There were lots of them. Bet you didn't realize how many. I didn't and I worked on the show. Karl Malowned put together a collection of all the FRASIER animated openings. It's pretty cool. Take a look.
When my wife and I watched the show during its original run, there was always that second where the "Fraiser" logo was shown, but before the "whatever it was" for that particular episode was shown (lights, helicopter, whatever). Both of us would quickly throw out what we thought it might be. 99 times out of a 100 we were wrong. The odd time we got it right it was like shooting a free throw during halftime at an NBA game.
We still do that with the syndicated reruns our TiVo picks up as suggestions. Fun old game we used to play with the Frasier titles. :)
I have always thought that opening credits cost quite a bit of money to produce. I'll accede that the Fraiser credits are pretty simple but it does seem like it's just a whim to change them just for Halloween week. And were computers generating the Fraiser credits? I've worked with so many penny pinching line producers I can't imagine them freeing up a nickel to change the credits so often. What gives?
I am probably wrong but it seemed like a few of them were light homages to previous programs credits. I saw one or 2 that put me in mind of the Honeymooners, the old RKO credits, and perhaps ( and I feel bad even saying it) Bewitched.
Probably just the musing of an mind trying to find patterns.
Honestly, I hadn't noticed all these years how many different opening graphics variations they had--they are subtle, after all. I had observed the lightning, the rain cloud, and the helicopter (for example) from time to time, but most of the other ones are barely perceptible if you're not closely scrutinizing them.
The music variations I always notice, perhaps because I'm a musician. That's always kind of a treat. And by the way, in case you're still reading this, as a Friday question--Did Kelsey Grammer sing every single one of the ending credits theme song live on stage in a different take each episode?
I never got the "New Yorker"-style typeface on the logo. I suppose it's meant to convey sophistication, having nothing to to with Seattle or Boston. Any insight on this?
And no, I never notes the differences, either. Too hung up on the typeface, maybe.
Friday Question: In the Werner Herzog documentary "Grizzly Man," it is mentioned that Tim Treadwell (the subject of the film) claimed he was runner up to Woody Harrelson for the role of Woody on Cheers. Any truth to that?
I never paid attention to it like I thought I did. I thought it changed just once each season and even then I thought the only change was the color "Frasier" was written in.
One of the biggest surprises I ever got on an intro change was on the NBC dramedy Grand. The first season intro had various combinations of the cast in different locations lip-synching the theme song.
A few episodes in, they suddenly added a second verse and visual elements reflecting the fact that one character had just left her husband and another was having a secret romantic relationship. I thought it was pretty clever that they had those plot points planned out from the beginning and shot them for the intro, but held them until they were appropriate to the storyline.
I thought the animations in the beginning represented what kind of episode it was going to be. I noticed when they had something to celebrate, the beginning had the fireworks. One time when the episode was all about daphne, I saw the crescent moon. I tried to figure them all out but it's impossible and I can't find anyone with info on the brief animations. I noticed the rain cloud always had a rainy day episode. I only noticed this because I've been binge watching on Hulu. Does anyone know for certain what they represent?
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When my wife and I watched the show during its original run, there was always that second where the "Fraiser" logo was shown, but before the "whatever it was" for that particular episode was shown (lights, helicopter, whatever). Both of us would quickly throw out what we thought it might be. 99 times out of a 100 we were wrong. The odd time we got it right it was like shooting a free throw during halftime at an NBA game.
ReplyDeleteWe still do that with the syndicated reruns our TiVo picks up as suggestions. Fun old game we used to play with the Frasier titles. :)
All those years and I never noticed the animation bits! At first glance I thought the blimp was the Mad Magazine zeppelin.
ReplyDeleteAlways tried to guess the opening. Rarely succeeded.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that opening credits cost quite a bit of money to produce. I'll accede that the Fraiser credits are pretty simple but it does seem like it's just a whim to change them just for Halloween week. And were computers generating the Fraiser credits? I've worked with so many penny pinching line producers I can't imagine them freeing up a nickel to change the credits so often. What gives?
ReplyDeleteI am probably wrong but it seemed like a few of them were light homages to previous programs credits.
ReplyDeleteI saw one or 2 that put me in mind of the Honeymooners, the old RKO credits, and perhaps ( and I feel bad even saying it) Bewitched.
Probably just the musing of an mind trying to find patterns.
Just when you think you know a sitcom...
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I hadn't noticed all these years how many different opening graphics variations they had--they are subtle, after all. I had observed the lightning, the rain cloud, and the helicopter (for example) from time to time, but most of the other ones are barely perceptible if you're not closely scrutinizing them.
The music variations I always notice, perhaps because I'm a musician. That's always kind of a treat. And by the way, in case you're still reading this, as a Friday question--Did Kelsey Grammer sing every single one of the ending credits theme song live on stage in a different take each episode?
Perhaps the many openings were inspired by Rob Petrie tripping over / sidestepping the ottoman?
ReplyDeleteI never got the "New Yorker"-style typeface on the logo. I suppose it's meant to convey sophistication, having nothing to to with Seattle or Boston. Any insight on this?
ReplyDeleteAnd no, I never notes the differences, either. Too hung up on the typeface, maybe.
Friday Question: In the Werner Herzog documentary "Grizzly Man," it is mentioned that Tim Treadwell (the subject of the film) claimed he was runner up to Woody Harrelson for the role of Woody on Cheers. Any truth to that?
ReplyDeleteThat's not the New Yorker typeface. It's sort of similar.
ReplyDeleteWhy am I hungry for scrambled eggs and a tossed salad all of a sudden? ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like the rain cloud. It's appropriate for Seattle.
ReplyDeleteI never paid attention to it like I thought I did. I thought it changed just once each season and even then I thought the only change was the color "Frasier" was written in.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I never noticed was that the font color changed so often. Weird.
ReplyDeleteIt used to drive my wife crazy -- I'd always chant "ELEVATOR, ELEVATOR, ELEVATOR" hoping for the one with the elevator ascending the space needle.
ReplyDeleteThat's not the New Yorker typeface. It's sort of similar.
ReplyDeleteHence, "New Yorker-style." In any case, it sure isn't Times New Roman or Comic Sans.
Dig the rainbow. Like the animation and it's the positive result after the rain. Call me a crazy optimist.
ReplyDeleteNotice I'm the only one to answer your question so far, Ken.
ReplyDeleteOne of the biggest surprises I ever got on an intro change was on the NBC dramedy Grand. The first season intro had various combinations of the cast in different locations lip-synching the theme song.
ReplyDeleteA few episodes in, they suddenly added a second verse and visual elements reflecting the fact that one character had just left her husband and another was having a secret romantic relationship. I thought it was pretty clever that they had those plot points planned out from the beginning and shot them for the intro, but held them until they were appropriate to the storyline.
Grand Season 1 Theme
The elevator!
ReplyDeleteI thought the animations in the beginning represented what kind of episode it was going to be. I noticed when they had something to celebrate, the beginning had the fireworks. One time when the episode was all about daphne, I saw the crescent moon. I tried to figure them all out but it's impossible and I can't find anyone with info on the brief animations. I noticed the rain cloud always had a rainy day episode. I only noticed this because I've been binge watching on Hulu. Does anyone know for certain what they represent?
ReplyDelete