TV Plug (1963)
A seven-minute experimental short by avant-garde pioneer Ken Jacobs, later woven into his compilation work The Whirled.
TV Plug - Movie Information
- Original Title: TV Plug
- Release Year: 1963
- Directed by: Ken Jacobs
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 5, 1963 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Hunch Your Back (US)
TV Plug - Plot
Short film by Ken Jacobs later included in his compilation The Whirled.
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TV Plug - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ken Jacobs
TV Plug - FAQs
What is TV Plug about?
TV Plug is a seven-minute experimental short film made by avant-garde filmmaker Ken Jacobs in 1963. It was later folded into his larger compilation work The Whirled, situating it within Jacobs' broader exploration of found footage, visual abstraction, and the boundaries of cinematic form.
Who directed TV Plug?
TV Plug was directed by Ken Jacobs, a pioneering figure in American avant-garde cinema. Jacobs is best known for pushing the limits of film form through works like Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son and his ongoing Nervous System performances, making him a central voice in experimental filmmaking.
What is The Whirled and how does TV Plug fit in?
The Whirled is a compilation film by Ken Jacobs that brings together several of his early short works. TV Plug was incorporated into this anthology, giving the piece a wider context within Jacobs' experimental output and allowing audiences to experience it as part of a cohesive, if unconventional, cinematic statement.
When was TV Plug released?
TV Plug hit screens on May 5, 1963, in the United States. It is also known under the alternative title Hunch Your Back, reflecting the informal, playful spirit common to many works from the early American underground film scene of that era.
How long is TV Plug?
TV Plug runs for just 7 minutes, making it a compact short film. That brevity is typical of the experimental underground shorts of the early 1960s, where filmmakers like Jacobs favored concentrated, intense bursts of visual experimentation over conventional narrative length.
Is TV Plug worth watching for film enthusiasts?
For fans of avant-garde and experimental cinema, TV Plug is a fascinating artifact. It offers a glimpse into Ken Jacobs' early creative vision before he became a celebrated figure in underground film. Its inclusion in The Whirled adds further value for those tracing the evolution of American experimental filmmaking.
What are some films similar to TV Plug?
If you enjoy short-form cinema, you might explore For the Birds (2000), Inner Workings (2016), or Two Distant Strangers (2020), all acclaimed short films that demonstrate the range and creativity of the format. For experimental territory closer to Jacobs' style, early underground American shorts from the 1960s are a natural companion.
Does TV Plug have an alternative title?
Yes, TV Plug is also known as Hunch Your Back in the United States. Alternative titles were common among underground and experimental films of the era, often reflecting informal distribution practices or the filmmaker's own evolving intentions for the work.
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