Viacom Productions: Difference between revisions

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Viacom Enterprises was the television distribution division of the CBS Television Network, formed in 1971 as the successor of the pre-1968 [[CBS Films]], later reincorporated as [[CBS Enterprises|CBS Enterprises, Inc.]] in 1968. In 1973, it was spun-off because it was against the FCC regulations for a television network to distribute its programs under its own name. Subsequently, Viacom formed "Viacom Productions" to produce first-run television series airing on the major television networks. The company was popular during the 1970s and 1980s, originally distributing CBS-produced shows such as I Love Lucy and The Andy Griffith Show. In later years, they've distributed shows from numerous other production companies, including [[MTM Enterprises]], [[Filmways Television]], [[The_Carsey-Werner_Company,_LLC|Carsey/Werner]], [[Lorimar Television]], [[Rankin-Bass Animated Entertainment|Rankin-Bass]], and [[Hanna-Barbera Cartoons|Hanna-Barbera]] (the latter mostly internationally). They also distributed several Four Star shows, and early Nelvana TV specials, as well as most movie releases from Romulus Films, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Tomorrow Entertainment, [[New World Pictures]] (until 1984), [[Orion Pictures]], [[New Line Cinema]], [[Cannon Films]], and the [[Terrytoons]] library, among others, until they formed their own syndication companies. In 1976, Viacom and its production division formed "Viacom International, Inc." as their new parent company for distributing programs overseas. Within a decade, Viacom was bought by cinema chain National Amusements, becoming part of the newly-reincorporated "Viacom, Inc.". On January 1, 1990, as part of a restructuring, Viacom Pictures was formed. On March 11, 1994, Viacom acquired Paramount Communications, Inc. and Viacom Enterprises was folded into [[Paramount Television (pre-2006)|Paramount Domestic Television]] (now "CBS Television Distribution"), by transferring the domestic rights of the Viacom library. Viacom International was later reorganized as the parent company of MTV Networks and Showtime Networks. Viacom transferred the international rights of the said library into Paramount International Television, while Viacom Productions was reincorporated as a production sub-division of Paramount Television. The Viacom Enterprises logo of the era was still used for "Viacom Productions" with an updated variant, and would remain until 1999, receiving another update to the logo to reflect the company's new status after merging with former parent company CBS. The 1999-2004 Viacom logo would be its last, as the final two series to end under the Viacom Productions name would be Ed and The Division. In light of serious financial troubles brought on to Viacom, the production unit was folded into Paramount Network Television (now "CBS Television Studios") in 2004. Paramount took control of the remaining Viacom-produced series in 2005. On December 31 of that year, Viacom was reincorporated as "CBS Corporation", ceasing to exist officially. A "new" Viacom was established on the same day, as the holding company for Paramount Pictures, the MTV Networks, BET Networks, and their non-television firms. By 2009, most Viacom-distributed TV productions were distributed under CBS Television Distribution (formerly "CBS Paramount Domestic Television") and outside the U.S. under CBS Studios International (formerly "CBS Paramount International Television"), while the previous Viacom-distributed movies, and some Viacom Domestic Media Networks TV shows were distributed by Paramount with U.S. over-the-air rights licensed to Trifecta Entertainment and Media. On December 4, 2019, Viacom and CBS re-merged, forming ViacomCBS. Before the Paramount purchase, Viacom titles were distributed on home video by [[Magnetic Video Corporation]], [[CBS Video|CBS Video Enterprises]], [[Warner Bros. Home Entertainment|Warner Home Video]], VidAmerica, Forum Home Video and [[U.S.A. Home Video]], among others. A little known fact is that Viacom actually stands for "<u>Vi</u>deo & <u>A</u>udio <u>Com</u>munications".

{{about|the original incarnation of CBS Films|the current incarnation|CBS Films|section=yes}}

=== 1st (Known) Logo (1952?-1965) ===

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'''Logo:''' Just an in-credit text variant where it says "In association with CBS Films Inc." or "For CBS Films, Inc.".

'''FX/SFX:''' None.

'''Music/Sounds:''' The closing theme to the program.

'''Availability:''' Extinct. Originally seen on various off-network produced programs, syndication prints of CBS Television Network and pre-1960 [[Desilu Productions]] programs such as I Love Lucy, Whirlybirds and the [[Terrytoons]] library.

