1969-1970: First Colour Opening Titles

With the introduction of regular colour television broadcasts on BBC1 in November 1969, TOTP swiftly embraced the new technological possibilities to revitalise its on-air brand identity. Recognising the visual potential of colour television, the programme incorporated vibrant design elements both within its studio presentation and its opening title sequence.

The 1970 title sequence marked a departure from previous opening title sequences. It was produced as a specially staged live-action shoot within a studio setting, featuring a dancer performing to a new pop/jazzy theme tune. Complementing the dancers and the new theme tune were choreographed shots of two Perspex models: one displaying the programme’s new logo and another representing the number "1" chart position. Both models were mounted on revolving platforms to create kinetic visuals.

Post-production played a crucial role in the new opening titles for a change. The analogue film was optically separated, colour-treated, and meticulously intercut with light-streaked and stylised shots of the new Perspex Top of the Pops logo, as well as the blurred motion of the spinning "1" at the end of the opening titles.

In addition to the opening titles, the chart rundown captions were modified to incorporate colour elements on the chart positions.

This opening title sequence would not be in use for an extended period, being used on screen for less than a year.

Want to know more about the design process of these iconic opening titles? Check out this article by Ravensbourne University London.