Hidden meanings behind movie production logos

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Hidden meanings behind movie production logos

Who doesn’t love movies?! Seriously! I don’t know how I personally would make it through this life thing without Hollywood. It has become routine that after a long day, week or month watching a movie becomes a therapeutic session for many, especially me. Hollywood, even though most of it is a huge lie, has really saved most of us from depressing times. The comedy gold literally cracking your ribs and throwing you off your seat, the drama making you yearn for more unrealistic bad times in the characters’ lives (even though some of you would actually pass away if you had to deal with half of the crap they deal with…yes I’m giving you side eyes right now), the horror nights making your bed a playground for their demons, the romantic comedies that get you wondering “God, WHEN? When shall I also get cuddles and romantic dinners from someone’s son/daughter??” *the writer’s mind goes astray wondering when God shall make the angel in charge of her love life start putting in some action*

Anyway, the point is movies impact every single one of us in one way or another. Whether it’s mentally, physically, emotionally (definitely), socially, financially or everythingly they can lowkey (even high key) affect your day to day life. That’s why it’s only natural for someone like me, whose mind sometimes has nothing better to think about, to ponder upon the logos and productions that bring these movies to reality (see what I did there? If you don’t gerrit fogera-abourit) because why not? So today that’s what we’ll be simping over; the hidden meanings of the somehow cryptic movie production logos…lessgooo!!

Twentieth Century Fox

I think it’s safe to say that the heavy drumbeats that came along with this logo practically raised many of us. Who could forget the catchy dundun-dundun-taddadadadada-dundun? Okay I just realized that wasn’t a very helpful example. But still, the instrumentals from 20th Century Fox logo and appearance were a classic. You’d even forget the movie but not this masterpiece! Heneway before I get carried away and state the whole evolution of this logo, let me enlighten you on the meaning.

Okay so I genuinely hate to break your hearts but it actually doesn’t have that deep of a meaning. I can explain why it’s designed like that though so not all news is bad news; in1935 Twentieth Century Pictures and Fox Film Corporation merged to form what we now know as Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, thus the design of the logo. Before it was just “20th Century Pictures Inc.”; pretty mundane (with all due respect) if you ask me so I’m of the belief that it really needed that spark that Fox Film Corporation added.

Universal

Also known as Universal Films or Universal Pictures, this is another image that raised us through the big screen when our parents were away doing what parents do. There was a weird feeling it always gave me with that huge globe, kinda felt like I was looking above the whole world from the couch. I guess as a young child and preteen, I didn’t know what to do with that much implication of power, just had to watch the movie and thank the Hollywood gods for doing it again!

it’s hard to not notice the bold letters that spell out the brand, this actually stands for professionalism and confidence. The curved placing reflects the nature of the company which is it’s creativity and appreciation and elegance of style. Yeah that’s pretty much it.

Warner Bros

Just for the record, this logo has been changed a total of 12 times. Yeah so the evolution must be hella detailed but of course some elements have been constant since 1925, for example, the shield. Recently in 2019 the Warner Bros logo was changed from the one we grew up watching; which was the gold outline with a blue backdrop to a simple but classy bright blue and white Warner Bros. logo.

The crest has no outline like the previous logo which makes it look warm and developmental. This actually resonates with the prosperity of the company and it’s flexibility to positively change.

Paramount Pictures

Okay, facts; every time they show Hollywood in some reality show or something, the Paramount Studios never miss. I guess because of the iconic entrance to their buildings. I can’t help but mention that some of my best movies were made at this company. Also it’s really hard to not notice this logo; the stars are a giveaway, then the mountain and the gorgeous way the stars softly hit the water before somewhat assembling on top of the mountain. Serene.

Okay this one actually has one of the most interesting meanings behind every single symbol. The mountain which is very noticeable has such a beautiful and deep meaning behind it, just like everything else on the logo does. Some believe William Wadsworth, the founder of Paramount Pictures, used to operate his first theaters on a snowy peak named Ben Lomond which is a mountain in Utah. Others argue that the mountain he designed on the logo was an image of a mountain peak from his childhood. So I’m guessing the logo was just him reminiscing the start of his struggle. You see the 22 stars? Yeah, those stand for the 22 actors and actresses who film producer Adolph Zukor put under contract in 1916 and he honored each with a star on the logo. Such a brilliant way to design an outstanding logo.

Columbia Pictures

No offence but if you haven’t seen this logo you’ve probably been watching the wrong television. This is actually my personal favorite because of the feminist aspect in it. The lady holding a torch is actually Lady Columbia who is the long-forgotten female symbol of the United States. The US is famous for many reasons, one being that the symbol for the country is a guy wearing a hat in the colors of the American flag; who most know as Uncle Sam. Back during the constant wars in the US their freedom fighter symbol was Lady Columbia with all her glory in patriotic robes.

I don’t suppose the founders changed the name from CBC Film Sales Corporation to Columbia Pictures in 1924 with the intent to support women’s rights movements at such a time, but I’ll still take what I got. As the studio got more prestigious though, they had to re-brand to a more sophisticated name, hence Columbia Pictures.

Obviously these aren’t the only existing big name movie productions making our days in Hollywood. I shall not list all the movie productions here because where is the fun in that? But I guess this is my way of leaving you on a cliffhanger and keeping you in suspense for the next blog talking about this.

Comment (1)

Rianne

December 8, 2021

Love this article. Really enjoyed learning about the logos of my favorite production companies.