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On the Record’s memorable title sequence

Posted on 21st December 2021 by Andrew Nairn Last updated on 21st December 2021 Filed under Opinion

A distinctive visual style can help a programme stand out from the crowd. The best classic title sequences are visually memorable, imaginative and articulate.

Sometimes the basic concept may be relatively simple but the execution makes it memorable – think Dad’s Army or Doctor Who in the 70s.

But sometimes a sheer moment of genius brings a programme to life. Take On the Record, BBC One’s Sunday political programme from 1988 to 2002.

The titles could so easily have been bland – shots or drawings of politicians or Westminster come to mind, as featured in its predecessor This Week Next Week.

Instead came a remarkable title sequence which transformed part of the Houses of Parliament into what could either have been a crocodile or prehistoric monster. It set the tone for the series and certainly provoked a reaction from viewers.

VIDEO: On the Record title sequence. TX DATE: 9th October 1988. SUPPLIED BY: YouTube Channel – The TV Museum. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

Bland is never good.

The titles were later reshot and modified but they remained fundamentally the same.

VIDEO: On the Record title sequence. TX DATE: 28th January 1996. SUPPLIED BY: YouTube Channel – Sticky tape ‘n’ rust. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

If anyone imagines that a serious programme needs to have a serious or inoffensive title sequence, this was proof to the contrary.

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FEATURE IMAGE:

PICTURED: On the Record opening titles. COPYRIGHT: BBC.

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Tags: BBC, BBC One, On the Record, Programme Titles

Dates for the Diary

30th June 2022: Freeview COM7 multiplex closes. Casualties include Forces TV which will cease broadcasting.

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