Charles D. King Makes History at Producers Guild of America Awards

One film producer and dedicated philanthropist has made history.

Charles D. King is the first Black recipient of the Prestigious Milestone Award at the Producers Guild of America Awards.

Behind projects such as Judas and the Black Messiah and They Cloned Tyrone, the Macro studio founder joined the ranks of producers Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, James Cameron and Samuel Goldwyn — people who've changed the film industry.

Macro is a multi-platform media company that elevates folks of color, according to The Grio.

King said he doesn’t take the award lightly. “I’m honored and I don’t take it lightly,” he said.

But this isn't the first time he’s the first of something. He’s celebrating the 30th anniversary of Kappa Alpha Psi’s chapter at Vanderbilt University, where he was part of the first line to cross.

Back in 2010, he was the first Black partner of a major talent agency. This was at the William Morris Agency where he worked his way up from the mail room. At this time, it merged to form WME.

Another first happened when he launched Macro in 2015. And just nine years later, he’s been added to the list of cinemas' most well-known names.

Still, King recalls his humble beginnings at the university.

“To be honest, I was so surprised and filled with gratitude when it was announced. I look at it like we’re just getting started and this acknowledgement is not just about me. It’s also about Macro, what we represent, what all of my partners and colleagues represent,” he said.

“Every one of these projects takes a complete village and every film that comes together feels like a minor miracle. The whole mission of our company is to amplify and to make sure that the full spectrum of our stories are being told.”

Thanks to being a former agent, founder and producer, King has a unique view of the impact producers have on a project.

“I’m an entertainment media company CEO and founder that has been blessed to be a producer on quite a few of our projects. The role that a producer plays is essential. A producer's a problem solver, an executor,” he said.

Photo Credit: kwaku alston FOR foureleven.agency