A.P. Films

Background

A.P. Films (later becoming "Century 21 Productions") was a British independent film production company of the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s founded by husband-and-wife producers Gerry and Sylvia Anderson and cinematographer Arthur Provis (hence its initials "A.P."). The company became world-famous with its imaginative children's action-adventure "Supermarionation" marionette shows - most notably Thunderbirds - produced for British independent broadcasting companies Associated-Rediffusion, Granada, ABC Weekend TV and ATV.

1st Logo (November 13, 1957-August 6, 1961)

Visuals: In an oval, there is the words "MADE BY" positioned over the letters "APF".

Variants:

One show had the otherwise-superimposed logo as a live-action sign hanging from a bar.
Some shows have "MADE BY" positioned above the oval.
Some shows have "MAIDENHEAD" (presumably the location in which it was produced) below the oval.
Torchy the Battery Boy has "in association with GRANADA T.V. NETWORK" below the oval.

Technique: Live-action.

Audio: The closing theme of the show.

Availability: Seen on Supercar and Torchy the Battery Boy.

2nd Logo (February 2, 1962-June 27, 1965)

Visuals: There is the APF oval logo from the last logo, now stretched out at the centre making the logo seem rounder. Above it is "AN", and below it is "TELEVISION PRODUCTION".

Variant: There is a colourised version of this logo, seen on later episodes of the Gerry Anderson show Stingray. In this version, the background is red, the APF oval logo is now gold gradient while the "APF" text is now goldy-brown. Also, the "AN" above, and "TELEVISION PRODUCTION" below texts remains in white.

Technique: A model being pointed at by a camera.

Audio: None, but sometimes it used the show's closing theme.

Availability: Seen on A.P. Films-produced shows of the period (primarily Fireball XL5, Stingray and Supercar).

A.P. Films

Century 21 Productions

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