'''Editor's Note:''' None.

===1st Logo (June 4, 1971-June 1976)===

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File:Viacom Pinball (1972, Odyssey airing).png

'''Nicknames:''' "Pinball", "V-iA-COM", "V-iA-COM Pinball"

'''Logo:''' The word "'''{{small|V}}i{{small|ACOM}}'''" in white, a group of letters at a time (in an ascending number: "'''{{small|V}}'''" (1), "'''i{{small|A}}'''" (2) and "'''{{small|COM}}'''" (3)), slide in from the right, with the background changing color as each one stops. As the screen fades to {{Font color|purple|purple}}, the letter "'''{{small|V}}'''" slides in. Then "'''i{{small|A}}'''" slides in, changing the background to {{Font color|green|green}}. Then "'''{{small|COM}}'''" slides in, changing the background to {{Font color|darkred|red}}. When the word "'''{{small|V}}i{{small|ACOM}}'''" is formed, the camera quickly pans outward and the words "'''{{small|A}}'''" and "'''p{{small|RESENTAT}}i{{small|ON}}'''" are seen to the left and right of the word "'''{{small|V}}i{{small|ACOM}}'''", over a {{Font color|blue|blue}} background.

'''Trivia:''' The logo is actually in the same font as ''The Mary Tyler Moore Show'' logo (called "Peignot").

'''Variants:'''

* One version of the logo replaces the {{font color|darkred|red}} background with black. This could've been because of film deterioration, however.

* In-credit text such as "A Viacom (Enterprises) Presentation (or "Production")" or "In Association With Viacom Enterprises" would be shown on The $25,000 Pyramid and Goodson-Todman game shows, among other co-produced series and TV movies. This continued on into the '80s on shows like ''Family Feud''.

'''FX/SFX:''' The three portions of "'''{{small|V}}i{{small|ACOM}}'''" sliding to the center from the left one by one, and the zoom out and appearances of "'''{{small|A}}'''" and "'''p{{small|RESENTAT}}i{{small|ON}}'''".

'''Music/Sounds:''' 4 synthesized ascending pinball-like chimes. The first 3 bring up the letters to "'''{{small|V}}i{{small|ACOM}}'''", and the last, which plays over the zoom-out, has a zap-like "WHOOSH" that blends in with the last bell, combined with a synth chord and gurgling/telephone-like sounds.

'''Music/Sounds Variants:'''

* The logo may be silent on some prints.

* One variation has the soundtrack out-of-sync with the logo. This was seen on Season 11, Episode 20 (Me-TV airing) and Season 12, Episode 12 (Odyssey/Hallmark airing) of ''My Three Sons''.

'''Availability:''' Ultra rare, due to excessive plastering with later Viacom logos, Paramount Domestic Television logos, the CBS Paramount Domestic/Network Television logos, and the CBS Television Distribution logos.

* The color version turned up on many season 11 & 12 episodes of ''My Three Sons'' on Odyssey Network/The Hallmark Channel back in the early 2000s. Many variations have also been spotted on these episodes when shown on Me-TV, as part of an unusual combo with CBS Television Distribution preceding it (with the exception of one episode, S12 E23, which first aired on August 2, 2018.) These sightings mark the first known time this Viacom logo has been seen on national American television since the Odyssey/Hallmark airings from the early 2000s.

* With all that said, consider yourself very lucky if you see this logo on TV or even on video, or through any other medium.

'''Editor's Note:''' The logo was standard for the early '70s with its simple and rough animation and eccentric sound effects. This logo isn't anywhere close to being as well known (or perhaps even feared) as its successors, not only because of its short lifespan but also because it was commonly plastered with newer logos.

<div style='text-align: center;'><u>'''Filmed and Videotaped Variants'''</u></div>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200px"> <div style='text-align: center;'>text</div>

{{Seizure Warning}}

'''Nicknames:''' "V of Doom", "Big V", "Zooming V", "Viacom V", "That V"

'''Logo:''' On a {{Font color|deepskyblue|sky blue}} (or {{font color|mediumpurple|lavender}}) background, the text "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''A Viacom Presentation'''</span>" in a Palatino-like typeface zooms-in from the center of the screen at a very fast pace, then stops abruptly (on the filmed variant) when it gets near to the screen. Then, a fancy-cut, {{Font color|navy|navy blue}} "{{Font color|navy|'''V'''}}" (a downward trapezoid with a curved line in the near center) comes from the center and moves gradually closer and closer to the screen. When it gets to the point where the "'''V'''" takes up nearly the entire screen, the screen suddenly cuts to black or fades to black (depending on the version of the logo), with the "'''V'''" presumably still moving ever closer.

