Sit Ubu Sit! and other TV Vanity Cards - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cynthetiq · 02-22-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

You’re so vain: TV vanity cards
Remember the MGM lion? MTM kitten? Sit, Ubu, sit!

COMMENTARY
By Wendell Wittler
MSNBC contributor
Updated: 1:45 p.m. ET Feb. 2, 2005
LINK

For some of the ego-driven television business, it's the most important two seconds on the air.

That moment, usually at the end of the closing credits, when the personal logo of the creative force behind a show has equal standing to the corporate forces of the network, studio and/or big-name production company.

While usually just saying "Look at Me!" in large type, some of these tiny bites of broadcast time have provided enticing glimpses into the imaginations and personalities of the business's brightest lights, from old family pictures to wicked little pranks.

I Love Lucy's Logo
The oldest well-known TV logo not belonging to a network or movie studio is the scripted Desilu that wrote itself out at the end of "I Love Lucy," making it clear that Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball weren't just the stars of that seminal sitcom, they were also the bosses. As Desilu grew into a mini-studio of its own, the signature appeared on shows raging from "December Bride" to the original "Untouchables." But by the mid-60s, the logo had shrunk to a small part-screen credit pasted over the face of a scary alien on "Star Trek" before it disappeared altogether when Lucy and Desi sold their company to Paramount.

The Hammer (and Chisel) of Justice
When Universal Studios packaged TV shows in the '60s and '70s, few producers had the clout to get their own logos on the air with the Universal globe, and Jack Webb, of "Dragnet" fame, was one of them. And what a logo it was! Large muscular hands with a hammer and chisel pounded the Roman numeral "VII" into a marble wall for Webb's Mark VII Ltd. (named after a car Webb had once owned), and it rapidly became one of the most-copied (and parodied) images in TV history.

Lions and Kittens
The all-time favorite parody logo has to belong to MTM Enterprises, which took sound-alike studio MGM's roaring lion and substituted a meowing kitten. As Mary Tyler Moore and then-husband Grant Tinker built MTM into a major production company, variations on the kitten popped up: it was seen dribbling an animated basketball for "The White Shadow," with a Sherlock Holmes-ian cap and pipe for "Remington Steele," and wearing surgical scrubs for "St. Elsewhere". And on "Newhart," yes that was Bob Newhart's voice saying "meow".

My Big Fat Fictitious Boss
When James L. Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis and Ed. Weinberger partnered to create the series "Taxi," they couldn't work out a company name that included all of their names ("BroDanDavWein"?), so they invented a fictional fifth partner with none of their names. The closing credit for John Charles Walters Productions showed the back of the departing boss (reportedly portrayed by Mr. Weinberger's back) as a secretary said "Good night, Mr. Walters."

The Writer's Stuff
Starting his own independent company after the success of "The Rockford Files", Stephen J. Cannell had a personal point to make — that even action shows like "the A-Team" and "21 Jump Street" always start with the writing. So, for his logo, viewers saw Cannell himself as he typed furiously at an old manual typewriter, pulled out a page and tossed it into the air where it turned animated and settled onto a stack of papers shaped (not folded) like the producer's initials. Not exactly subtle, but neither was "A-Team."

It's a Wonderful So-Called Life
Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick's The Bedford Falls Company was an unsubtle homage to "It's a Wonderful Life", with a logo showing an aerial view of the Bailey house with snow and a film-sprocketed frame while the audio track sang "...and danced by the light of the moon." It's a seemingly incongruous choice for shows like "thirtysomething" and "My So-Called Life" until you realize that George Bailey was one of the most angst-ridden characters in the history of the movies.

Father With Fiddle
Many producers have used pictures of members of their family in their logos, but probably the most beautifully done and least cheesy has to be for Steven Bochco Productions, with a snippet of film showing Bochco's father, a concert violinist, performing in profile.

The Laughing Ultrasound
Bruce Helford, co-creator of successful sitcoms for Drew Carey and George Lopez (and unsuccessful ones for Norm MacDonald and Wanda Sykes), put one of the most surprising and bizarre images on the two-second vanity video for his Mohawk Productions: a sonogram, reportedly of his first child. The voiceover features a baby giggling (quite an accomplishment prior to birth).

An Airline Gone South
Trey Parker and Matt Stone would never do anything normal on "South Park". So when they got the opportunity to put a vanity card at the end of the show, they used a piece of found video, the final tag for a commercial for a long-defunct airline, showing the nose of a Boeing 707 with the title: Braniff: Believe It!

