From D.C. to international acclaim, Norman King IV transforms entertainment into a bridge across cultures, generations, and identities.
In a world increasingly connected by digital platforms, the role of a filmmaker has become not just about creating art, but about telling stories that resonate across borders. Norman King IV is one such storyteller, a filmmaker whose work transcends cultural and linguistic divides, redefining how stories are told in the modern world. His journey from Washington, D.C. to international film festivals is one of vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to global storytelling.
Norman’s work isn’t simply about what’s seen on screen, his content is about connecting the dots between human experiences, exploring identities, and providing a voice to the stories that often go untold. Through his work, he taps into something universal: the desire to be seen, to be heard, and to be understood. This desire fuels his latest projects and continues to push him toward new creative heights.
A Vision Begins in Washington, D.C.
Growing up in the nation’s capital, Norman King IV was immersed in a world of diverse stories, conversations, and cultural intersections. For many, movies and television shows are simply entertainment, but for Norman, they were much more, they were a way to see the world, to understand different lives, and to bring those experiences into focus. His early fascination with film came from a deep curiosity about what connects people, what makes us all human, despite our differences. Norman’s love for storytelling began long before he set foot on a film set, writing daily in his journal and learning digital editing on Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere at a young age. From the beginning, film became a powerful tool for him to explore questions of identity, connection, and belonging.
“I always felt that movies were worlds that we could build,” Norman recalls. “A way I could copy and paste my vivid dreams onto the screen and somehow tell a cohesive story with a lesson.”
For Norman, film wasn’t just a career path, it was a mission to make sense of the world and to share that understanding with others.
The Global Education That Shaped a Global Perspective
In 2019, Norman made a bold decision that would change the course of his life: he enrolled in the Global BFA program, a collaborative initiative between Emerson College in Boston and the Paris College of Art. Unlike traditional film programs, this transatlantic approach gave Norman the opportunity to immerse himself in both American and European cinematic traditions. More than just learning the mechanics of filmmaking, this program allowed him to explore the intersection of culture, language, and storytelling.
Studying in Paris was not just about academics, it was a chance to absorb the rhythms of multiple languages and perspectives. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Russian, Norman didn’t just learn new languages; he learned how these languages opened doors to new worlds of storytelling. His ability to navigate different cultural landscapes, both verbally and visually, would go on to enrich his work and provide a depth that few filmmakers possess.
“Language is a key to understanding culture. When you meet someone and speak to them in their native tongue it sparks a special and deep connection ,” Norman reflects. “Being able to speak multiple languages gave me a tool to tell stories that felt global, not just American or European, but truly universal.”
Crafting Stories That Bridge Worlds
Throughout his time abroad, Norman directed several short films that explored themes of identity, belonging, and survival. His films weren’t just personal projects, they were collaborative, involving peers from different cultural backgrounds, all of whom brought their own unique voices to the creative process. Norman’s films became a space for him to explore the ways in which our identities are shaped by the world around us.
One of his standout projects, My 2 Cents, an online talk show, gave young people a platform to share their experiences, many of which were often overlooked by mainstream media. This was not a typical podcast, it was a space for conversation and discovery, where marginalized voices often ignored were given the chance to be heard.
“This show was originally about creating a platform for Millennials and Gen Z, not just telling stories from my perspective but allowing others to share theirs,” Norman explains. “I wanted to empower young people of all backgrounds to discuss topics that felt important to them and offer them a space where their voices could be amplified.”
The success of My 2 Cents was a clear indication of Norman’s ability to connect with his audience and provide them with a space to express themselves. The show later evolved into Meet the Makers, a talk show that highlights creatives from around the world, solidifying Norman’s role as a storyteller who elevates others.
Look At Me: The Breakthrough Project
In 2022, Norman’s film career took a giant leap forward when he graduated with dual degrees in Film Arts from Emerson College and the Paris College of Art. His thesis project, a short film titled Look At Me, became a defining moment in his career. This film, featuring an international cast, was a powerful exploration of identity, romance, and societal beauty standards.
The film’s impact was immediate. Look At Me showcased Norman’s ability to create deeply emotional narratives that resonated with audiences across cultural and linguistic divides. The film was featured in multiple international film festivals, including those in Amsterdam, London, and Los Angeles, and earned critical praise for its artistic vision and emotional depth.
“The film was my way of showing the struggle of body insecurity from a man. It’s an issue many are globally reluctant to address and most deal with it quietly,” Norman says.
Transitioning to Professional Media: PBS/WETA
While many filmmakers face an uncertain road after graduation, Norman’s professional trajectory took a swift and impressive turn. By 2023, Norman had secured a role as an Assistant to the Executive Producer at PBS/WETA, a major American public broadcaster. Here, he worked on National Productions: Special Projects, contributing to documentaries focused on healthcare, well-being, and public service.
This role allowed Norman to combine his creative expertise with an understanding of the industry’s logistical side, fundraising, research, and production. Norman learned firsthand how large-scale media projects are conceptualized, funded, and delivered to audiences nationwide.
“PBS was an invaluable experience,” he shares. “It helped me understand how storytelling can drive social change and how to bring creative projects to life within a larger organizational framework.”
What Sets Norman Apart
Norman King IV’s success doesn’t stem from a single achievement, it’s the result of a vision that combines talent, cultural fluency, and global education. What truly sets Norman apart is his ability to blend American and European cinematic traditions, infuse his work with multiple cultural perspectives, and create authentic stories that resonate on a global scale.
His early recognition in film festivals, particularly for Look At Me, demonstrates his artistic vision, while his professional experience at PBS/WETA shows his capacity to merge creativity with industry knowledge. Norman’s work embodies the future of global storytelling, stories that connect, challenge, and inspire.
A Future Written in Film
The story of Norman King IV is still being written, and the future is filled with exciting possibilities. His early success, festival screenings, and professional collaborations mark just the beginning of a career that will continue to evolve. As he moves forward with his projects, Norman remains committed to telling stories that are not only creative but meaningful, impactful, and timeless.
In 2024, Norman completed two new feature film screenplays featuring Gen Z leads, reflecting his ongoing commitment to telling stories that speak to today’s audience. Additionally, he contributed to the Adventures in the Great Beyond Musical, providing marketing and social media content for its run in Hollywood.
Norman currently runs his production company NKIV LLC in West Hollywood and new episodes of his show “Meet the Makers” featuring interviews with fashion designers, entertainers, and artists, continues to air on all platforms online. In addition, Norman has teamed up with Stefan and Soli Kleinchuster’s production company Matricalis Films and together they are producing a new Western TV series, “Full Cloud”.
“The journey is just beginning,” Norman says. “I am excited because there are even more monumental projects I am thinking of getting into development and I know that we can conquer the world with those ”
Norman King IV is a filmmaker, writer, and producer whose work embodies the future of global storytelling. To explore his projects, showreels, and creative journey, visit his official website at Norman King IV. You can also connect with him on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Stay connected to Norman’s work:
- Website: Norman King IV
- Instagram: @normankingiv
- LinkedIn: Norman King IV
