S4C

[Flux]

The recent discussion of all things Martin Lambie-Nairn on TV Forum gave me a real trip down memory lane with this package of his fantastic concept for S4C’s idents in the 90s:

https://youtu.be/z-nHDA0UeB4

I don’t think they’ve ever been bettered. Instantly recognisable and undeniably Welsh, they gave what could (and still can be) a relatively “stuffy” channel a real injection of playfulness and I still love some of the creative ways they turned everyday objects into fire breathing dragons.

IMO The Channel’s latest set of idents is easily the worst in its history. There’s some kind of link across the set in everyday scenes forming diagonal lines, but it’s very weak and offers nothing unique to Wales and a Welsh Channel. The lead turquoisy-green colour doesn’t help, but the whole look is just bland.

When Wales were doing well in the last Rugby World Cup, the channel temporarily changed the online logo to a bright red which I thought looked instantly better, bolder and stronger. And actually not unlike the corporate version of the 1990s logo in the idents above. At the time I was hoping they’d revert to this permanently, but they were soon back to the inoffensive and forgettable blue/green diagonal wishy washy look.

What are some favourite (or least favourite) S4C looks and logos from other posters? (o Gymru a thu hwnt!)

[Brekkie]

Absolute classics. I do think the current look is OK for the style of idents they use, but as you say they have somewhat stripped the channel of it's identity and I can imagine how switching to a red logo would instantly make it feel more Welsh.

[RtH]

My favorite idents were introduced in 2007. The combination of the music and slightly strange scenes and the breakfiller with the lines were just perfect . Just found the making off on Youtube.

[Kunst]

For me both the dragon and the 2007 idents were very good.

Absolutely despise the current look

[TheMike]

I have to agree with Flux that the 1990s S4C were the best. I have a soft spot for the S4C Schools countdown of the time, as that's really clever and some though must have gone into that.

I feel there's a tendency these days just to slap a logo on some footage and voila there's your ident, and you have to read the accompanying press release to be told what the idents are supposed to convey.

[AaronLancs]

For me, this look was the pinnacle of S4C presentation. There was also the cracking overnight "infoboard" music by Jimmy Kaleth called "Fitting Images" that I liked at the time and still do.

[dafydd]

Some playout problems on S4C this afternoon, with Kung Fu Panda freezing half way through, 4 minutes of a breakdown caption before a breathless announcer turns up. 12 minutes before they had an alternative programme on air.

https://youtu.be/8NCtXFdBfN4

[WillPS]

It's difficult to choose between the 90s/early 00s S4C identity and the 2007 S4/C identity for me.

Arguably they were both perfect identities for the the channels at the time, the former (presumably) being seen mostly viewed ahead of Channel 4 programming on S4C [analog] and the latter being seen mostly ahead of Welsh programming on S4C [digidol].

[RhysJR]

S4C is currently having Traethau Cymru/Welsh Beach week, with a lot of programming based around the Welsh coast and beaches or regular shows being beach themed or filmed at the coast.
https://www.s4c.cymru/en/press/page/4396...y-16-july/

There is also special presentation for this week. I've screenshotted some of the 22:30 break below but if anyone with better skills than me can capture it please do!

Break bumper:


Ident:

[Philheybrookbay]

Indeed, and its been a lovely set of idents for the Summer- a much needed shot in the arm for S4C ident package.

[Andrew Wood]

Having seen this thread I captured four idents yesterday - I'm not sure if there are any more.

https://theident.gallery/s4c-2021-special.php

[Brekkie]

Thank you. They certainly showcase how beautiful Wales is but frankly as idents they are rather on the dull side. Not even any sea swimmers coming out of the sea.

[Flux]

Thank you. They certainly showcase how beautiful Wales is but frankly as idents they are rather on the dull side. Not even any sea swimmers coming out of the sea.

I agree with that. As beautiful as they are, they show up S4C’s current “diagonal line” motif for the generic cut-and-paste transition that it is. Having said that, I think utilising Wales’s natural landmarks and views in some way would be a good way for the channel to go in its next rebrand. It’s due a bit of a shake up.