'''Variants:'''

* A network television version exists from 1979 until 1985, consisting of the black "'''V'''" with the white text "{{font|Times New Roman|'''Viacom'''}}" underneath, with a {{font color|#2e8b57|sea green}}/{{font color|#00008b|dark blue}} background.

* In-credit text would either say "A Viacom (Enterprises) Presentation", "In Association with Viacom Enterprises", "Distributed by Viacom Enterprises", or "Produced in association with Viacom Enterprises" would be shown on ''The $25,000 Pyramid'', the Goodson-Todman game shows, and some TV and theatrical movies.

'''FX/SFX:''' Depending on the version:

*'''''Filmed and Videotaped Variants'':''' The text zooming in from screen center and the "V" logo zooming in.

*'''''Network Variants'':''' Usually the logo zooming in from the screen center. Sometimes, it's the "V" and the "Viacom" text sliding in from the opposite sides. For the mirrored "V" logo, the logo flipping in. For the still logo, obviously none.

'''Music/Sounds:''' Here are the main music variants used on this logo:

* Usually, the music used was a 5-note synthesized fanfare, complete with a timpani drum roll playing throughout with a final, rather loud pound at the end. Even after the logo faded (or cut) to black, the timpani's echo could still be heard.

* For the network TV variant, it used only the closing theme of the show or TV movie, or none.

'''Music/Sounds Variants:'''

* PAL versions of the logo were in a higher pitch and had a slightly faster sequence of synthesizer notes.

* On the ''Hot City'' variant, the music starts playing over the last bit of the closing song.

'''Availability:''' Uncommon, bordering on rare, but it has become a bit easier to find in the past few years. Most shows that had this ID have been updated with either the "V of Steel" or "Wigga Wigga", Paramount Domestic Television, CBS Paramount Domestic/Network Television, or CBS Television Distribution. However, newer variants might be seen on local stations that show older Viacom shows, such as ''The Honeymooners'', ''I Love Lucy'', ''The Andy Griffith Show'', ''Rawhide'', ''Hogan's Heroes'', ''The Twilight Zone'', and ''Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.'' All variants of the "V of Doom" (with the exception of the "V of Pinball" until evidence is found) can be seen on VHS tapes of ''The Andy Griffith Show'' released by various video outlets such as Premier Promotions and sometimes (though mostly the videotaped variant) by UAV Corporation.

* '''''V of Pinball'':'''  

** The B&W filmed variant with the "Pinball" theme is near extinct at this stage. It appears on the Magnetic Video releases of ''King Creole'' (also on the Key Video re-releases) and ''Visit to a Small Planet''.

* '''''Rainbow Variant'':''' Unknown. This variant's existence has yet to be confirmed.

'''Editor's Note:''' This is very well known as one of the most popular "scary logos" ever created during the time frame, along with the "[[Screen Gems Television|S from Hell]]", "[[VIDgital (Russia)|The Mask Of Guo Xiang]]", "[[Oz Film Company|Princess Ozma]]", and the "[[THX|THX Deep Note]]". In fact, this is the very first logo known to be labeled as "scary" on the Internet for some reason, even though the only unnerving thing is the music. Despite its label though, it's a favorite to some people.

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File:Viacom1981A.jpg|Opening

{{YouTube|id=fDSWEDiA33o|id2=8mE-D9c3X50}}

'''Nicknames:''' "Flashing V", "V of Rainbow", "Viacom V II"

'''Logo:'''

* '''Opening:''' On a black background, we see the "'''V'''" rotating to the center in a {{font color|red|r}}{{font color|orange|a}}{{font color|gold|i}}{{font color|green|n}}{{font color|blue|b}}{{font color|magenta|o}}{{font color|purple|w}} streak. Then, the {{font color|red|r}}{{font color|orange|a}}{{font color|gold|i}}{{font color|green|n}}{{font color|blue|b}}{{font color|magenta|o}}{{font color|purple|w}} streak lines out of the logo. After that, the "'''V'''" flashes to {{Font color|deepskyblue|bright cerulean}} and the word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{{Font color|deepskyblue|'''Viacom'''}}</span>" in the same color flashes in with the word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{{Font color|deepskyblue|presents}}</span>" below. As the opening theme comes up, we zoom up to the left corner of the "'''V'''" step-by-step until it engulfs the screen with blue.

