First Films

Background
First Films was a film company established by the Hongkongese producer/director Wong Cheuk-hon. While registered in British Hong Kong, First Films mainly operated in Taiwan and most of their films were made there. First Films ceased operations in the late 80s. Wong Cheuk-hon's son Wong Hoi would later set up Golden Flare Films.

1st Logo (January 30, 1968-1986)


Visuals: On a dark blue background, we see a dim logo. The logo then becomes brighter to reveal that it is a large brown "1" with a smaller "1" inside of it that is the same color as a wreath surrounding the large "1". After the "1" zooms in, the large words "FIRST" and "SCOPE" fade in on either side of the "1", along with the yellow name "First Films Co., Ltd." in Chinese below. The logo sparkles throughout.

Variant: Sometimes, the word "FILMS" instead of the word "SCOPE" is seen, and the Chinese name says "First Distributors (H. K.)". It's seen on some later films produced or distributed by company them.

Technique: The brightening and zooming in of the "1", the fading in of the text, and the sparkling.

Audio: A drumroll followed by a fanfare with the first six notes borrowed from the common childish tune that is often sung "Nanny Nanny Boo-Boo". Sometimes, on the "SCOPE" version, there are 2 versions, different music and a stock fanfare from the New Tide Film Co. logo. On early films, A drumroll and the gong sound was heard.

Availability: Seen on many films made by the company, such as the Mandarin film Ma Su Chen, The Flying Swordgirl, Knight Errant and others. Sometimes is plastered or preceded by the Media Asia logo. A very cut-off version can also be seen on a VHS copy of Women Warriors.

2nd Logo (6th Anniversary) (April 25, 1974)
Visuals: In a pink background a bordered dark-pink box has a white text in Chinese saying:

FIRST FILMS CO., LTD.-SIX YEARS OF THE GIANT

Technique: None.

Audio: A loud triumphant fanfare, which was also used by other companies such as Dak Lee Film and South Sea Film.

Availability: Only seen on Dragon Squad.

Legacy: Pretty underwhelming for what was supposed to be a special anniversary ident.

Logo (1970's-1980's)


Visuals: In a beige background, two letters written and merge together in a stylized form, then a white English text "FIRST DISTRIBUTORS (H.K) LIMITED" wipes in.

Technique: Pretty good animation.

Audio: Same as the First Films logo.

Availability: Seen on English HK films at the time.