TENNIS KING
The Van King Story
This documentary short film beautifully encapsulates the journey of Van King—a man whose quiet resilience transformed his life into one of iconic support and legacy. His introduction to the sport was marked by exclusion, compelling him to find a community of his own. Born in Mississippi, raised in Michigan, he found his way from advertising into the world of tennis not as a player, but as a steadfast fan and father to Evan King, a professional tennis player. It highlights not only the unique bond between father and son but also the powerful, often under-celebrated impact of parental influence in sports.
In his unwavering support—wearing his maize Michigan ball cap and custom Evan King gear—Van represents a lineage reshaping the future of tennis. The image of him watching from the courts of Arthur Ashe and Roland Garros is a reminder of the generations who forged a path for their children, even in spaces historically marked by exclusivity.
This story transcends tennis itself; it’s a tribute to quiet victories, the unshakeable pride of a parent, and the broader cultural shift towards inclusivity within a sport that has often reflected privilege. Through Van King’s journey, we’re reminded to honor the sacrifices that pave the way for future excellence—a testament to the legacy of love and dedication that changes bloodlines and redefines dreams.
This is the story of the Tennis King.
THE STORY
We begin at sunrise with Van King wheeling out a bucket of tennis balls, hitting back and forth against a wall, reminscent of how an early player gets their reps.
We cut to archival footage of his younger self and his voice begins to dictate how he found tennis. Beginning as a graphic designer in the ad world, colleagues had an open office invitation to play tennis, excluding him. This ostracism did not deter King but only piqued his interest to discover a community of his own. As he rose in the ranks becoming a creative director he took tennis wherever he went, most important to our story, to his youngest son.
The archival footage builds the understanding and context of who Van King is. We then meet him in the apartment where he resides, we he shows his favorite Evan King merch over the past 30 years in a jump cut and playful way to showcase both his enthusiasm for the sport and unwavering support to his son.
We close by returning to the present where his son walks onto the court joining him to play tennis. Amongst the contrasting scale of the public courts in downtown Chicago’s Grant Park with its massive skyscrapers lining the view, we leave the viewer inspired by the beautiful sacrifice of fatherhood and what that means for our future.
THE APPROACH
This documentary short film is the proof of concept for a larger series to honor parental sacrifice for childhood success. Specifically, I want to highlight underrepresented communities where yes, their children are excellent and excelling, but the parent’s story is the focus of celebration.
Shot on a combination of Super8, 16mm film, combined with archival footage, we seamlessly blend the world of old and new with the buttery warmth and nostalgia undeniably conveyed when shot on film. Interviews will be conducted for voice-overs and the implementation of talking heads will largely be avoided.
Interviews include Van King and will close with the voice of his son Evan King as he enters our frame to play with his father present-day. Capture will take place in Chicago where Van King currently resides and where Evan King grew up and breakthrough the Illinois stage to go on a play globally.
Sound Design will be used to establish the vintage and retrospective nature as well as the crisp smacks and sounds iconic to the game of tennis. The hope is to have original composition to continue to build to emotional robustness of the film.