* '''Closing:''' At the end of the reel, we see the "{{Font color|deepskyblue|'''V'''}}" with the word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{{Font color|deepskyblue|'''Viacom'''}}</span>" in {{Font color|deepskyblue|blue}} and the word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{{font color|deepskyblue|from}}</span>" above the "'''V'''" and they all zoom in towards the viewer.

'''FX/SFX:''' The rotating of the "'''V'''" to the center, the colors lining out of the logo, the flash of "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">{{Font color|deepskyblue|presents}}</span>" and the "'''V'''", the zoom-in to the corner of the "'''V'''" in step with the opening theme. The quick zoom-in to center with a flash at the end of the reel.

'''Music/Sounds:''' The opening and closing themes of the syndie promo or none.

'''Availability:''' Extinct. The only sighting that has come up is a sales tape for individual stations to purchase syndication rights for Viacom-owned shows. The tape used for the captures above is from a ''Hawaii Five-O'' sales tape.

'''Editor's Note:''' This is a very underrated and under-appreciated logo. If Viacom made any feature movies at the time, this was definitely the logo to go with (with or without the 'Presents' moniker). They already had some TV movies out, so this would have been perfect, yet they never used it.

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File:Viacom Special Delivery.jpg

{{YouTube|id=ANzJ_F0azek|id2=BuagYeQXjNc|id3=H-ICOo8p4Wc}}

'''Nicknames:''' "Special Delivery", "The Viacom Emblem", "Viacom V III", "Golden V"

'''Logo:''' We start off in outer space. The words "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''''Special'''''</span>" and "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''''Delivery'''''</span>" streaks through the sun that is in the background leaving a {{font color|red|r}}{{font color|orange|a}}{{font color|gold|i}}{{font color|green|n}}{{font color|blue|b}}{{font color|magenta|o}}{{font color|purple|w}} trail. Then on a {{font color|blue|blue}}/black gradient background, the two words fly to a ring with wings. "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''''From'' Viacom'''</span>" with "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" bigger, are also in this logo above the familiar "'''V'''" from the 2nd logo. The logo then constantly shines throughout the logo, with it occasionally flashing. At the end, a firework flash effect emerges from the logo.

'''Variants:'''

* A short variant exists.

* A extended version also exists, where "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''''From'' Viacom'''</span>" is added to the streaking words, followed by the border being formed. It rotates and drops down as a rainbow-trailing outline, before retracting and fading to the gold version, flashing once. The rest is unchanged.

'''FX/SFX:''' The words streaking leaving a rainbow trail, and the firework flash.

'''Music/Sounds:''' After the drum roll at the start, a majestic 13-note fanfare plays, with the last note held out. The last half plays for the short version, while its extended for the long version.

'''Availability:''' Extinct. It was seen on the 1984 ''Twilight Zone Silver Anniversary'' special, as well as mid-'80s prints of classic Rankin-Bass TV specials (including ''Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town''), and some TV movies from the era, among others.

'''Editor's Note:''' This is a beautiful and majestic logo with awesome Scanimate animation.

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File:Viaconn (1986).png

{{YouTube|id=rk9hy75mYYY}}

'''Nicknames:''' "V of Calm”, "Viacom V IV", "Friendly V", "V of Happiness"

'''Logo:''' On a black background, we see a still image of the Viacom "'''V'''" logo in {{Font color|deepskyblue|blue}}. Below that is the "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" name in white.

'''Variant:''' On ''Really Weird Tales'', the "'''V'''" and name are smaller and colored {{Font color|orange|orange}}.

'''FX/SFX:''' None.

'''Music/Sounds:''' The closing theme of the show/TV movie or none.

'''Availability:''' Extremely rare, bordering on near extinction.

