES TELEVISION", with "Produced for" and "Television" added above and below the Thames text which appears on ''Jack the Ripper'' (1988). |
* Another version read "Produced for THAMES TELEVISION", with "Produced for" and "Television" added above and below the Thames text which appears on ''Jack the Ripper'' (1988). |
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* On a 1987 UK airing of ''Hands of the Ripper'', the 1969 "From Thames In Colour" variant was used. |
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* During the Colour Strike (industrial action taken by all ITV companies between November 13, 1970 and February 8, 1971), all shows were broadcast in black-and-white instead of colour. Such programs produced by Thames featured the end card text "THAMES PRODUCTION" in place of "THAMES COLOUR PRODUCTION" during this time. |
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* In 1982, Thames added a new closing logo without the reflections for its [[Channel 4 (UK)|Channel Four]] programmes. Against a black or {{color|blue}} background was a box with a {{color|blue}}/white outline of the buildings, a {{color|blue}}/{{color|purple}} gradient background and the word "THAMES" inside. Underneath were the words "A THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" (an early version lacked the box). |
* In 1982, Thames added a new closing logo without the reflections for its [[Channel 4 (UK)|Channel Four]] programmes. Against a black or {{color|blue}} background was a box with a {{color|blue}}/white outline of the buildings, a {{color|blue}}/{{color|purple}} gradient background and the word "THAMES" inside. Underneath were the words "A THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" (an early version lacked the box). |
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* The ''Kenny Everett Video Show'' had many comedic variations of this logo: |
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** The standard version had Everett bursting through a large-scale version of the logo, which ripped like paper. At the end of the show, the video was played in reverse, giving the appearance that Everett was "fixing" the torn logo. This variation had an extended version of the "Salute to Thames" jingle, with a comedy sting at the end. |
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** A variation of this played the video with no jingle, and after Everett had "fixed" the logo, his voice was heard saying "Is that what you wanted?" to which the audience shouted "YES!", which was followed by him saying "Good!". |
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** Another Everett variant has him performing an "Action Replay" of the Thames logo in slo-mo, with added comedy sound effects. |
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** Everett was also responsible for an "adult" version of the logo, which replaced the buildings with a multitude of women's breasts. This was only seen on a fake promo at the beginning of an episode. |
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* A variation similar to Everett's was used at the end of Thames' 1984 Christmas tape, with another person bursting through the logo, uttering "Shoulda made this at [[Tyne Tees Television (UK)|Tyne Tees]], man. Goin' down the bus club, get some proper tunes". |
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* On ''Pauline's Quirks'', the logo animates as normal, then all of a sudden, Pauline Quirke, dressed up as King Kong, comes out of the ocean and eats and destroys the logo. |
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* In 1980, a special version of this ident was used to introduce ''The Dick Emery Hour'': the logo plays as normal, then the camera zoomed in on the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. Emery's buck-toothed vicar character then stepped out from behind the columns and welcomed viewers to "an hour of comedy and music". Oddly enough, on this version, the reflection of the "THAMES" lettering at the bottom of the screen does not fade away. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' The right-side-up and upside-down buildings rising together, the "THAMES" lettering rising with them and the reflection of the lettering fading away. The picture of the Thames skyline was designed by Minale Tattersfield. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' |
'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the ending theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Still saved on most shows, like ''The Bill'', ''Danger Mouse'', ''The Wind in the Willows'', ''Count Duckula'', ''Rainbow'', ''The Sooty Show'', ''Rumpole of the Bailey'' and ''The Sweeney'', among others. It was also seen on the 1970s UK version of ''The Tomorrow People'', ''Love Thy Neighbor'', 'George and Mildred'', ''Man About the House'' and series 1 of ''Everybody's Equal'', among others. |
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'''Music/Sounds Variants:''' |
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* By 1971, the re-arranged version was used more often. |
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* On the closing variant, it used the closing theme of the show, or none. |
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* On ''The Kenny Everett Video Show'', the tune was extended slightly; there are at least two different endings that were used on the show. Everett would also occasionally subvert the tune by humming it in a campy way, or playing it in slow-motion with the addition of comedy jingles and canned laughter. |
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* On ''The Dick Emery Hour'', the jingle was played on a church organ. |
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* A version with an acapella rearrangement of the jingle was also used on the 1980 ''Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special''; the animation remained the same, but a male voice choir (rumoured to be The Mike Sammes Singers), sang "Here they are now, Morecambe and Wise!" to the Thames tune. |
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* In the mid-1980s, ''Des O'Connor Tonight'' featured a different version of the jingle (performed by the studio orchestra which appeared in all his shows). |
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* A low tone version of the fanfare also exists, which appears on the 4:3 print of the 2017 UK Network Blu-ray release of ''Jack the Ripper'' (1988). |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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'''Music/Sounds Trivia:''' The theme to this logo appears in the first episode of the infamous Netflix series ''Neo Yokio''. |
