AS1-Task Three:Understanding the design of a suite of television idents

A suite of idents is when a television channel have many ideas rather than one, and they are almost a collection of several idents with a similar theme to connect them together. By having many suites of idents it means that the audience are provided with a range, to be intrigued with once they have had a glance. Also a single theme can help in maintaining the brand identity of any channel.

An example of multiple suites is BBC One and their suite is the 'circle suite' as it involves a varied style in which the idents are similar but still different for example the hippos ident.  

The theme of this suite is a hippo moving around in a circular motion. This sort of circular theme appeals to families who have pets of their own or just like every animal, and by using hippos it makes the channel seem more enjoyable. It is not by any means information led but instead it is entertainingly led as the first shot begins with a grown adult hippo with a young hippo swimming around together, which then goes from that shot to the last from a low angle tilted shot of all the hippos swimming unitedly. The suite cleverly conveys that the channel is suitable for everyone because it has adult and baby hippos which presents that it his family friendly, as well as it not being offensive to people due to hippos being a generic idea. As mentioned this form of ident of hippos is generic therefore, it can be shown anytime being day or night. It would be good for some people at nighttime because most people will be arriving back from work so by the time an individual is back with their family or friends they will all be getting ready to relax.

Another good BBC One circle ident "Moon"

This moon ident is a part of the circle theme suite. It was shown on television for two years from the seventh of October 2006 to July 2008. It appeals to the audience as it creates a soothing tone and this has been achieved by the music in the background. Even more so, this theme compared to the hippos ident is contrasting as the difference is that a range of locations are used to film these into unique sequences. The ident is but is not at the same time information led as a whole variety of programmes are aired but this specific ident is usually broadcasted before the news as it can prepare someone to keep themselves together if they hear a few terrible news, because people will be familiar with the ident. Thus this means they know what will being coming their way as the tone starts to change from calm to serious. Despite this small knock to the channel without a doubt the ident is supposed to be used a lot a night time hence the humongous moon in the central, and also this would not be shown during a particular time of year plus it cannot be shown anymore due to the ident having been withdrawn for a reason I am not sure about. On the channel the suite conveys that the viewers are adults who may have a hobby of fishing or rowing etc, which is looks effortless since the people have reached the moon. The ident lasts for thirty three seconds and is effective as it lures an adult to watch the whole ident due to how it is short, and also as I mentioned before of how Howard Greenhalgh wanted to directed this ident in Kamenjak peninsula in northern Croatia. Along with that the design of the moon is forming from separate sections.

BBC One 'Capes'

This third examples theme of the suite is also a circle and the design is not at all complicated rather it be an interpretation of how the weather is terrible due to the rain yet it will become a better day hence there is a rainbow and sun. So the way in which the theme appeals to the viewers is based on the design as it somewhat neutral for everyone to have a preference based on the colours, plus the fact that the circle is forming from four different  routes. The theme is used differently as I mentioned before because of the design, as nearly every sort of object has been used intelligently to produce a circular motion. I know that this type of ident could be considered as information led a bit, as it may inform families about the weather but not really as it can imply that BBC One is entertainment led from how it is recognised from that colourful design. In my opinion the ident is intended to be used for any particular days, apart from a certain time of year; as it does not get identified with freezing ice/snow particles during christmas, or dark vibes for halloween yet it is not necessary that darkness will be shown at halloween due to the fact that it would be associated with night time. Personally the design is so and so in being effective and I am basing this decision on how the design of the suite is consistent throughout, also this ident lasts for thirty five seconds. Additionally, the suite conveys that the channel that this is still carrying on being for everyone no matter who they are, because there are many people watching nationwide, therefore it allows them to feel inclusive.

Another example is 'Christmas'

This ident shows a father and child gruffalo having fun as they are sliding down on snow and drop centrally into a pile of snow making a round circle. It is an ident that can be viewed by families as well it has a memorable easing tone. This suite of ident is actually both entertainment led and information led due to the fact that it is mentioning what programmes will be on next, This ident is intended to especially be shown both morning and night time during christmas time each year. Also the suite conveys that christmas is magical as it is visible that the design of the ident includes sparkles, so this suite of ident is very effective as there is joyful music in the background and it lasts for twenty seconds.

 The next example is 'rhythm and movement'

The theme of this rhythm and movement ident is that two male dancers are almost doing contemporary dancing as their legs are being stretched in a straight line creating a circle in opposite directions from one another. This ident is targeted more towards the younger views, because the tone is calm and younger people are interested in dance themselves. Even this ident is not information led yet it is entertaining. As the audience wait for the next programme to start I think that it would be aired possibly during midday. The design of the suite personally is not effective as it nothing else is happening other than the dancers being in one place, whereas they could have had maybe other people dancing other countries/cities in split screen as it would be more diverse and relatable in some sense. The ident lasts for eleven seconds which is less than hippos ident as it could become tedious. Last but not the least this was the next suite being made to air after the circle themed suites.  

The last example is channel 4's

The theme of this ident is a structural number four being put together, and this is targeted to both younger and older viewers. It appeals to this target group because it creates an educational tone, and as channel 4 are innovative they use many buildings or great touristy attractions to build a huge number four so this is effective. Plus this is definitely intended to be shown in the morning as it shows in the image.

In conclusion, it is useful to create a good design of suites as everyone prefers different things so it makes it more closer and personal to the public as they will be loyal to a certain brand identity.