Cambium Productions

From the Audiovisual Identity Database, the motion graphics museum


Background

Cambium Productions was formed by Arnie Ziprursky in the mid-80s. Initially working on live-action/puppet shows, they would slowly expand to co-producing animated programs. In 2002, Cambium merged with Catalyst Entertainment to form CCI Entertainment (Cambium Catalyst International Entertainment), which would get acquired by 9 Story Entertainment in 2013.

1st Logo (September 10, 1984-1995)


Visuals: On a yellow/orange gradient background, there are two elephants adorned with hats and canes shimming into view. The image zooms back to reveal the elephants are standing on a spiderweb floor. Not long after a third elephant slides into view, the three elephants finish their performance. Then, a spider drops down from the top of the screen, applauds the elephants, and then says in a chipmunk's voice: "This has been a Cambium Production!" The company text then fades in:

(C) CAMBIUM
Film & Video Productions Ltd.
(Year)

Variants:

  • Around 1988 is the word "CAMBIUM" (in ITC Avant Garde Gothic) drawn in, The "A" and "M" are connected, with the left leg of the "A" touching the bottom of the "C". "Limited Partnership No. Two" and "© (year)" fade in below.
  • On Eric's World, taking place on a different background depending on the season, the name is written in the same fashion as the previous variant. A puppet (the character CJ) pops up from the bottom of the screen and says, "This has been a CJ - uh - Cambium Production!" Then Eric mutters, "I knew that." A copyright reading "© Eric’s World Ltd. (Year)" can be seen below.

Technique: Traditional animation.

Audio:

  • The Elephant Show: A Dixieland-style music rendition of “Skinnamarink” for when the elephants are dancing, and the spider's applause and dialogue.
  • Eric's World: Whistle noises when CJ is popping up and down, and dialogue between CJ and Eric.
  • On some prints of Christopher the Christmas Tree, the logo is on a dark green background and animates under a white picture of a tree with stars. The word "releasing inc." appears beneath the company name.

Availability: Appeared on Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show and Eric's World. Both were released on VHS.

Legacy: This is a very cute and nostalgic logo for those who grew up with The Elephant Show and Eric’s World.

2nd Logo (October 5, 1996-January 26, 2002)


Visuals: On a gray background, falling white dots form blue stars on the screen. The logo zooms out, seeing the stars are forming a tree and revealing "CAMBIUM" below. Some of the stars shine.

Variants:

  • A short version exists that starts with the zoom-out.
  • One print of the Monster by Mistake episode "Home Alone" accidentally replaces this logo with the "Media Offline" error screen seen in Final Cut Pro, due to an editing mistake.

Technique: Appears to be CGI.

Audio: The ending theme of the special or show.

Availability: Seen on The Littlest Angel and Nilus the Sandman. The short version appears on Monster by Mistake and The Ripping Friends.

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