* It was once seen on original airings of the first 3 episodes of 1st season of ''Matlock'' on NBC plus its pilot episode (from March 1986), as well as on the ''Andy Griffith'' reunion special ''Return to Mayberry'' and the first five made-for-TV movie revivals of ''Perry Mason'', but most have all fallen victim of being plastered with the "V of Steel" or "Wigga Wigga", 1995 or 2003 Paramount Domestic Television, CBS Paramount Network Television ("Wallpaper"), or CBS Television Distribution logos.

* It is preserved on the 2016 Kino Lorber DVD of ''Really Weird Tales'', followed by the "Wigga Wigga" and CBS Television Distribution logos.

'''Editor's Note:''' This is either a calm or boring logo, depending on what you think about still logos.

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File:Vopening.png|Opening

{{YouTube|id=XW_nxPfgU84|id2=9khMhBLS6Nc}}

'''Nicknames:''' "V in Space" (opening only), "V in the Big City" (closing only), "Early V of Steel", "Silver Viacom V", "Viacom V V", "Silver V"

'''Logo:'''

* '''Opening:''' Against a space background with twinkling stars, a metallic steel outline of the Viacom "'''V'''" and "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" in its familiar Palatino like font zoom back with a metallic steel trail effect. The trail effect finishes as the "'''V'''" turns solid and metallic textured and "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" turns solid {{font color|gray|gray}}. The logo shines in a similar manner as the "Special Delivery" logo before flying downwards and offscreen.

* '''Closing:''' Against a city skyline with a {{font color|purple|purple}} night sky with most of the building's lights switched on and twinkling stars, the metallic textured "'''V'''" forms out of light particles. The word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" forms in the same manner as before. The logo shines once completed.

'''FX/SFX:''' For the opening variant, the trailing text, and the shining. For the closing variant, the trailing text, the "'''V'''" forming, and the shining.

'''Music/Sounds/Voice-over:''' The closing theme of the show. Promotional reels featured a voice over (pronouncing the name as "Vee-a-Com".)

'''Availability:''' Extinct on television.

* It appeared on a sales tape for ''The Lost Honeymooners''.

* The closing variant also appeared on ''Jackie Gleason Presents: the Honeymooners Reunion'' which has not been seen since its one and only airing in 1986.

'''Editor's Note:''' The Scanimate-like 3D effects on the logo are admirable, even if the results can look unconvincing. It's also a precursor to the next logo below.

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File:ViacomSteel.png.png

{{YouTube|id=EgT4SpQ6yQM|id2=hogkyz6VsLo|id3=achrt0ZE74s|id4=LWYXRX2vMQs|id5=x6qDBe49_Aw|id6=cMCqI_nHRck|id7=W2un4XDyWcA|id8=wcYb3mCbjps|id9=_L4-LjOBWgo|id10=G6PTMEpzqjA|id11=pp_9FcAc8mw|id12=IGZkBzSeCjQ|id14=CnS3cBhkFHs}}

'''Nicknames:''' "V of Steel", "Silver V II", "Rotating Silver V", "Shining Silver V", "Viacom V VI", "Silver Viacom V II"

'''Logo:''' We start out with a screen, divided half black/{{font color|purple|purple}} gradient on top and half {{font color|silver|silver}} on the bottom with a bright light flare shining between. The {{font color|silver|silver}} part then rotates counter-clockwise (a la [[20th Century Fox Home Entertainment#CBS/Fox Video|CBS/Fox Video]]), revealing it is a steel version of the "'''V'''" logo as the background changes to a black/{{font color|blue|blue}}/{{font color|purple|purple}} gradient. The word "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''Viacom'''</span>" flies in from the upper-left of the screen and places itself under the "'''V'''", and the "'''V'''" shines.

'''Variants:'''

* VHS tapes containing this logo and select TV broadcasts have the "'''V'''" shining three times.

* On an episode of ''The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams'' on GetTV, the logo starts fading during the second time it shines.

'''FX/SFX:''' The rotating "'''V'''", the "'''V'''" shining and the light flare behind the "'''V'''" illuminating in the background.

'''Music/Sounds:''' Pindrop-like synth notes, followed by a descending synth chord. The music shares a similar musical key as the "V of Doom".

