Upstart Canadian Jump-starts an Industry: Filmmaker's New Book Tells Inside Story of Hollywood North

SHELBURNE, Ontario - July 20, 2017 - PRLog -- In the early 1960s — when a homegrown colour television series has yet to grace Canadian screens, and domestic motion picture production has only lately developed — a maverick filmmaker dares to dream.

And do.

Despite limited budgets, red tape and condescension, Allan Wargon creates Canada's first colour television series (Mr. Piper) after award-winning documentaries (The Longhouse People, Varley) and many other noteworthy films. This is his story: frank, intensely personal, sometimes gut-wrenching and always engrossing.

The Birth of Hollywood North is the inside story of an industry's grand unfolding, told by one of its pivotal players. It takes us on a roller-coaster ride from the lofty peaks of accolades and awards to the abject depths of financial near-ruin.

From painter to film director to writer, the author's journey is marked by a consistent refusal to compromise his vision and creative integrity. His singular focus and driven approach often leave him at odds with administrators, particularly the holders of purse strings. Always pushing the envelope, he demands much of his colleagues and co-workers. But "never more than I asked of myself," he says. "Usually much less."

Wargon's predilection for working 'round the clock prompts a unique contractual provision. His Mr. Piper agreement requires him to be chauffeur-driven, lest (partners fear) their investment go up in the flames of a car wreck. So all-encompassing is Wargon's involvement — as creator, writer and director — that his potential absence is a death knell for the project.

"I thought it absurd," says Wargon, "but being driven did free me up to read scripts." His relentless perfectionism and resulting demands alienate some, but earn him the undying loyalty of a core group of like-minded professionals and the absolute trust of the personalities featured in his films.

That trust gives viewers a first-ever look at the sacred ceremonies of the Iroquois Indians. In making The Longhouse People, Wargon becomes the first white man ever allowed to witness the False-Face ceremony. After initially declining the project due to misgivings within his own following, Six Nations Chief Deskaheh relents. Sensing in Wargon a bedrock honesty and kinship, Deskaheh gives him access to the ceremonies and adopts him as a nephew with the name "Hodree-wah-stee-stont" — He Who is in Charge.

Similar bonds forged with Group Of Seven artists Fred Varley and Arthur Lismer bring the lives of these Canadian icons to the screen.

Across all the author's projects, whether documentary or entertainment, the participant's ultimate sense of a faithful treatment and accurate depiction resonates more with Wargon than any award.  "I've never sold out and never will," he says. "Being brought into the inner circle of a tribe, family or individual is a privilege that cannot be betrayed. Fidelity to the subject matter isn't just a goal, it's an obligation."

The artists, musicians and public figures Wargon crosses paths with are a Who's Who of contemporary North American history. Frederick Varley. Arthur Lismer. Franklin Carmichael. Jack Bush. A. M. Klein. George Dunning. Lister Sinclair. Max Ferguson. Lou Appelbaum. Paul Anka. John Diefenbaker. Pierre Elliott Trudeau. The Right Honourable Vincent Massey. Marshall McLuhan. Harold Innis. Dr. Marius Barbeau. Arthur Irwin. Tom Daly. Dennis Gillson. Eric Koch. Allan Blye. Budge Crawley. Jack Warner. Lee Strasberg. And others.

Each plays a greater or lesser role in this richly-textured, lavishly-illustrated, must-read narrative.

The Birth of Hollywood North is published by ebookit.com and available at: https://www.ebookit.com/tools/pd/Bo/eBookIt/booktitle-The...

About The Author
For over 75 years, Canadian film legend Allan Wargon has devoted himself to the visual arts and writing. From painting to graphics to display, industrial design, filmmaking in his early twenties and writing throughout, he has directed and produced over 150 films, many of which he wrote.

He now has four published novels, which can be seen at allanwargon.com. While writing he's farmed, built, renovated, and done much woodwork.

At age 91, those activities are ongoing. While maintaining a weekly blog entitled "Memoirs and Musings" (http://allanwargon.blogspot.ca), he bristles at any suggestion of past achievements superseding present literary and artistic undertakings.

For further information email wargondesign [at] gmail dot com.