Watch I am the Engine

Let's start with the basic information about I am the Engine. It was a television show that aired on BBC Two in 1969. The show's format was entirely different from typical TV programs. It was a part of BBC's experiment in the field of television. It was supposed to be a new way of storytelling, which would engage audiences more than traditional programs.

I am the Engine was a series of 13 episodes, each episode focusing on one theme, such as color, time, movement, sound, and so on. The producers of the show went out of their way to create a unique and abstract experience for the viewers. They used a blend of abstract visuals, sounds, colors, and music to create a surreal and immersive experience. During each episode, viewers would be presented with unique visuals while listening to an ambient soundscape.

The show was created by Peter Terson, a writer who had previously worked on the BBC program, The Wednesday Play. Each episode featured a different director, some of whom were known for their avant-garde styles. The show was innovative for its time, and several groundbreaking video techniques were used to create the abstract visuals. Each episode was shot on 16mm film and then transferred to videotape. Often, the visuals featured abstract angles, color palettes, and imagery that were meant to challenge traditional notions of storytelling on TV.

The cast of the show was unconventional, as it was not the typical set of actors seen on British TV at the time. The show's title, I am the Engine, was inspired by a line by the English composer John Cage, who said, "I am the piano and the piano is me." Likewise, the show's cast members were part of the abstract visuals and soundscape, creating a mix of surrealism and poetry. They were not traditional actors, but rather artists who were picked for the show based on their unique personalities and artistic talents.

The episodes also included segments where the cast would perform poetry, and some passages were written by famous poets such as T.S. Eliot and William Blake. The poetry was often recited over the abstract visuals, and the result was an almost hypnotic experience for the viewers.

I am the Engine was not without controversy. Some critics labeled it as pretentious and accused it of being overly self-indulgent. However, the show had its fair share of fans, including the British filmmaker, Ken Russell, who praised the show for its innovative visuals and sound design.

Overall, I am the Engine was a unique and groundbreaking program that presented a new way of storytelling on TV. It was a radical departure from the typical programs of the time and was meant to challenge viewers' perceptions of what they could expect from a TV program. It may seem outdated by today's standards, but it was an essential part of British TV history and deserves recognition for its innovative approach.

I am the Engine is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between and on