'''Music/Sounds/Voice-over Variants:'''

* The music had a couple of variations over the years. A couple of "warp-speed" versions, one of which is an ultra warp speed version featuring a higher-pitched jingle, can be seen on various programs, if they haven't been plastered.

* On an '80s print of the movie ''Running'', the normal variant features two very faint copies of the theme playing and overlapping each other that are both off-sync with the animation, making them continue long after the logo fades to black.

'''Availability:''' Uncommon, bordering on rare in its unaltered form.

* '''''Regular Variant (One Wipe)'':'''  

*'''''Ultra Warp Speed Variant (Extended)'':''' Extremely rare. Could probably be seen on earlier prints of ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show'' and ''The Legend of Zelda''.

'''Editor's Note:''' This was a great effort that displayed some pretty good CGI for its time. It's also a favorite among the logo community.

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File:ViacomWiggaWigga1990.png|Original version (1990-1998)

{{YouTube|id4=is64X039Bow|id6=TXeAhL_b6jk|id7=-mSBSfxoGrY|id8=ojyvozkrTOY|id9=vZXO-MZwhFg|id10=eJex4_CJ64w|id11=MGytiLQuOao}}

'''Nicknames:''' "Wigga-Wigga", "\/|/\CO/\/\", "Zig-Zags of Steel", "Silver Zig-Zags"

'''Logo:''' On a shaded {{font color|blue|blue}} background, a {{font color|silver|silver}} "'''V'''" flies from the bottom left and then backwards. As it does so, a zig-zag line comes out of it to form the other letters in the name (it shines as it does this), with the "'''A'''" and "'''M'''" still taking the form of zig-zags, forming the word, "'''VIACOM'''". The completed logo, which kind of looks like "\/|/\'''CO'''/\/\", shines.

'''Trivia:''' Many people think the announcer is mispronouncing the name Viacom. It is indeed long "i", like in "pr<u>i</u>ze", although the original pronunciation of the name pre-1986 was indeed with a short "i", like in "p<u>i</u>zza", hence the pronunciation "vee-a-com". Oddly, the post-1986 pronunciation was used by the announcer on the Magnetic Video logo several years before it became the official pronunciation.

'''Variants:'''

*There is a very rare filmed variant seen on some TV movies from the era.

*On the 1998 TV movie ''Inferno'' and the 1999 TV movie ''The Apartment Complex'', the Productions variant has the text "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">''Viacom Productions, Inc. Exclusive Distributor''</span>" in two lines below.

'''FX/SFX:''' The CGI coiled line forming "'''VIACOM'''", and the logo shining.

'''Music/Sounds:''' Again, there have been several musical variations accompanied with a voice-over by Don LaFontaine saying "Viacom" near the end:

*Usually, a synthesized rock score is used, complete with drums, a synthesizer and even a guitar. Telephone-like "wigga-wigga" sounds are heard as the line zig-zags.

* For the newly-formed Viacom International, the same logo is accompanied by different music. A synthesized whoosh is heard first, leading into a jingle played on a flute being heard as the line uncurls. As the logo finishes, a faint choir is heard in the background. Synthesized "shining" sounds can be heard throughout the entire logo. The LaFontaine voice-over is still heard.

*A high pitched variant exists. It's usually seen on PAL prints of Viacom-distributed shows and movies with this logo.

'''Music/Sounds Variants:'''

*In some cases, it used the closing theme of the show, generic network music on CBS, NBC, and ABC, or it was silent.

*There is a variant with the "V of Doom" theme playing instead on several early-1990s syndie prints of classic TV movies from the era, plastering the 1976 filmed logo.

*A variant with the "Pinball" music was reported on a public domain cartoon which aired on a religious TV channel. This has yet to be confirmed.

'''Availability:''' Quite common. This logo is quite infamous for plastering the older Viacom logos. Many of the shows that had this logo have been updated with either the Paramount Domestic Television, the CBS Paramount Domestic or Network Television logos ("Eye in the Sky" or "Wallpaper") or CBS Television Distribution logos by now, especially on DVD releases, but it is still seen on some shows and TV movies.

