TFOU

Background
TFOU, previously known as TF! (itself also known as TF! Jeunesse), is a children's programming block broadcast every morning on TF1 which launched in 1997 as TF! before taking on the name TFOU in 2007. The block itself replaced Club Dorothée, similarly focused on programming for younger audiences, produced by AB Productions for TF1. While Club Dorothée was quite varied in its presentation and programming, TFOU focused first and foremost on french and european cartoons, along with a few animes and shows from outside Europe.

The brand is also used as a sub-label to TF1 Vidéo, named TFOU Vidéo (previously known as TF! Vidéo), in order to make video releases of TF! and TFOU programming stand out from TF1 Vidéo's regular releases.

1st Logo (1997-2001)
Logo: On a white background, we see the TF1 logo at the bottom of the screen. Something within the logo bumps three times before the blue half opens like a door, revealing a yellow ball. The ball jumps out of the logo before the blue half closes. Positioning itself underneath the logo, the ball pushes it upwards 3 times to the middle of the screen. Each corner of the rectangle is then stretched as far as possible by the ball. After gaining some momentum and running off-screen to the left, the ball crashes onto the logo from the right, deforming the letters from Gill Sans Ultra Bold into a larger, goofier-looking font. The ball slides off the right side of the logo after the crash, though it quickly gets back up to place itself under the deformed 1, now looking like an exclamation point. Children then say "TF1!" excitedly, with each letter stretching in time with their voices.

Closing Sequence: The yellow ball jumps from underneath the 1 before making the entire logo spin, the letters returning to their original font. After quickly stretching back the corners to their original shape, the blue half of the TF1 logo opens up before the yellow ball flies into it, closing right after. The logo then slowly descends back to its original place. After that, the blue half suddenly opens once more to reveal the ball hopping 3 times, as if to say goodbye, before closing for good. The copyright year then fades in under the logo.

Technique: 2D animation designed by Pittard-Sullivan.

Music/Sounds: Some fast music with trumpets, along with the sound of the ball moving. Availability: Extinct. Archival websites have the closing sequence, however.

Legacy: It's a popular and funny logo, even with the amazing 2D for the ball.