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===3rd Logo (September 4, 1989-September 2, 1990)=== |
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'''Availability:''' Very common, given its 23-year lifespan and preservation on reruns. |
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* Seen on ''The Benny Hill Show'', ''Rumpole of the Bailey'', ''Danger Mouse'', ''The Wind in the Willows'', ''Count Duckula'', ''Rainbow'', ''The Sooty Show'' and ''Mr. Bean'' (plastering both the [[Tiger Aspect Productions (UK)|Tiger Television]] and 1997 Pearson Television logos at the very end of episodes in the latter series (or show) from early 1990 until its last airing in early 1994). |
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* It is also seen on the original 1970s UK version of ''The Tomorrow People'', ''Love Thy Neighbour'', ''George and Mildred'', ''Man About the House'' (it has been tacked onto episodes of the third and fifth shows on which it did not originally appear, as well), and the first series of ''The Bill'', all of which are available on DVD. |
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* This logo also makes an appearance at the start of the 39th episode of ''Monty Python's Flying Circus'' ("Grandstand") as a joke. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' This is a fondly remembered logo to a generation of British TV fans who grew up with television during this time. |
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===3rd Logo (July 31-September 1, 1989)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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thames16.jpeg |
thames16.jpeg |
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Thames for ITV.png |
Thames for ITV.png |
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Thames TV Presentation (1989-1990).png |
Thames TV Presentation (1989-1990).png |
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Thames XXI 1989.png |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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'''Logo:''' On a {{color|blue}} spotlight background, we see a still version of the Thames XXI logo, except the bottom triangle is wordless. Below it was the text reading either "{{Font|Times New Roman|''THAMES TELEVISION PRESENTATION/PRODUCTION''}}" or the text "{{Font|Times New Roman|''THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION/PROGRAMME FOR''}}" and the then-newly-introduced 1989 ITV logo appears below. |
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{{YouTube|id=XelqitkLuJM}} |
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'''Nicknames:''' "Rising Buildings III", "CGI Rising Buildings", "Thames Triangle", "CGI Thames Triangle", "Thames XXI", "Thames' 21st Anniversary" |
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'''Logo:''' Against a black background, a triangular shape rises into view from the centre of the screen. As it reveals itself, it looks somewhat like an upside-down Christmas tree shape (two triangles joined together), and the upper triangle has an abstract version of the Thames waterfront scenery against a {{color|blue}} skyline. The lower one is {{color|gold}} in colour, and contains the words "{{color|gold|THAMES XXI}}" ("XXI" is the Roman numeral for 21). As the logo rises, it too has a reflection, though it does not last when it is completely formed. |
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'''Variants:''' |
'''Variants:''' |
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* Sometimes, the words read as "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" which was seen on Thames programmes for Channel 4. |
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* At the end of programmes, the bottom of the smaller triangle is wordless, and the text "THAMES TELEVISION PRESENTATION/PRODUCTION" or (from September 4, 1989) the text "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION/PROGRAMME FOR" and the then-newly-introduced 1989 ITV logo appears below. |
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* Another production variant features the words "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" which was seen on Thames programmes for Channel 4. |
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* A B&W variant of the above also exists which was seen on a TCM airing of the 1921 film ''The Blot''. |
* A B&W variant of the above also exists which was seen on a TCM airing of the 1921 film ''The Blot''. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' None for any of the end-credits variants, but very good computer-generated animation, which is a modernisation of Thames' "Rising Buildings" design. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' |
'''Music/Sounds:''' None or the ending theme of the programme. |
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'''Availability:''' Rare. It appears on Thames shows such as ''The Bill'', ''This Is Your Life'' and ''Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius'', among many others. It was also originally seen on season 3 (1989-90) episodes of ''Count Duckula'', however it does not appear on the DVD release, nor does it not appear on VHS releases as they are often deleted out, or plastered over by either [[Thames Video (UK)|Thames Video]]'s first logo or Cosgrove Hall Productions' second logo (which was extended on the DVD release). It also appears on 1989 episodes of ''Never The Twain'' and is intact whenever Forces TV airs this. Season 1 episodes of ''French Fields'' kept this intact on [[Play UK (UK)|UK Play]] and whenever [[Alibi (UK)|Alibi]] decides to air it. The B&W variant of the "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" endcap |
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'''Availability:''' Very rare. It was only seen in the United Kingdom as a special ident for Thames' twenty-first anniversary, but it's preserved on sites like TVArk. |
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* The production variant appears on Thames shows such as ''The Bill'', ''This Is Your Life'' and ''Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius'', among many others. |