*'''''Regular Variant'':''' It was spotted on the film ''I'm All Right Jack'' on TCM, the miniseries ''The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw'' on Grit (and possibly the DVD release), two episodes of ''Cannon'' on the season 3 DVD (and one episode on Me-TV, S03 E03,) syndicated prints of Cannon Group films such as ''Masters of the Universe'', and one episode of ''The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams'' on DVD. It has been spotted on reruns of color episodes of ''Gunsmoke'' on Me-TV and TV Land, albeit in split screen form on the latter channel, and was also spotted on ''The Alvin Show'' when rerun on Nickelodeon. However, recent prints of ''Gunsmoke'' episodes from Season 12 (the first color season) and Season 13 and are now restored and now use CTD, though it can possibly still be spotted on almost all other episodes from Season 14 on (needs further confirmation). It was also seen when ''Have Gun-Will Travel'' aired on Encore Westerns in the early 2010s, as well as some episodes of ''Perry Mason'', ''Hogan's Heroes'' (these prints now air on U.K. television network Forces TV and Australian cable channel Fox Classics), and ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' on Me-TV and occasionally Decades before they both were issued updated prints by CBS (though it can be still be found in the majority of color episodes of ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' (S05-S09) and formerly on select episodes of ''Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C.''; for the latter show, all episodes have been restored and use either CBS-Paramount or CTD. FETV prints of ''Perry Mason'' still have this logo intact on many episodes. In the past, episodes of ''I Love Lucy'' and ''The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour'' on Nick at Nite and TV Land had this logo as well. It could also be seen on the ''Perry Mason'' TV movies from 1991-95, and some prints of older ones, but DVDs plaster it with the CTD logo. The high pitched variant was recently spotted on a British television broadcast of ''California Gold Rush''. This can also be found on ''Family Affair'', ''My Three Sons'' (it also appeared on Season 11, Episode 12 of that show after the CBS Television Distribution logo on a June 14, 2018 airing on Me-TV), VHS releases of ''Payoff'' (1991), a True Movies UK broadcast and Me-TV airings of the 1973 TV film ''A Dream for Christmas'', the 2009 Warner Archive DVD-R of ''Don't Be Afraid of the Dark'' (1973), the Republic Pictures VHS of ''Rent-a-Kid'', the Prism Entertainment VHS of ''Memories of Murder'', VHS copies of ''The Right Connections'', ''The Operation'' (AKA: ''Bodily Harm'') (plastering the 7th logo which was used on the original CBS broadcast and also kept on a Lifetime airing), recent Movies! broadcasts of ''Day of the Animals'' (1977) and ''The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia'', the Mexican VHS release of the ''Greatest Heroes of the Bible'' episode "Abraham's Sacrifice", ''They Watch'', the Starmaker Video VHS releases of ''Last Train from Gun Hill'', ''Donner Pass: The Road to Survival'', ''Little Lord Fauntleroy'' (1980), ''The Incredible Rocky Mountain Race'', and ''Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love'', among possible others, a Brazilian VHS of the Sunn Classics adaptation of ''The Fall of the House of Usher'', the Kino Lorber DVD of ''Really Weird Tales'' (after the 5th logo), a Brazilian VHS of the Italian film ''Blood Ties'', the Vidmark Entertainment VHS of ''Murder by Moonlight'', and international prints of ''Rawhide'', along with some recent prints on Heroes & Icons.

*'''''Warp Speed Variant'':''' It's currently found on ''Matlock'' on WGN America, Me-TV, Decades, FETV, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (it plasters over the the 7th logo on many episodes from seasons 1 to 4, along with earlier season 5 episodes, and the 5th logo on later syndicated prints of the pilot episode for that show; DVDs use the CBS/Paramount "Wallpaper" logo for season 1 while 2-9 have CTD). Some episodes from seasons 6 and 7, and possibly 8, use the regular variant instead. Also seen on the first 3 seasons and early season 4 episodes of ''Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'' on Antenna TV and Fuse (DVDs have the CBS/Paramount "Eye In The Sky" logo for season 1, while seasons 2-3 have the "Wallpaper" logo and 4-7 have CTD. Hulu prints use the CBS/Paramount "Wallpaper" logo for season 1). It's also seen on the first five seasons of ''Diagnosis: Murder'' on DVD, Encore Suspense, Me-TV, Decades (occasionally), and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (however, DVDs of season 2 use the CBS/Paramount "Wallpaper" logo instead). It was also preserved at the end of the DVD print of the ''Jake and the Fatman'' S4 episode, "It Never Entered My Mind", which is included on the ''Diagnosis: Murder'' season 1 DVD. It is unknown if this same print is retained on the ''Jake and the Fatman'' complete series boxset, or if said boxset retains this logo on later season 4 episodes as well as S5 episodes.