TV Dinner
Phil Rosenthal, co-creator of "Everybody Loves Raymond," publicly admits that lunch is his favorite part of the workday, so he named his company Where's Lunch. Its vanity card is a placemat over which a different dish is placed every week (except for a duplicated peanut butter sandwich in the first season that he blamed on the network). The list of over-200 dishes started with a lobster on "Raymond's" pilot episode (they do eat well in Hollywood), and has included steaks, pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups, pizza, sushi, bagels, a pot pie, oysters, roast chicken, nachos, cheesecake, pork chops with applesauce, celery and carrot sticks, and some odder entrees such as a TV dinner in an old-style metal tray, a bowl of spaghettios, a sack lunch (contents unknown) and a rubber chicken. Don't look for any pattern or connection with the preceding show: at the end of the episode about Marie's meatball recipe, the 'lunch' was a small glass of juice.

The Media Is a Message
When he did the pilot for "Dharma and Greg", veteran writer and producer Chuck Lorre made up a vanity card with Chuck Lorre Productions barely readable at the top and a large block of small text below... impossible to read in the brief moment it appeared on screen.

But if you videotaped the show and freeze-framed the card, you could read: "Thank you for videotaping "Dharma & Greg" and freeze-framing on my vanity card. I'd like to take this opportunity to share with you some of my personal beliefs..." and he did, filling that card, and another one for the second episode, and on, and on, until he ran out of personal philosphy and started writing other stuff.

Lorre told personal stories, created characters for unwritten novels, campaigned for himself to replace Michael Eisner as Chairman of Disney (yeah, sure), and complained about how hard it was to write a new vanity card every week. But he kept writing them, and is still writing them for his current series "Two and a Half Men" (except for one week when he had his co-creator Lee Aaronsohn write one). Although not always worth the trouble of freeze-framing (he also posts them on his Web site), it's still a better tribute to the television writer than Stephen J. Cannell's.

The vanity card is a television institution. And with the two top rated sitcoms both doing new versions every week, you can expect more producers to put more and more effort into them. And hopefully, we'll see less like Gary David Goldberg's much-derided tribute to his dog Ubu. "Sit, Ubu, Sit?" Of course he's sitting, he's a still picture.

There's some of these that we just sit and regurgitate instantly... In fact at the end of the article... "Good Dog!" is missing.

Personally I like the Bad Robot one (Alias, LOST) and Joss Whedon's Mutant Enemy "Grrrr.... Arrrgh!!!" (Buffy TVS, Angel) and of course I do miss Xfiles... "I made this!"

asaris · 02-22-2005, 02:20 PM

My favorite has always been "Grrr...Arrrgh" as well, though I thought it was great when, after a particularly heart-wrenching episode, he says "I need a hug".

Charlatan · 02-22-2005, 02:40 PM

Mutant Enemy's Grr.Arg is my favourite too...

Although the one from the producers of Battlestar Galactica is pretty charming as well.

degrawj · 02-22-2005, 03:31 PM

yeah, i remember the x-files one! that was the first vanity card that i ever noticed. i was like "ummmm..... wtf was that?"

ratbastid · 02-22-2005, 03:49 PM

I always liked the one with the typing guy.

You know, the typing guy.

He's sitting, he's typing. He's typing. He's typing...

He tears the paper out of the typewriter and slings it behind him. It flies back behind him and lands in a sort of "C" shape on a stack of papers, and a little music sting happens.

Then there's Paul Reiser's production company, Nuance Productions. That card ran at the end of every episode of Mad About You. It was based on his first line as a professional actor. In fact, the word "nuance" was his only line in his first show.

Seething · 02-22-2005, 04:56 PM

I loved the X-Files one! At the end of a creepy show you hear "I made this!" in a kid's voice. Always left you going "WTF?"

Dave Letterman's "Worldwide Pants" is good, because they say something off the wall every time.

Edit: The one metioned above ^ is from Steven J Cannell, and you'd see it after A-Team and other shows he did from the 80s.

guthmund · 02-22-2005, 10:12 PM

You know what kind of had me thinking?

I never paid attention to these things as I'm usually up to grab something or visit the bathroom, but as I was reading through that list, I realized I recognized quite a bit.

I can even remember the little snippet of song that went with Steven J. Cannell's (the guy with the typewriter). It's as clear as if I just heard it a few minutes ago.