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* The end-credits version with the 1989 ITV logo was also originally seen on season 3 (1989-90) episodes of ''Count Duckula'', however it does not appear on the DVD release, nor does it not appear on VHS releases as they are often deleted out, or plastered over by either [[Thames Video (UK)|Thames Video]]'s first logo or Cosgrove Hall Productions' second logo (which was extended on the DVD release). |
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* It also appears on 1989 episodes of ''Never The Twain'' and is intact whenever Forces TV airs this. |
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* Season 1 episodes of ''French Fields'' kept this intact on [[Play UK (UK)|UK Play]] and whenever [[Alibi (UK)|Alibi]] decides to air it. |
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* The B&W variant of the "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" endcap was also seen on a TCM airing of the 1921 film ''The Blot'' as well. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===4th Logo (September 3, 1990-1997)=== |
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===4th Logo (September 4, 1989-November 1, 1991)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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ITV (UK) - CLG Wiki G.jpg |
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ITV-Thames Television 1989.jpg |
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</gallery> |
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'''Nickname:''' "ITV Generic" |
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'''Variants:''' |
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* Sometimes, ''ORACLE 888'' would appear underneath the logo for programmes featuring subtitles. |
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* A still version also exists which is used in some junctions. |
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See [[ITV (UK)|ITV]] for descriptions. |
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===5th Logo (September 3, 1990-December 31, 1992)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames Television 1990.png |
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</gallery> |
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{{YouTube|id=mfNdmrL6xbA}} |
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'''Nicknames:''' "CGI Thames Triangle II", "Thames Triangle II", "Thames' Final Stand" |
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'''Logo:''' The camera goes through a three-dimensional image of London. As it pans away, one of the buildings "fades" into the ident, which is now on top of a {{color|blue}} triangle. On the triangle are the words "THAMES TELEVISION" in a Friz Quadrata font. The background is again a skyline. |
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'''Variant:''' Sometimes, "888" would also appear on the triangle underneath the words for programmes featuring subtitles. |
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'''Trivia:''' This ident was originally seen before local programmes, but was eventually used before all programmes from November 4, 1991 to December 31, 1992, following the announcement of Thames' franchise loss to Carlton on October 16, 1991. |
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'''FX/SFX:''' The panning over the towers and fading into the triangle. A very nice combination of live-action and CGI. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' An updated orchestral score. |
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'''Music/Sounds Variant:''' In December 1992, a more festive version of the 1990 fanfare was used, which was heard the last time this logo was seen. |
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'''Availability:''' This was also a London-only station identity, due to the reason covered for the 3rd logo, so it is extinct, but it is preserved on sites like TVArk. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===6th Logo (September 3, 1990-1997)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames Television Presentation (circa 1992).png |
Thames Television Presentation (circa 1992).png |
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Line 225: | Line 256: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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=== |
===5th Logo (1997-2002)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames25.jpeg |
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Thames26.jpeg |
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</gallery> |
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{{YouTube|id=rxEUlv2tYHU}} |
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'''Nicknames:''' "Thames Video Wall", "Thames Triangle IV", "A Talent for Television" |
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'''Logo:''' A background consisting of various programme scenes configuring themselves into a video wall appear on the screen. As the wall goes out of focus, the Thames triangle fades onto the centre of the screen. |
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'''Trivia:''' This was originally taken from a promotional music video which Thames aired in the run up to its closure. |
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'''Variant:''' There was a version of this logo which featured a byline that faded in under the Thames Triangle logo and stated: "Thames. A Talent for Television." |
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'''FX/SFX:''' The programme clips forming a wall, then going out of focus as the Thames Triangle logo fades in, and the "Talent for Television" byline appearing. |
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'''Music/Sounds:''' A synthesised moderate-tempo brass and string fanfare. This was the third and final Thames ident to not use the "Salute to Thames" fanfare. The music video advert which used this featured a cover of "I Only Want to Be with You" by The Tourists, and the video wall/logo appears during the last line of the song. |
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'''Availability:''' Extinct. |
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* This was a London-area-only ident, and was seen on ''The Bill'' and ''This is Your Life''. |
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* However, it is preserved on websites such as TVArk. |
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'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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===8th Logo (1997-2002)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames Television 1997.png |
Thames Television 1997.png |
