Mark Goodson/Bill Todman Productions
By James Fabiano
Mark
Goodson-Bill Todman Productions
(1948-1982)
Logo: There is usually no logo shown on television; many shows simply ended with the following words shown on the screen (usually superimposed):
A
MARK
BILL
GOODSON
TODMAN
PRODUCTION
On some shows, such as "The Price is Right," "Match Game" and "Tattletales", the words would be accompanied by "flowers"; one on top and one on the bottom. On "Blockbusters", the words are accompanied by two starbursts, also on top and on bottom.
FX: None really, it was an in-credit logo
Music: Usually the closing theme from whatever show that was using it, along with an announcer who says, "This is [NAME] speaking for [SHOW], a Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Production."
Availability: Uncommon, is still retained on many G-T shows airing on the Game Show Network.
Scare Factor: Low.
MARK
GOODSON PRODUCTIONS
(1982-)
Logo: In a box-like shape are the words:
A
MARK
GOODSON
PRODUCTION
"A" and "Production" are along the box's border. Though an in-credit logo, has had a few animated variations. On "Super Password" it flies upwards (complete with sound effect), it spins on the 1989 version of "Now You See It," and on the 1990-91 "To Tell the Truth" it zooms up. Also, the box is sometimes colored in, usually red or blue (as it was on the '80s versions of "Card Sharks" and "Family Feud.")
FX/Cheesy Factor: Usually none, as it's an in-credit logo. The animations, however, are very '80s.
Music: The show's theme, accompanied by an announcer who says, "This is [NAME] speaking for [SHOW], a Mark Goodson Television Production." In 1998, during the revival of "Match Game", this became "This has been a Mark Goodson Production for....," after which the Pearson logo would appear. Today, there is no announcement when the logo appears on the current version of "Family Feud." The "Television" text is added to keep the length/rhythm of the phrase just like the original.
Availability: Can be seen on shows of the era on Game Show Network, though they might be obscured somewhat due to split screen credits. Current show-wise, you can see the logo on "The Price is Right" and "Family Feud."
Scare Factor: Low.