Charles King, long-time partner at William Morris Endeavor, announced today that he has formed a new media holding company MACRO. MACRO is a new model entertainment company targeting the explosive multicultural content marketplace and brings a unique focus to content creation, distribution and engagement for the radically underserved African-American, Latino and Multicultural (ALM) audiences.
“There were two major catalysts that propelled me to move to LA and enter the industry over fifteen years ago: my vision to build a media company one day and the knowledge that what I saw on screen did not fully reflect the spectrum of who we are,” said Charles King. “It’s clear to me now, as it was then, that there’s a growing appetite for content that serves the more diverse world we live in. During my career as an agent, it has been an honor to help build the careers of and represent some of the most compelling artists of our time. Launching MACRO fulfills the vision I had all those years ago, and at a time when our industry needs it the most. I am humbled by all of the support I’ve received industry-wide from my WME family, clients and friends.”
As a multi-platform entertainment venture, MACRO’s initial focus will be on producing premium film, television and digital content targeting the growing ALM market. To address this market’s need on a global level, MACRO will work both within and outside of the entertainment industry to bring together innovative creators, global thought leaders, and established players in technology, politics, media and entertainment. MACRO will leverage pioneering business models along the way to develop brands and new platforms at the intersection of content, lifestyle and technology.
King is a trailblazer, who rose from the mailroom to become the first and only African-American partner at WME. Throughout his career, he has become known for discovering emerging talent and creating multi-layered brands that extend over a rapidly changing media landscape. His strategic, long-term thinking has put him at the center of some of the most innovative deals in the business. King has represented a wide breadth of culture-impacting talent in every sector of entertainment during his 15 year tenure.
“Charles’ terrific relationships and entrepreneurial approach make him perfectly suited for his new venture. We have had an incredible run together and look forward to working with him in his next chapter,” said WME Co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell.
MACRO will officially launch on January 5, 2015 and will be based in Los Angeles. Current advisory board members include leading entertainment executives and corporate advisors Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer, Netflix and Raymond McGuire, Global Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, Citibank. King is in negotiations with several key executives who will be joining the company.
MACRO is in the final stages of closing an undisclosed eight figure financing round and is in talks with several film studios for distribution. Josh Grode of Irell & Manella is structuring the financing for MACRO. Kenneth Deutsch of Latham & Watkins and Sean Monroe of O’Melveny & Myers are serving as co-counsel representing MACRO and King in the transaction.
MACRO has begun sourcing opportunities, with projects already in development with filmmakers Ryan Coogler and Craig Brewer. WME will continue representing King’s current roster of clients.