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Line 280: | Line 287: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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=== |
===6th Logo (2001-2003)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thamesendcap2002.jpg |
Thamesendcap2002.jpg |
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Line 311: | Line 318: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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=== |
===7th Logo (2003-2005)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thamesendcap2003.jpg |
Thamesendcap2003.jpg |
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Line 330: | Line 337: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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=== |
===8th Logo (January 1, 2012-2019)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thamesendcap2016.jpg |
Thamesendcap2016.jpg |
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Line 345: | Line 352: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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=== |
===9th Logo (2018-)=== |
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> |
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Thames logo (2018-present).PNG |
Thames logo (2018-present).PNG |
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Line 372: | Line 379: | ||
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
'''Editor's Note:''' None. |
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{{TV-Navbox}} |
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===External Links=== |
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*[https://www.tvark.org/?page=1100 Thames] on TVARK |
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{{TV-Navbox}}{{StationIDs-Navbox}} |
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[[Category:British television logos]] |
[[Category:British television logos]] |
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[[Category:British station IDs]] |
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[[Category:Regional station IDs]] |
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[[Category:Television logos]] |
[[Category:Television logos]] |
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[[Category:Station IDs]] |
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[[Category:British logos]] |
[[Category:British logos]] |
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[[Category:RTL Group (Luxembourg)]] |
[[Category:RTL Group (Luxembourg)]] |
The Thames production company was originally the production arm of Thames Television, from a merger of the separate previous units ABC Television Productions and Rediffusion London Productions. Even though after Thames had lost its ITV franchise in 1992 to Carlton, it continued on as a production company, which was acquired by Pearson Television in mid-1993 (itself sold to CLT-UFA in 2000, merged to become the RTL Group, and rebranded as FremantleMedia in 2001). In 2003, Thames was merged with another Fremantle subsidiary, Talkback to form Talkback Thames, which was then split in 2012 into four production companies, resurrecting the Thames brand.
Logo: Essentially a still version of the 1955 Rediffusion logo, with either "Presents" or "Channel Nine" being replaced by "An Associated-Rediffusion Production" or "An Associated-Rediffusion Network Production"
Variants:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: The ending theme of the programme.
Availability: Extinct. Pretty much of Rediffusion's programmes has been wiped by Thames.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: Essentially, a shortened version of the 1964 Rediffusion logo, except the text is already formed, and the word "PRODUCTION" is shown below the logo.
Variants:
FX/SFX: Only the Adstral spinning.
Music/Sounds: None or the ending theme of the programme.
Availability: Was seen in-credit with animation on Ready, Steady Go! VHS releases in the mid-1980s. The Christmas variant was seen on the first episode of Do Not Adjust Your Set. Was fallen to victim with Thames' wiping of the Rediffusion archives.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: Same as the 1956 production logo, except "presents" would be replaced with "Network Production" with "An" above the logo. Sometimes, this text would also be in capitals.
Variant: An in-credit version with "Filmed Production" also exists for the above variant.
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None or the end theme of the programme.
Availability: Extinct. These ABC programmes have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged together to form Thames in 1968.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: A still version of the 1958 logo, except "an" was above the triangle and "PRODUCTION" below the "ABC".
Variant: "NETWORK" may also be below "ABC" as well.
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None or the end theme of the programme.
Availability: Rare. It exists on DVDs of The Avengers (the 1962 and 1963 seasons). Other ABC programmes featuring the logo have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged in 1968.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: A still version of the 1964 logo, except "production" replaces "presents".
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None or the end theme of the programme.
Availability: Found on The Avengers '64 DVD set, and it appears on The Avengers from the 1964 (last Catherine Gale) and 1965 (B&W Emma Peel) seasons. It was also seen on the ABC run of Callahan. Again, other ABC programs have fallen victim to wiping when Rediffusion and ABC merged with Thames in 1968.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: On a black background, we see the letters:
in the centre of the screen, with "ABC" in red, The letter "C" in "ABC" then slides onto the "A" and "B" and the word "production" wipes out from the right, then the logo dramatically zooms out, then the letters "B" and "C" slide downwards and then reveal the words:
The logo then fades out.
Variant: In 1968, the red letters were changed to yellow.
FX/SFX: The letters sliding and the logo zooming out, sorta simple.
Music/Sounds: The closing theme of the TV show.
Availability: Can be found at the end of every colour episode of The Avengers when reran on television and on DVD. The colour episodes were produced by the Associated British Corporation for airing on overseas networks between 1966 until the ITV franchises changed in 1968 (the original UK airings would of been in B&W).
