Allison Argo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Allison Argo
Argo with Gorilla in 1990
Born	(1953-12-23) December 23, 1953 (age 71) Richmond, Virginia
Occupation	Film producer film director writer editor narrator
Years active	1975-present
Awards	1 duPont-Columbia 6 Emmy 4 Genesis 4 Christopher Columbus

Allison Argo, born on December 23, 1953, is an American filmmaker. She is a talented producer, director, writer, editor, and narrator. Allison is famous for her documentaries that focus on animals, especially those that are endangered. Her films also highlight efforts to protect wildlife.

Her work has won many important awards. These include six National Emmy Awards and the duPont-Columbia Award for excellent journalism.

Before becoming a filmmaker, Allison was an actress. She performed in plays on Broadway and acted in television shows and movies.

In 1989, something special happened that changed her career path. While in Washington state, she saw a gorilla kept in a cage at a shopping mall. This experience deeply affected her. It inspired her to make her first film, The Urban Gorilla (1992). This documentary, shown on National Geographic, was about gorillas living in captivity. For this film, Allison received the duPont-Columbia award. Since then, she has dedicated her work to helping wild animals through her films and public talks.

Early Life and Inspiration

Allison Argo grew up on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Her parents, Gordon and Elizabeth Argo, were both actors. They owned and ran a summer theater called the Orleans Arena Theater. This was America's first "theater-in-the-round," where the stage is surrounded by the audience.

Growing up around theater helped Allison become a professional actress. She performed in New York and Los Angeles. However, her passion for animals eventually led her to filmmaking.

ArgoFilms: Giving Animals a Voice

Allison Argo filming Chimpanzees, An Unnatural History in 2006

Allison's experience with the gorilla, Ivan, in the shopping mall was the main reason she started her company, ArgoFilms, LTD. Ivan was living in two small concrete rooms. Allison was worried about other gorillas in similar situations. This led her to make The Urban Gorilla, her first film. This film not only won the duPont-Columbia award but also received two Emmy nominations.

Since The Urban Gorilla, ArgoFilms has made many documentaries. These films speak up for various animals like frogs, snakes, cats, elephants, chimpanzees, and birds. One film even looked at how the September 11 attacks affected people.

ArgoFilms has produced eighteen documentaries for channels like National Geographic and PBS. Allison Argo has produced, directed, or written all of these films. Famous actress Glenn Close narrated the first two films. After that, Allison herself became the narrator.

Her films have been nominated for twelve Emmy Awards, winning six of them. Two of these Emmys were for her directing skills. ArgoFilms has also won four Genesis Awards, which celebrate media that raises awareness about animal issues. The film Parrot Confidential (2013) won a Genesis Award in 2014. This film explored the challenges faced by parrots kept as pets, especially when they outlive their owners.

Allison has shared that the most rewarding part of her job is when her work makes a real difference. Her goal is to help people see things differently. She believes that if people have the facts, they will work to make life better for animals. The main aim of ArgoFilms is to "foster compassion for animals and to champion wildlife through film, providing a voice for those who have none."

Notable Films and Awards

Allison Argo's films often focus on endangered species and conservation. Here are some of her well-known documentaries and the awards they have received:

• The Urban Gorilla (1990): This film won the duPont-Columbia Award and a Genesis Award. It was also nominated for two Emmy Awards.
• Keepers of the Wild (1992): This film won a National Emmy Award for directing.
• The Last Frog (1996): This documentary won a National Emmy Award and was named "Best of Festival" at the Missoula International Wildlife Film Festival.
• The Secret Life of Cats (1999): This film won a National Emmy Award.
• The Urban Elephant (2000): This documentary won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Cultural & Informational Documentary. It also received a Genesis Award.
• Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History (2006): This film won a National Emmy Award for research and a Genesis Award.
• Crash: A Tale of Two Species (2008): This film was nominated for a National Emmy Award.
• Parrot Confidential (2013): This documentary won a Genesis Award.
• The Last Pig (2017): This recent film continues her work on animal welfare.

Allison Argo's dedication to telling the stories of animals has made a big impact. Her films help people understand and care more about wildlife around the world.

Images for kids

• 

  Argo with Gorilla in 1990