He worked as a stagehand and writer at the CBC and then landed the job of assistant director to NFB director Don Haldane, who was shooting a film called One Man in Muskoka. Both Haldane and the film’s cinematographer Donald Wilder suggested that he apply to the NFB. This necessitated moving to Montreal and Owen was keen to leave Toronto.
He worked as a stagehand and writer at the CBC, then became assistant director to NFB director Don Haldane, who was filming "One Man in Muskoka." Both Haldane and the film's cinematographer Donald Wilder encouraged him to apply to the NFB. This required relocating to Montreal, and Owen was eager to leave Toronto.