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: Essentially a still version of the 1968 logo, with "FROM" on the top left of the logo.
Variant: On some programmes, a still version of the black background version is used.
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: The ending theme of the programme.
Availability: Common. Many Thames shows had kept the logo, like General Franco and Special Branch, among others.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: It's a still version of the 1969 logo, but with the text reading "COLOUR PRODUCTION" below the logo.
Variants:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None or the ending theme of the programme.
Availability: Still saved on most shows, like The Bill, Danger Mouse, The Wind in the Willows, Count Duckula, Rainbow, The Sooty Show, Rumpole of the Bailey and The Sweeney, among others. It was also seen on the 1970s UK version of The Tomorrow People, Love Thy Neighbor, 'George and Mildred, Man About the House and series 1 of Everybody's Equal, among others.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: On a blue spotlight background, we see a still version of the Thames XXI logo, except the bottom triangle is wordless. Below it was the text reading either "THAMES TELEVISION PRESENTATION/PRODUCTION" or the text "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION/PROGRAMME FOR" and the then-newly-introduced 1989 ITV logo appears below.
Variants:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: None or the ending theme of the programme.
Availability: Rare. It appears on Thames shows such as The Bill, This Is Your Life and Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius, among many others. It was also originally seen on season 3 (1989-90) episodes of Count Duckula, however it does not appear on the DVD release, nor does it not appear on VHS releases as they are often deleted out, or plastered over by either Thames Video's first logo or Cosgrove Hall Productions' second logo (which was extended on the DVD release). It also appears on 1989 episodes of Never The Twain and is intact whenever Forces TV airs this. Season 1 episodes of French Fields kept this intact on UK Play and whenever Alibi decides to air it. The B&W variant of the "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL FOUR" endcap
Editor's Note: None.
Nickname: "Thames Triangle III", "Thames Reborn (after 1992)"
Logo: Against a medium blue background is a blue and gold version of the triangular Thames logo from before. Below that is the text "THAMES TELEVISION PRODUCTION/PROGRAMME FOR" with the 1989 ITV logo. After 1992, this became the primary logo, and the 1989 ITV logo was removed.
Byline: Beginning in mid-1996, the byline "A Pearson Television Company" was added below the triangle, and "Production" was moved on to it, now in the same font as the rest of the logo. The copyright text "© Thames Television Limited MCMXCVI" was also added at the bottom of the screen, as it was previously on the credits.
Variants:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: The closing theme of the show, or none.
Availability: Uncommon.
Editor's Note: None.
Nickname: "The (Pearson) Tower Bridge"
Logo: Against a black background is a tall blue box with a whitish silhouette of the Tower Bridge. Under that are the words "THAMES" in the Copperplate Gothic font and the respective company byline.
Variants:
Bylines:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: The end theme of the show or silence.
Availability: Common.
Editor's Note: None.
Nickname: "River Waves"
Logo: As we see waves on the surface of a river, the name "THAMES" in a white sans-serif font is seen in the centre of the screen. Like the "Rising Buildings", there is a reflection given to the Thames name (in a sky-bluish shade). The byline "A FremantleMedia Company" is under this.
Variants:
FX/SFX: A still image rendered in modern CGI.
Music/Sounds: The end theme of the show or silence.
Availability: Uncommon.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: Against a bluish/whitish background with many dots and lines, we see the word "THAMES"; below that is the "talkbackTHAMES" logo. The byline "Part of the FremantleMedia Group" (or "A FremantleMedia Company") is shown underneath it in a smaller font. Sometimes, a FremantleMedia copyright date is at the bottom.
Variants:
FX/SFX: None.
Music/Sounds: Just the end theme from any show.
Availability: Was seen on Pop Idol, The Bill, Play Your Cards Right, Idols!, and Hardware, among others.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: A purple circle zooms in, with the word "thames" (with a massive "t") turning on the circle. The bottom shines. The FremantleMedia byline appears on the bottom of it.
FX/SFX: The circle zooming and "thames" turning in.
Music/Sounds: Just the end theme from any show.
Availability: Seen on Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor from 2012-2019, and the 2012 series of Blockbusters on Challenge, among others.
Editor's Note: None.
Logo: On a black background, the word "THAMES" now in a gold and a different font rises up, and the reflection fades out, similar to the "Rising Buildings" logo.
Bylines:
Variants:
FX/SFX: The "THAMES" lettering rising and its reflection fading away.
Music/Sounds: A whoosh sound with a "thud", the ending theme from any show, or none.
Availability: Current.
Editor's Note: None.