1989-1991: Tunnel Vision

Executive Producer Paul Ciana decided to modernise the show in January 1989, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the program in December 1988. A new opening title sequence, studio set, and on-screen graphics were commissioned to reflect the changing landscape of the UK charts.

The concept behind the new opening titles was the pursuit to get to the top, or number one, of the UK Top 40 chart. At the time, CDs were becoming the dominant chart medium, while tapes and vinyl were declining. Designer Margaret Horrocks designed a new opening title sequence that featured a camera traversing a high-tech maze of industrial corridors. These corridors were adorned with animated TOTP logos on video screens, and the camera emerged after a fast-paced countdown of flying CDs and chart positions through the "O" of the new Top of the Pops logo. From the new logo, the sequence then transitioned into the TOTP studio.

The new opening title sequence incorporated a blend of live action and computer-generated graphics, with a model over 6 meters long constructed specifically for the titles. The interior of the model incorporated references of TOTP’s studio set and CD manufacturing equipment of the day. Front-silvered mirroring seamlessly backed the model’s corridors, eliminating double imaging and creating opportunities for infinite reflections, thereby expanding the scale of the environment.

Paul Hardcastle’s “The Wizard” remained the theme tune for both the new opening titles and the chart rundown during the show. This title sequence and “The Wizard” remained in use until October 1991, when some mammoth changes were on the horizon for TOTP.

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