TEAM | PRINCE OF THE CITY

Karl King

Writer/Director

 

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Karl King like his grandfather Motown great Maurice King has always had a flair for entertainment. Unfortunately, he was not able to sing, play an instrument or even dance for that matter. Because of that he figured his talents would be put to better use behind the scenes. He attended Specs Howard School of broadcasting in order to learn more about radio/television production. After graduating in 1992 he formed Tilted to the side Inc, a company which focused on promoting concerts and producing local artists for his short-lived label K squared records. The concert promotions however were a success and he worked with many nationally acclaimed artists such as Dru Hill, RUN DMC, Luke and too live crew, Bone Thugs N Harmony to name a few. In 1998 he produced, directed, and was the on-air talent for a cable access show entitled "The Flip Side" where he interviewed and showcased local talent.

 

In 2002 on a whim, he submitted a comedy skit he had written to "Switchplay TV" a sketch comedy show that aired on WB/20 as a result he was asked to join their writing staff. Within a year he became head writer for the show. Over the years he grew as a writer and under the tutelage of Melissa Underwood-Talbot also as a director. Karl King has to his writing credit several magazines, documentaries, movie scripts, stage plays, and political speeches.

 

In 2010 he co-founded the Clucked Up Comedy series. King has along with his partners produced and promoted one of the most successful stand-up comedy shows in Detroit, and the famed Toledo Funny Bone. The show’s stage has been graced with several local and national comedians such as Reginald “Bruh Man” Ballard, Sheryl Underwood, Red Grant, and Tiffany Haddish. His directing credit consists of independent films, music videos, and stage plays. He has written 13 stage plays since 2010 He co-wrote “He said, She said“ (2010) and "Cheaters"(2011) with Dennis Reed jr. both of which he co-directed.

 

Since Karl is always striving and aspiring to make his own mark. He's written and executive produced two stage plays "When a woman loves" (May 2011) and "There goes the neighborhood slated for winter of 2012. “Bianca” adapted from the novel by E. Williams scheduled for 2012, and “Once you go white” inspired by his friend actress/comedian Thea Vidale (The Thea Show). 

 

Though plays and comedy were successful entities in his life. He partnered with Joe Vacari owner of the Andiamo showroom in Michigan, where the two produced comedy and musical shows. Breaking such talent as Avery Sunshine, and also working with Eric Roberson, Anthony David, Goapele, and Gregory Porter. He’s currently writing and will direct the major motion picture, Prince of the City that chronicles the lives of Detroit drug kingpins Johnnie and Leo Curry. Known as the infamous Curry Boys, the film will tell the story of the rise and fall of Detroit’s most infamous drug enterprise. The movie is slated to be released summer of 2022. In addition to film, King was picked to adapt Old Heart a novel by Peter Ferry, into a stage production scheduled to make its world premiere in Detroit In early 2022 before heading to Europe.