Kind of makes me wonder what else they're slipping in and I'm unconsciously picking up, eh?

ObieX · 02-22-2005, 11:21 PM

The movie theater "shh!" one at the end of the Simpsons usually has some special simpsons stuff added into it. It's not one of my favorites, but it wasn't mentioned yet *shrugs*.

lite campfire · 02-22-2005, 11:40 PM

King of the Hill does that too (over an American flag backround, I think the text says 'DeeDee producions'). The Gracie Films sound clip seems to be Bart saying 'moochie moochie' more often then not, but the King of the Hill clip is always from the episode preceding (as far as I've seen). It's usually pretty hilarious, taken out of context like that.

Really appriciate the info on the Chuck Lorre Productions cards. I only recently noticed that the numbers at the top changed and was just on the lazy side of looking it up myself. '4 to 6 foot productions' had something to do with Dharma & Greg as well, didn't they? I always remember that one because I don't know what it means.

Fremen · 02-22-2005, 11:51 PM

Damnit, Jim! I always liked the Sit Ubu, Sit! vanity one.
Chuck Lorre's sounds pretty interesting. I'll need to see if I can catch some.

Smallville's vanity's don't do it for me. The ink bottle needs to explode in slow motion.

d*d · 02-23-2005, 01:27 AM

the one with the girls voice that says "Dic" always slightly disturbed me

moot1337 · 02-23-2005, 04:51 AM

I think the one at the end of the Venture Brothers is the best, from Noodle Soup productions.... has a cartoon kid holding a spoon who says:

That's GoooOOOooood Soup!!!!

m0rpheus · 02-23-2005, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asaris

My favorite has always been "Grrr...Arrrgh" as well, though I thought it was great when, after a particularly heart-wrenching episode, he says "I need a hug".

and dont forget during the musical Once More with Feeling episode the singing "GrrArgh" and in Hush the silent one I believe he just walks by w/o the "Grr...Arrgh".

BTW: I'm pretty sure the "I need a hug" comes from the episode "The Body" but I could be wrong. Yup I'm a BTVS geek...

StephenSa · 02-23-2005, 08:21 AM

I liked the old Filmways vanity clips. At the end of Green Acres Eva Gabor would say "This has been a filmways presentation dahling" and at the end of Beverly Hillbilles Ellie May would say in full southern drawl "This has been a Filmways presentation!" Just voice-overs and their logo. Always reminds me of when I was a kid.

nofnway · 02-23-2005, 09:42 PM

i say the sit ubu sit thing all of the time and people just stare dumbly

Redlemon · 02-24-2005, 09:29 AM

While there isn't anything special about it, I got a big kick out of the "Mindless Entertainment" card, just for the name itself.

(And one more vote for BtVS. Sometimes, after a particularly depressing episode, we really needed that laugh at the end.)

Stompy · 02-24-2005, 01:45 PM

I like the one at the end of Chapelle's show. "I'm rich, beeeeeeotch"

bad jane · 02-24-2005, 05:22 PM

i can't believe it says "sit ubu, sit"! all my life i've been repeating it as "sit booboo, sit"!

Cynthetiq · 02-24-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bad jane

i can't believe it says "sit ubu, sit"! all my life i've been repeating it as "sit booboo, sit"!

and now you know.. 'cause knowing is half the battle... but that's a whole different topic all together.

02-22-2005, 02:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
asaris Mad Philosopher Location: Washington, DC	My favorite has always been "Grrr...Arrrgh" as well, though I thought it was great when, after a particularly heart-wrenching episode, he says "I need a hug". __________________ "Die Deutschen meinen, daß die Kraft sich in Härte und Grausamkeit offenbaren müsse, sie unterwerfen sich dann gerne und mit Bewunderung:[...]. Daß es Kraft giebt in der Milde und Stille, das glauben sie nicht leicht." "The Germans believe that power must reveal itself in hardness and cruelty and then submit themselves gladly and with admiration[...]. They do not believe readily that there is power in meekness and calm." -- Friedrich Nietzsche

02-22-2005, 02:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	Mutant Enemy's Grr.Arg is my favourite too... Although the one from the producers of Battlestar Galactica is pretty charming as well. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

02-22-2005, 04:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Seething Insane	I loved the X-Files one! At the end of a creepy show you hear "I made this!" in a kid's voice. Always left you going "WTF?" Dave Letterman's "Worldwide Pants" is good, because they say something off the wall every time. Edit: The one metioned above ^ is from Steven J Cannell, and you'd see it after A-Team and other shows he did from the 80s. __________________ Common sense is uncommon. Ironic, isn't it?