*'''''International Variant'':''' It was present on syndicated and international prints (though some used the regular variant) of ''The Cosby Show'' and ''Roseanne'', but it is now plastered with the Carsey-Werner Distribution logo, though some prints have survived, but not all of them. The international version, and sometimes the regular variant, can be seen on some episodes of ''A Different World'' on Netflix, including the pilot, and was also seen on Terrytoon prints that were distributed around in the 1990s, as well as reportedly, one episode of ''The Beverly Hillbillies'' on the Fox Classics Network in Australia.

'''Editor's Note:''' Another beloved logo by some for its good-looking CGI, music (especially on the International variant), and classic voice-over. This also marked a departure from the "V" logo that was used for the past fourteen years. The core design initially lasted for fifteen years, but even after the current Viacom debuted in 2006, some logos from Paramount have prolonged use of its font past its original lifespan; for example, the movie logo maintained it for their byline until at least 2010 (before ''Iron Man 2''), and the home entertainment logos retained this until the near-entirety of the 2010s, yet prior to the 2019 Blu-Ray/DVD release of ''Bumblebee'', which uses the normal 2011 Paramount logo.

<gallery mode="packed" widths="200" heights="200">

File:Viacom Productions Logo 1999.jpg|Normal version (1999-2002)

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'''Nicknames:''' "\/|/\CO/\/\ II", Wigga-Wigga II", "VIACOM 2000", "Robocom", "ViaBot", "Letters of Glass"

'''Logo:''' On a smoky {{font color|blue|blue}} background, we see the glass letters of "\/|/\'''CO'''/\/\" zooming out, being stacked in front of each other, then spreading out. The background is full of "Wigga-Wigga"-type "\/|/\'''CO'''/\/\" letters along with a {{font color|blue|blue}} smoke effect slowly clearing out. Underneath "\/|/\'''CO'''/\/\" is the text "'''PRODUCTIONS'''" in Futura Extra Bold font moving up ala the "Float In" animation of the Microsoft PowerPoint with a line and the byline "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">'''''a Paramount company'''''</span>" (in the text used for the [[Paramount Pictures]] logo) fading in below "\/|/\'''CO'''/\/\ '''PRODUCTIONS'''".

'''Variants:'''

*A still version of this logo exists (a la the 1985 "V of Happiness" logo).

*A filmed version appears on some TV movies.

'''FX/SFX:''' The letters spreading out and the smoke.

'''Music/Sounds:'''

*A descending crystallized wind chime-like sound effect culminating in a synth explosion, followed by a robotic voice saying the word "Viacom" faintly.

* The robotic voice was shortened in 2002.

'''Music/Sounds Variants:'''

*Very early broadcasts featured the 1990 and 1998 network TV music. This can be seen on "updated" airings of season 7 episodes of ''Diagnosis: Murder'' on Me-TV and the season 4 episode of ''Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'' entitled "The Wild, Wild Witch".

*Sometimes, it has the end theme of the show or TV movie or generic network music, as seen on NBC, CBS and UPN.

'''Availability:''' Fairly common.

*It can be seen on any show or TV movie produced by Viacom from 1999-2004; these include seasons 4-7 of ''Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'' on Antenna TV (plastered on the DVDs by CBS Television Distribution) and Fuse, ''The Division'' on Start TV, season 1 of ''The 4400'' last aired on USA Network, and seasons 7 & 8 of ''Diagnosis: Murder'' on Me-TV, Decades (occasionally), Encore Suspense, DVD, and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, as well as the final two TV movies spun off from that show.

*It was also spotted at the end of several made-for-TV movies such as ''Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story'', ''A Diva's Christmas Carol'', ''Three Blind Mice'', ''Bad Apple'', ''Bang Bang, You're Dead'', among others.

'''Editor's Note:''' It's not a well-known logo like the previous ones, but it's another well-made logo with some really cool effects. This was also a fitting way to end a company with an amazing and memorable library of logos.

[[Category:Television Logos]]

[[Category:American Television Logos]]