Back in 2019, I uploaded what would become my most popular video – The E4 2001 Ident Compilation. At the time, I had no idea it would gain so much traction, but the nostalgia for these iconic TV idents resonated with thousands of viewers. Here’s the story behind how it all came together.
Why I Made It
I’ve always been fascinated by television branding, especially the idents that aired in the early 2000s. There was something special about the creativity and uniqueness of E4’s 2001 branding. The purple, the quirky animations, and the surreal humor all made it unforgettable.
I realized that many of these idents were hard to find online. Some had been uploaded in poor quality, while others were nearly impossible to locate. That’s when I decided to compile them all in one high-quality video, preserving them for nostalgic fans and media enthusiasts alike.
The Process
Creating the compilation wasn’t easy. I spent weeks tracking down old recordings, researching the history of the idents, and enhancing the footage. Here’s what went into it:
- Research & Sourcing – Digging through archives, VHS recordings, and obscure corners of the internet to find missing clips.
- Restoration & Editing – Enhancing video quality, adjusting colors, and ensuring smooth transitions between idents.
- Narration & Context – Adding background information about each ident, explaining its significance.
The Unexpected Popularity
When I first uploaded the video, I thought it would be a niche hit among media nerds like me. But within a few months, it had racked up thousands of views, with people reminiscing in the comments about watching these idents as kids or late at night. It was incredible to see so many people share my love for this era of television branding.
One of the best moments was when someone who worked on the original E4 branding reached out to say they appreciated the effort I put into preserving their work. That kind of feedback made all the hours of editing worth it!
What’s Next?
Following the success of this compilation, I’ve continued making more videos on classic TV idents, deep dives into television branding, and media nostalgia. If you enjoyed the E4 compilation, stay tuned for my next project – a deep dive into the history of Channel 4’s idents through the years.
Watch the Compilation!
Let me know in the comments – do you have a favorite TV ident? I’d love to hear what nostalgic memories these bring back for you!
The Angry English Guy 