UNIT 32 - TASK 1

Unit 32: Designing Channel Idents

LO1 and LO2

1. Using the internet as a research tool, look at a range of TV idents and think about ‘What do they have in common?’ (Check out this website http://www.theidentgallery.com). From your research, write a short description of what a channel idents is and give at least three physical characteristics?

A channel ident is the strongest visual representation of a channel. Idents are short adverts before programmes or shows and uses no voice just music that fits well with the ident. The logo and images are another physical characteristic of an ident as it presents the channel and persuades viewers to watch it. Millions are spent on channel idents and some are now presented as little movies with cliff hangers that will make the viewers want to watch the channel as they believe their programs will be similar.

2. Watch this short documentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42WejuBMEgY&feature=player_embedded Comprehensively explain the purposes of channel idents and give at least three examples.

The purpose of channel idents is to sum up the personality and programmes of the channel. It is the first clear message of what a channel stands for and it also attracts different target audiences depending on how the ident is represented. Channel idents also creates brand awareness. Another way to keep the viewers tuned into the channel is a continuity announcer who introduces the upcoming program and also promotes other programs that may be shown later on or on another channel if it is linked with them. E.g: BBC1 will promote channels shown on BBC2, BBC3 and BBC4. The continuity announcer usually will start promoting as soon as the program has finished so they do not lose their viewers.

Currently the Television market is rapidly expanding, and the corporate identity of each channel has become more and more important. With viewers being offered such a wide choice of channels to watch, it has become increasing important that the look and tone of the channel is instantly recognisable to their target TV audience.

3. Analyse two TV idents in detail (one must be E4 and the other can be of your choosing) and explain how the ident reflects the tone and feel or the channels brand.

E4’s – Hotel Room ident has a warm and summery feel as it is set on a beach and has a lot going on. There are 3 houses. The first house has a TV with a sofa, the second has a big octopus that conmes out with the E4 logo and the third id s hair salon. You then also see two hot air balloons with cats in them. This shows us that the channel is fun and for all different audience types.

4. Why is it important that TV idents are distinctive from each other?

TV idents have to be distinctive from each other as an ident ‘s purpose is to represent the channel and show us what the channel’s programmes are about

5. What can a ‘good’ TV ident do, for the channel?

A good TV ident will make viewers want to watch the channel and will bring more promotion to the channel.

6. When you are creating an ident for use on Television what things do you need to be mindful to avoid. List 3 things:

1. Making the same ident or idea than other channels
2. Creating an ident that does not represent the channel
3. Creating an ident that will not persuade people to watch the channel