Vanmark (UK/France/Germany)

Background: Vanmark was formed following a merger between Vantage Animation and Le Bombe Numerique Produktion in 1995. Vantage was on the verge of insolvency and merged with Le Bombe who was also going to close due to dwindling business offers. The venture became known as Synapse Movement & Design, and from that point, the studio would be dedicated to producing content for television (with a focus on action shows aimed at teenaged audiences.) They produced shows with traditional animation, computer animation and even did live action-animated hybrids. In 2003, the company rebranded themselves as Vanmark and after what would be their final production, filed for bankruptcy. The rights to their works were acquired through an equity partnership headed by Elliot Strange and Film Science founder Nigel Gore.

Synapse Movement & Design

1st Logo

(1996-1997)

Logo: In space, we see a rotating Earth. A comet hits it and the logos for Vantage Animation and Le Bombe Numerique Produktion appear on it. The continents change and now have characters that appeared in their content within them. "SYNAPSE MOVEMENT & DESIGN" is below the globe in white.

Trivia: At the time, the merger between the companies didn't take hold due to them not knowing what identity to take. The merger wouldn't be completed until 1997, with both names being retired for good.

FX/SFX: The globe rotating and the text, early CGI by the looks of it.

Music/Sounds: A triumphant fanfare.

Availability: Rare. This was used for only a year. This appeared on early episodes ofProject Violet and Marvel's Ultimate Christmas.

2nd Logo

(1998-2002)

Logo: On a black background, we see a box containing sketches of an x-ray of a human head, a man running and a mask. Beneath it is the text "SYNAPSE MOVEMENT & DESIGN" in a blue serif font.

Variant: On The Halloween Kids, the logo appears during the credits. The font of the company name is the same as the main logo and above it is the text "Concept and Design"

FX/SFX: None.

Music/Sounds: A five note piano theme played against wind blowing.

Availability: Seen on Beach Beasts, Project Violet and The Halloween Kids.

Vanmark

(2003)

Logo: In a city at night, a green and purple van pulls up and stops. The company name is written on the van.

FX/SFX: Traditional animation against a cel-shaded CG background.

Music/Sounds:None.

Availability: Seen on The Quad Squad.