Title Sequences Over the Decades - How have they Developed?

Blue Peter Through the Years 

Here I have gathered together a selection of ‘Blue Peter’ Title sequences together to see how they have developed over many years due to the new technology available and their growing target audience. 

1958

First is the opening sequence from 1958, this is one of the first title sequences that ‘Blue Peter’ produced. This title sequence is very very simple as it just shows a ship sailing through the ocean with a close up at the end this may be because there wasn’t the technology we have available today. Also they were able to keep title sequences simple and less eye catching as they did not have as many competitors competing with them for viewers like they do today.  This title sequence does not follow all the standard conventions that we see in title sequences today, this again may be because of the technology available and the lack of competitors when it aired. The one convention they do follow is that they show the ‘Blue Peter’ title in the sequence this convention is vital to all title sequences.

1985

The 1985 sequence shows that technology is now beginning to develop as not only is the sequence filmed in colour but the sequence is longer than the 1958 sequence. This sequence begins with an establishing shot of the Blue Peter gardens in the snow with the well known Blue Peter dogs playing in the snow. This highlights to the audience what will feature in the programme as after the opening titles the presenters are discussing the recent snow. When researching the Blue Peter sequences over the years the activities shown in the sequence changed depending on the subject of the show. For example, in one episode opening the presenters are shown swimming in a pool. Unlike the 1958 episode the 1985 opening follows more standard conventions as it establishes what the show is about and the presenter names are also shown on screen.

2000

The opening sequence from 2000 is more conventional to the title sequences we see today as it follows all the standard media conventions unlike the previous sequences. The sequence begins conventionally by introducing the presenters as they float around, the presenter’s names appear next to them so it is clear to the young audience who they are. The sequence then goes on to show clips that will feature in the episode like the 1985 edition. Another convention of title sequences that it follows is that it ends with the famous Blue Peter symbol fading into the starting scene. I like how the bubbles with the Blue Peter boats floats around and helps as a transition between the scene, this makes a smooth exciting transition for the young target audience.

2007

The opening sequence from 2007 like the one from 2000 follows more standard TV sequence conventions. This time the opening titles introduces the presenters in more detail as they show a series of clips of them on the show next to an image of them. There is also small box that shows some of the presenter’s hobbies and interests, this is so that the audience can get to know the presenters and their personalities before watching the show. The famous logo again slides across the screen to reveal the programmes name and the presenter silhouettes which then fades into the first scene. This sequence is more conventional and like the sequences we know today as it is bright colourful and eye catching to its audience, this is because they want to capture the young audience’s attention and attract more views against their competitors unlike the 1958 edition.

2011

Again this 2011 edition of the ‘Blue Peter’ title sequence is like the 2000 and 2007 editions as it modern and captures its audience quickly and effectively through the fast paced transitions and bright blue colour theme. Like the other openings this one follows all normal media conventions one being that it introduces its presenters, this time the presents are seen throwing round and electric ball that opens up into a screen that shows clips from the programme and the presenters hobbies. The blue colour theme throughout clearly highlights to the audience the sequence is ‘Blue Peter’. This is because ‘Blue Peter’ are known for the shade of blue they use in their logo and it is now recognised as the Blue Peter ship colour when on merchandise such as magazines.  Finally, I like the modern look to this sequence and the fast pace transitions such as when the piano spins into the logo at the end of sequence. I feel that this is highly effective and appealing to the young target audience as it is fun, exciting and eye catching.

Overall, one feature that stays the same throughout all the Title sequences is the memorable and recognisable theme tune. The 'Blue Peter' theme tune has stayed the same or similar throughout all sequences because it is well known and memorable to its target audience, although the show has had to adapt to its ever changing audience the one thing that remains the same is the theme tune. This is so that viewers of all ages can remember that theme tune so that when they hear it again it will instantly remind them of the show they used to watch as children. Although the theme tune changes slightly in the 2000's ultimately it is still the same as the original 1958 edition. The theme tune is vital convention to TV title sequences as when viewer hear it they will recognise it and know it is time to watch their show, this may be why Blue Peter has decided to keep it the same over all these years.