Rysher/TPE/OPT
Compiled by Eric Hartman, Matt Williams and Adam Pringle
Background: Majority of these corporations were supervised by Al Masini through TeleRep, America's number one representative in total spot billing since 1968. Founded as a sales representative for Chris Craft Broadcasting and seeking a limited list of client stations, TeleRep was sold to Cox Broadcasting in 1972, hence the connection between TPE and Rysher Entertainment.
TELEVISION PROGRAM ENTERPRISES
(Early 80s-1989[?])
Nickname: "TPE"
Logo: On a black background, the letter "T" "streaks" in from the left, "P" from the top, and "E" from the right (80s-style streaks follow these letters). The letters are filled in blue. Above the letters reads "TELEVISION PROGRAM ENTERPRISES" with red lines above and below it, and below "A DIVISION OF TELEREP, INC." with lines in a similar fashion.
(Note: The logo sometimes appeared without animation, in silence)
FX/Cheesy Factor: The "Streaking" in of the letters.
Music: No music, but the music from the show might play thru to this one.
Availability: Were once seen on episodes of "Star Search" and "Lifestyles of the Rich And Famous" but TPE distributed shows from this period are probably updated with Rysher or other logos.
Scare Factor: Pretty low, might look a tad primitve (font-wise) but should be OK
RYSHER ENTERTAINMENT
1st Logo
(1989-1993)
Logo: We see a black background with dozens of stars tingling away. The words "Rysher Entertainment" fade in on the background in a silver, generic font. "Rysher" is on top of "Entertainment" with both words centered.
FX/Cheesy Factor: The animation is extremely cheap and reeks of early CGI.
Music: With a pindrop sound, we hear a jazzy saxophone tune that sounds styled to Kenny G.
Availability: Seen on "Saved By the Bell" reruns on TBS. It was expected recently that due to Viacom's recent acquisition of Rysher, the Paramount logo may show up on Rysher shows. So far, this has not been the case.
Scare Factor: Median, the cheap animation mixed with the dark background and somber music is not giving this logo a clean slate.
2nd Logo
(1994-)
Nickname: "The Buildings"
Logo: On the top half of the screen, there is a picture of a city at what appears to be sunset. The sun "sets" and stars and the lights in the city buildings appear, as do the words "RYSHER ENTERTAINMENT". "RYSHER" is in a large extremely condensed Times New Roman-style font and "ENTERTAINMENT" is seen in a smallish font below it. A comet streaks in the city sky as the animation finishes.
(Note: This logo was redone for movies, the notable differences being that the words are now done in CGI and the city and sky look nicer.)
(Note: Around 1996 or so the words "A COX COMPANY" appear beneath the logo.)
FX: The sky fading, the comet
Music: A mellow horn tune plays, with what sounds like a bird screeching at the end of the music.
Availability: Appearing on syndie reruns of "Saved by the Bell: The College Years", "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" on USA, and "Nash Bridges". However, the Paramount logo may show up on former Rysher shows in the near future, but has not so far. And on "Nash Bridges" reruns, the Paramount logo proceeds after this logo.
Scare Factor: None, the music is actually quite soothing.
OPERATION PRIME TIME
(1976-1988)
Nicknames: "OPT", "OPT Rainbow"
Logo: On a black background, four rainbow-colored lines, one coming from each side of the screen, come together to form the letters "OPT". The line from the left curves to form the "O", the lines from the bottom and the right combine together to form the "P", and the lines from the top and the right combine together to form the "T". When "OPT" is formed, the screen moves backward, as the words "Operation Prime Time" (in a rounded yellow font) appear from the right side and place themselves next to each letter. When everything is in place, the words "for better programming" appear in the bottom right hand corner. At the same time, you can see thin overlapping circles in the background.
FX/Cheesy Factor: The lines forming the "OPT", screen zooming backward, company name appearing from the right.
Music: A patriotic-sounding horn fanfare
Availability: Very rare. Originally appeared at the end of "Solid Gold" and various other syndicated programs and movies in the 70's and 80's, but it is still intact at the end of "Yogi's First Christmas" on Cartoon Network.
Scare Factor: Median; the dramatic music, gaudy colors, and rather abrupt animation may cause some scares.