02-22-2005, 10:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	You know what kind of had me thinking? I never paid attention to these things as I'm usually up to grab something or visit the bathroom, but as I was reading through that list, I realized I recognized quite a bit. I can even remember the little snippet of song that went with Steven J. Cannell's (the guy with the typewriter). It's as clear as if I just heard it a few minutes ago. Kind of makes me wonder what else they're slipping in and I'm unconsciously picking up, eh? __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

02-22-2005, 11:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
ObieX Pickles Location: Shirt and Pants (NJ)	The movie theater "shh!" one at the end of the Simpsons usually has some special simpsons stuff added into it. It's not one of my favorites, but it wasn't mentioned yet shrugs. __________________ We Must Dissent.

02-22-2005, 03:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
degrawj I'm still waiting... Location: West Linn, OR	yeah, i remember the x-files one! that was the first vanity card that i ever noticed. i was like "ummmm..... wtf was that?"

02-22-2005, 03:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
ratbastid Darth Papa Location: Yonder	I always liked the one with the typing guy. You know, the typing guy. He's sitting, he's typing. He's typing. He's typing... He tears the paper out of the typewriter and slings it behind him. It flies back behind him and lands in a sort of "C" shape on a stack of papers, and a little music sting happens. Then there's Paul Reiser's production company, Nuance Productions. That card ran at the end of every episode of Mad About You. It was based on his first line as a professional actor. In fact, the word "nuance" was his only line in his first show.

02-22-2005, 11:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
lite campfire Crazy	King of the Hill does that too (over an American flag backround, I think the text says 'DeeDee producions'). The Gracie Films sound clip seems to be Bart saying 'moochie moochie' more often then not, but the King of the Hill clip is always from the episode preceding (as far as I've seen). It's usually pretty hilarious, taken out of context like that. Really appriciate the info on the Chuck Lorre Productions cards. I only recently noticed that the numbers at the top changed and was just on the lazy side of looking it up myself. '4 to 6 foot productions' had something to do with Dharma & Greg as well, didn't they? I always remember that one because I don't know what it means.

02-22-2005, 11:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
Fremen With a mustache, the cool factor would be too much Location: left side of my couch, East Texas	Damnit, Jim! I always liked the Sit Ubu, Sit! vanity one. Chuck Lorre's sounds pretty interesting. I'll need to see if I can catch some. Smallville's vanity's don't do it for me. The ink bottle needs to explode in slow motion. __________________ Google

02-23-2005, 01:27 AM	#11 (permalink)
d*d Addict	the one with the girls voice that says "Dic" always slightly disturbed me

02-23-2005, 04:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
moot1337 Insane Location: Learning to Fly...	I think the one at the end of the Venture Brothers is the best, from Noodle Soup productions.... has a cartoon kid holding a spoon who says: That's GoooOOOooood Soup!!!!

02-23-2005, 08:21 AM	#14 (permalink)
StephenSa Psycho Location: Dallas, Texas	I liked the old Filmways vanity clips. At the end of Green Acres Eva Gabor would say "This has been a filmways presentation dahling" and at the end of Beverly Hillbilles Ellie May would say in full southern drawl "This has been a Filmways presentation!" Just voice-overs and their logo. Always reminds me of when I was a kid. __________________ Thousands of Monkeys, all screaming at once. Pulling God's finger.

02-23-2005, 09:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
nofnway Insane Location: under the freeway bridge	i say the sit ubu sit thing all of the time and people just stare dumbly __________________ "Iron rusts with disuse, stagnant water loses its purity and in cold water freezes. Even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind" Leonardo Da Vinci

02-24-2005, 09:29 AM	#16 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	While there isn't anything special about it, I got a big kick out of the "Mindless Entertainment" card, just for the name itself. (And one more vote for BtVS. Sometimes, after a particularly depressing episode, we really needed that laugh at the end.) __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry.

02-24-2005, 01:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	I like the one at the end of Chapelle's show. "I'm rich, beeeeeeotch" __________________ I love lamp.

02-24-2005, 05:22 PM	#18 (permalink)
bad jane Insane	i can't believe it says "sit ubu, sit"! all my life i've been repeating it as "sit booboo, sit"!