SMPTE Universal Leader: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 16:20, 8 December 2023

Background

During the mid-1960s, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) introduced a new design known as the SMPTE Universal Leader. This replacement took over from the previous Academy Leader. The SMPTE Universal Leader was intended for use in both television and cinema projection scenarios, although its adoption in theatrical settings was limited.

Leader (1965-)

Title card
16 sound start
35 sound start
"PICTURE START"
Countdown (5)
Control frames (4)
2-pop

Visuals: The leader starts with a title card reading:

SMPTE
UNIVERSAL
LEADER

Afterwards, the indications "16 SOUND START" and "35 SOUND START" were shown within a circular target shape. Subsequently, the phrase "PICTURE START" appears, marking the commencement of the countdown sequence. The countdown sequence (set in Futura) includes an ongoing timer that counts down from 8 to 2 seconds. The countdown is displayed at the center of a target with two white circles, accompanied by a rotating animation resembling a clock arm. During the four-count phase, the letters "C C F F" emerge around the countdown, symbolizing the frames utilized as "control frames."

Trivia:

Work on this leader's design began as early as 1959.
One noteworthy aspect was that the numbers were oriented correctly when projected onto a screen, unlike the Academy countdown numbers that would be upside down.

Variants: Production/editing companies and/or studios would often have custom versions of this leader.

Technique: Cel animation.

Audio: Sometimes, at the 2-second mark of the countdown, a brief beep, known as the "2-pop," would sound.

Availability: Seen on many 16mm films and commercials, although they were rarely used in theatrical films.

Legacy: One of the most famous film leaders of all time, and has been parodied numerous times.

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+{{about|the generic SMPTE Universal Leader|this type of leader as used by companies/studios|:Category:SMPTE Universal Leader}}
-{{Draft}}
-{{about|the generic SMPTE Universal Leader|this type of leader as used by companies/studios|:Category:SMPTE Universal Leaders}}
-<!-- Do not remove the template above until the draft is in mainspace -->
-<!-- See AVID:Credits for a tutorial on adding credits -->
 {{PageCredits|compiled=Logoarto|description=|capture=|video=|edits=}}
 ===Background===
-<!-- This section is where you put the company's backstory -->
 During the mid-1960s, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) introduced a new design known as the '''SMPTE Universal Leader'''. This replacement took over from the previous Academy Leader. The SMPTE Universal Leader was intended for use in both television and cinema projection scenarios, although its adoption in theatrical settings was limited.
-===(Mid 1960s)===
+===Leader (1965-)===
 <gallery mode=packed heights=200>
 File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (generic title card).png|Title card
 File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (16 sound start).png|16 sound start
 File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (35 sound start).png|35 sound start
-File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (picture start).png|Picture start
+File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (picture start).png|"PICTURE START"
-File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (countdown).png|Countdown
+File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (countdown).png|Countdown (5)
+File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (control frames).png|Control frames (4)
 File:SMPTE Universal Film Leader (2-pop).png|2-pop
 </gallery>
+'''Visuals:''' The leader starts with a title card reading:
-<!-- Replace this line with logo captures and/or videos -->
+<center>{{font|Rockwell|'''{{Huge|SMPTE<br>UNIVERSAL<br>LEADER}}'''}}</center>
-'''Leader:''' The presentation included an ongoing timer that counted down from 8 to 2 seconds (measured in time, not distance). The countdown was displayed at the center of a target with two white circles, accompanied by a rotating animation resembling a clock arm. Prior to the countdown, there were indications "16 SOUND START" and "35 SOUND START" within a circular target. Subsequently, the phrase "PICTURE START" appeared, marking the commencement of the countdown sequence. One noteworthy aspect was that the numbers were oriented correctly when projected onto a screen, unlike the Academy countdown numbers that would be upside down. During the four-count phase, the letters "C C F F" emerged around the countdown, symbolizing the frames utilized as "control frames." The specification for the Universal Leader can be found in ANSI/SMPTE 55. This standard also outlines the precise positioning and arrangement of cue marks at the conclusion of the reel.
+Afterwards, the indications "16 SOUND START" and "35 SOUND START" were shown within a circular target shape. Subsequently, the phrase "PICTURE START" appears, marking the commencement of the countdown sequence. The countdown sequence (set in Futura) includes an ongoing timer that counts down from 8 to 2 seconds. The countdown is displayed at the center of a target with two white circles, accompanied by a rotating animation resembling a clock arm. During the four-count phase, the letters "C C F F" emerge around the countdown, symbolizing the frames utilized as "control frames."
-<!-- Describe the visual aspects of the logo with as much detail as possible -->
+'''Trivia:'''
-'''Variants:''' Production/editing companies and/or studios would often have different versions of this leader.
+*Work on this leader's design began as early as 1959.
-<!-- If there are variants of the logo, please add them here. Otherwise remove this section -->
+*One noteworthy aspect was that the numbers were oriented correctly when projected onto a screen, unlike the Academy countdown numbers that would be upside down.
+'''Variants:''' Production/editing companies and/or studios would often have custom versions of this leader.
 '''Technique:''' Cel animation.
-<!-- Note: do not describe what's moving in the logo. See AVID:Tutorial Guide for more info and proper usage examples -->
-'''Music/Sounds:''' At the 2-second mark of the countdown, a brief beep, known as the "2-pop," would sound.
+'''Audio:''' Sometimes, at the 2-second mark of the countdown, a brief beep, known as the "2-pop," would sound.
-<!-- Describe the music or sounds being heard in the logo -->
 '''Availability:''' Seen on many 16mm films and commercials, although they were rarely used in theatrical films.
-<!-- State all primary sources that this logo could be found in -->
 '''Legacy:''' One of the most famous film leaders of all time, and has been parodied numerous times.
-<!-- If the logo does not have a significant impact on the logo community, the section above should be removed. Do not use Legacy to add opinionated statements -->
-<!-- Please add categories according to the company's type, country of origin, and parent company (if applicable) -->
 [[Category:Film leaders]]
 [[Category:United States]]
 [[Category:American film leaders]]
+[[Category:SMPTE Universal Leader| ]]