Starz! Pictures

Background

Starz! Pictures was an internal studio of Starz, launched by Encore Media Corporation in 1994 to produce cable movies for the channel. The studio was closed in 2002, after they released their first and only major film project, Joe & Max.

1st Logo (June 22, 1996-1998)

Visuals: A spotlight shining the then-current Starz logo is seen on a dark background. The name "STARZ! PICTURES" is seen below the logo. The logo itself looks like it is contained in a box, as a blue light that is clearly seen in the right hand corner is cut off.

Technique: Live-action.

Audio: A piano/string/cymbal entry.

Availability: Appears on several TV movies, like Escape from Atlantis.

2nd Logo (1998-March 3, 2002)

Visuals: A purple explosion of fog occurs on a blue background. After a few seconds, the fog moves around and forms a cerulean spotlight shape, as several light streaks form the then-current Starz logo below it. The spotlight circle releases a lot of light, as "STARZ! PICTURES" from before fades in underneath the picture. As the light dies down, the spotlight becomes enclosed in a purple box and in a 2D style.

Variants:

• There's a short version containing the final seconds of animation. This time, the logo doesn't become enclosed in a box.
• On Joe & Max, the logo is in black-and-white.

Technique: CGI.

Audio: A majestic orchestral fanfare, or the opening soundtrack of the movie.

Availability: The black-and-white version was seen only on Joe & Max. The normal version appeared as a bumper for original movies made by Starz.