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BBC One

(May 2009)

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VM
VMPhil
This year marks 8 years since the BBC One 'Circle' idents first aired back in 2006. Do you think it is time for a new look?

Well, yes. But I don't think they'll be able to justify it at the moment, that's the problem.
DB
dbl
The package is old but doesn't feel as dated, it still has some life in it. (Especially with cutbacks)
CG
Charlie Gough
dbl posted:
The package is old but doesn't feel as dated, it still has some life in it. (Especially with cutbacks)
I totally agree. The 'Circle' idents are perfect for BBC One. If they were to change them, maybe they could create new 'Circle' idents, rather than changing the channel's presentation completely, as they work really well.
JA
JAS84
Evolution, not revolution, yes. They could have a theme where circular objects are used (instead of multiple objects forming a circle as with the current set), with a live action or CGI form up ending with the object in the centre of the screen, where the BBC One logo would appear. They could even hark back to their 1960s-1990s idents, by having a globe version for the news (kind of a red version of the COW, but with the name on top of the globe instead of underneath, and with a soundtrack instead of silent). Indeed, the circle theme was meant to be an evolution of the old globes in the first place.
CG
Charlie Gough
JAS84 posted:
Evolution, not revolution, yes. They could have a theme where circular objects are used (instead of multiple objects forming a circle as with the current set), with a live action or CGI form up ending with the object in the centre of the screen, where the BBC One logo would appear. They could even hark back to their 1960s-1990s idents, by having a globe version for the news (kind of a red version of the COW, but with the name on top of the globe instead of underneath, and with a soundtrack instead of silent). Indeed, the circle theme was meant to be an evolution of the old globes in the first place.
I like the idea of using a circle shaped object, rather than multiple objects forming a circle. If the idents are changed, I believe this idea could work really well.
MK
Mr Kite
The thing is, BBC One doesn't have a symbol any more. In the nineties it had both the globe and the '1', now it has neither. I've always thought a lack of symbol is what's held back ITV generic branding in its relatively short existence too. Most of the regional ITV companies had contemporary and recognisable station symbols. Channel 4 does, as does BBC Two. Most American TV networks have symbols that have lasted decades also, with only minor modifications.
JV
James Vertigan Founding member
Old BBC ONE logo spotted on microphone at BAFTAs!
JO
Jonny
The fancy logo wordmark is the(/subs for a) symbol. That's where the problem lies for me, others would argue differently.

I don't mind the set or look by the way, it's just a shame it's petered out since the 2009 edits, the last real creative use of theme being the 2010 Christmas idents. But there are obvious reasons for that.

Hard to believe they're still using the 2006 animations but if it isn't broken I guess. Definitely boring from a geeky pov though.
Last edited by Jonny on 17 February 2014 2:26pm - 2 times in total
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MF
MatthewFirth
The ident format (the circles) ain't dated, still modern indeed. But they need to introduce a new bunch (and retire the 2006 package), and focus them on the type of programme that is about to be shown. In my opinion some of the idents introduced after 2006 (e.g. Dancing) are OK. Some others are also OK, but need updating (e.g. Football). But they need a new bunch of idents and focus them on the programme it proceeds. So if it's news that need to replace helicopter or kites with a globe. If it's current affairs replacing it with Downing Street or something political, and so on to reflect each programme. It may copy ITV's kind of standard, but it's the last thing that will work with circles. If the BBC don't see that, they should find something new.
CH
chris
The ident format (the circles) ain't dated, still modern indeed. But they need to introduce a new bunch (and retire the 2006 package), and focus them on the type of programme that is about to be shown. In my opinion some of the idents introduced after 2006 (e.g. Dancing) are OK. Some others are also OK, but need updating (e.g. Football). But they need a new bunch of idents and focus them on the programme it proceeds. So if it's news that need to replace helicopter or kites with a globe. If it's current affairs replacing it with Downing Street or something political, and so on to reflect each programme. It may copy ITV's kind of standard, but it's the last thing that will work with circles. If the BBC don't see that, they should find something new.


What on earth are you on about?

The look isn't broken. It works well online and on mobile devices too. They just need some new versions of the idents, not necessarily retiring the original lot - just using them more sparingly.
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CG
Charlie Gough
chris posted:
The ident format (the circles) ain't dated, still modern indeed. But they need to introduce a new bunch (and retire the 2006 package), and focus them on the type of programme that is about to be shown. In my opinion some of the idents introduced after 2006 (e.g. Dancing) are OK. Some others are also OK, but need updating (e.g. Football). But they need a new bunch of idents and focus them on the programme it proceeds. So if it's news that need to replace helicopter or kites with a globe. If it's current affairs replacing it with Downing Street or something political, and so on to reflect each programme. It may copy ITV's kind of standard, but it's the last thing that will work with circles. If the BBC don't see that, they should find something new.


What on earth are you on about?

The look isn't broken. It works well online and on mobile devices too. They just need some new versions of the idents, not necessarily retiring the original lot - just using them more sparingly.


Yes, you're absolutely right, the current look of BBC One is absolutely fine, so if change is to happen, the BBC need to create new versions of the current 'Circle' idents using the same format, rather than creating a completely new look from scratch.
ST
Stuart
I noticed over the weekend that BBC have standardised their channel names on Sky's EPG.

In my region, 'BBC1 S West' has become 'BBC One S West' to match the sentence case descriptor for 'BBC Two HD' on 102.

Similarly, 'BBC THREE HD' has become 'BBC Three HD' (same with FOUR/Four).

It looks tidier and more uniform. They've also changed 'BBC PARLM'NT' to 'BBC Parliament', but 'BBC NEWS' & 'ALBA' are still all capitals.

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