The King of Color: New Documentary Celebrates Pantone Founder Lawrence Herbert
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A new documentary, The King of Color, explores the life and legacy of Lawrence Herbert, the visionary creator of the Pantone Matching System (PMS), and Picturehouse has acquired all North American distribution rights. The film, featuring an exclusive interview with Herbert, will have a limited theatrical release on Dec. 12 following a screening at AFI Fest on Friday, Oct. 24.
Revolutionizing the Language of Color
Herbert’s groundbreaking innovation standardized color, fundamentally changing how it is used and perceived globally. Before the Pantone Matching System, achieving consistent color across different materials and industries was a significant challenge. Herbert’s system provided a universal language for color, impacting fields from graphic design and fashion to manufacturing and branding.
“Pantone is a language that connects artists, designers, and brands across the globe,” stated a senior official at Picturehouse. “We’re proud to bring The King of Color to audiences everywhere and to honor Larry Herbert’s legacy of innovation and influence. Patrick Creadon has crafted a film that is as vibrant and inspiring as its subject.”
A Proven Documentarian at the Helm
The documentary is directed by Patrick Creadon, a filmmaker known for his compelling and insightful documentaries. Creadon’s previous work includes 2006’s Wordplay, a critically acclaimed film profiling the New York Times crossword puzzle, which premiered at Sundance and was named one of the National Board of Review’s top five documentaries of that year.
His other directing credits demonstrate a diverse range of storytelling abilities:
- If You Build It (2013)
- ESPN’s 30 for 30: Catholics vs. Convicts and Hersburgh (2018)
- Ski Bum: The Warren Miller Story (2019)
Creadon’s experience suggests a keen ability to delve into unique subjects and present them in an engaging and accessible manner. The film promises to offer a compelling glimpse into the mind of a true innovator and the profound impact of his creation.
The King of Color is poised to resonate with anyone interested in design, innovation, and the power of visual communication, offering a vibrant tribute to the man who gave the world a common language for color.
