Arthur D. Kean

Born in Emerson, Manitoba, A. D. Kean spent most of his first thirty years in the western United States and the interior of British Columbia.

Following the diverse business interests of his father, Levi D. Kean (who dealt in real estate, mining properties, and horses), Arthur and his family moved from Manitoba to California, Oregon, Kansas, and finally Texas.

In the East Kootenay region and Boundary Country of BC, and near Chesaw in Okanogan County, Washington, Arthur worked as a farmer, miner, cowboy, teamster, and butcher.

The first known theatrical screening of his films took place the week of 9 November 1914, when two reels of rodeo and agricultural footage were shown at the city's Pantages Theatre.

He documented all sorts of local events and industries, but became best known for his films of British Columbia regiments departing for overseas during the Great War.

Kean also organized, managed, and filmed a number of local rodeos or stampedes, including the "Range Days" events at the 1914, 1915 and 1923 Vancouver Exhibition.

From 1920 to 1922-23, he was the main cinematographer for the British Columbia Patriotic and Educational Picture Service (PEPS), one of the first government film agencies in Canada.