EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT THE NEW COLOR OF THE YEAR
Meet the visionary who gave us the language of color.
Lawrence Herbert, aka “The King of Color,” became a printer in the ‘60s when color was chaotic and subjective. By creating the Pantone Matching System (PMS), he established a universal language for color, profoundly enhancing artistic expression and commercial production across all industries. This revolutionary idea to standardize color has remained largely unrecognized until now. Directed by Patrick Creadon (WORDPLAY, HESBURGH), this compelling documentary features an exclusive interview with Larry himself, offering an intimate glimpse into the mind behind Pantone and his enduring impact on how we perceive and use color today.
Official Trailer
A film by Patrick Creadon
A Film by Patrick Creadon
“In THE KING OF COLOR, we delve into the life of Larry Herbert, a 96-year-old whose creative spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and tireless work ethic have continually inspired our filmmaking team. Throughout my career, I’ve been drawn to stories of individuals who, like Larry, have built something extraordinary from their passions. . . . Our goal is to present his story with authenticity, allowing viewers to feel as though they’ve truly connected with him by the end of the film. If we succeed, this film will resonate with the true spirit of Larry himself.”
- Patrick Creadon, Director
Filmmaker & Participants
Lawrence Herbert
Lawrence Herbert is the inventor of the Pantone Matching System and former CEO of Pantone, Inc. A pioneer in color communication, Herbert revolutionized how color is standardized across industries. After serving in the Korean War, he joined Pantone in 1956 and acquired the company in 1962. His innovations have earned numerous honors, including awards from the AFI, Pratt Institute, and Hofstra University, where the School of Communication now bears his name. Herbert is also a longtime supporter of the arts and a former board member of the New York City Ballet and American Film Institute.
Sean Adams
Sean Adams is Dean of Art and Communication at ArtCenter College of Design, a celebrated author, and the only two-term national president in AIGA’s history. He received the AIGA Medal in 2014 and co-founded acclaimed design firm AdamsMorioka. Adams has taught design globally and contributed to Design Observer, LinkedIn Learning, and Adobe. His clients include Disney, Adobe, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He’s been exhibited widely and recognized as one of the most influential voices shaping design today.
Patrick Creadon
Patrick Creadon is an award-winning documentary director whose films include WORDPLAY, I.O.U.S.A.,IF YOU BUILD IT, CATHOLICS VS. CONVICTS, and THE LOYOLA PROJECT.. His latest film, THE KING OF COLOR, profiles Pantone creator Lawrence Herbert. Creadon is a Sundance alumni, Emmy nominee, and founding member of the DGA Documentary Committee. He’s also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A Notre Dame alumni with an MFA from AFI, Creadon began his career at PBS and became one of the youngest cameramen in its history.
| Date | City/State | Theater | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/12 | NY | Village East By Angelika | Buy Tickets |
| 12/12 | LA | Regal Paseo Pasadena | Buy Tickets |
Date
City/State
Theater
Tickets
Off the Presses
COLOR OF
THE YEAR
PANTONE 17-1230
Mocha Mousse
Past colors
2024
Apricot Crush
2023
Raspberry Blush
2022
Very Peri
2021
Illuminating and Ultimate Gray
The King of Color
Exclusively in Theaters
this December.
