Video producer’s storytelling supports MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer

Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant grind.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, he moved to Houston and considered a career change. That’s before he saw a job posting for a senior television writer and producer at MD Anderson.

“After looking up MD Anderson and learning of its great reputation, I thought, ‘Let’s see what this is about,’” King recalls. He applied for and ultimately accepted the position at MD Anderson.

Four years and one Emmy award later, he’s glad he did.

Producing with a purpose

In his role on the Video Services team, King creates videos to support MD Anderson’s philanthropic needs.

“I like connecting who we are to the public, especially donors,” says King, who was recently promoted to program manager, Video Services. “When people watch the last frame of any video I make, I want them to feel something, think something and be motivated to do something.”

Take, for example, the tribute video he created for prostate cancer survivor and baseball legend Dusty Baker. It was shown during MD Anderson’s A Conversation With a Living Legend® event in February 2023 in Houston, in which Baker was honored. The event raised more than $1.5 million for cancer research. The video also supported smaller fundraising efforts that year.

Baker had already had a storied career when, in 2022, he became the oldest manager to win a World Series. He’d done it with the Houston Astros at age 73.

“He showed me that you can do anything you want, at any time you want,” says King. “Working in television for so many years, you enter a lot of awards but don’t always get nominations. As I was working on the video, I remember thinking, ‘I feel really good about this.’ I knew if I submitted it for an Emmy and received a nomination, I could win.”

Expanding MD Anderson’s reach

King’s video of Baker won a 2024 Lone Star Sports Emmy in the Human Interest category. It was MD Anderson’s first Emmy award.

“I was very happy to receive the nomination, and of course, overjoyed to win,” says King. “It’s great when your personal work is recognized, but working with a team that you love – and knowing you made them proud – is the best feeling.”

He’s also glad it brings more visibility to MD Anderson.

“The donors know we’re No. 1 in the nation for cancer care, and now we have something that can validate us in another department,” says King. “Not only do we have amazing doctors; we also have amazing creatives who can help push our mission forward.”

Learn more about careers at MD Anderson.