the making of PHILLY 2026 the World Cup America's birthday celebration the biggest TED event the MLB All-Stars game the Children's World's Fair the PGA Championship the Navy Homecoming March Madness Wawa Welcome America
Documenting Philly’s Biggest Year
the making of PHILLY 2026 the World Cup America's birthday celebration the biggest TED event the MLB All-Stars game the Children's World's Fair the PGA Championship the Navy Homecoming March Madness Wawa Welcome America
Documenting Philly’s Biggest Year
‘26
The ambition, the anticipation, the momentous occasion… 2026 will be a year to remember.
In the words of Philadelphia 2026 Director Michael Newmuis, “This is perhaps the greatest opportunity in modern history to position Philadelphia on a national, if not a global stage.” We couldn’t agree more. Let’s document it together.
Michael Newmuis
Philadelphia Director 2026
Philadelphia pulled off the ultimate PR stunt in the '80s.
Developers, with the help of Mayor Goode, wanted to attract Tiffany & Co. to open a store and build a better shopping district. They knew the route the executives would take when visiting the proposed site at the Bellevue, so they created a "Potemkin village," pouring all their sanitation efforts into just those few blocks while the rest of the city remained hidden, buried under the stench of heaping trash. The ruse worked, and Tiffany’s moved in, remarking that Philly felt like Paris.
The goal for 2026 is much bigger and goes beyond a superficial façade to attract a jewelry store to establish a shopping district. Instead, we are attracting the global community to establish a more perfect union in the birthplace of our nation. Reflecting on its past, enjoying its present, and envisioning its future. This time, we’ll show off the entire city—all of its neighborhoods, all of its communities, and all of its people.
In 2026, America is returning to its hometown—Philadelphia—and inviting the world to join the celebration.
DOC250 is a sprawling documentary mini-series that highlights the logistical feats and creative collaborations involved in throwing the biggest birthday party the world has ever seen. It also delves into the personal stories of Philadelphians whose lives and legacies are intertwined with the city’s identity. Through intimate interviews, candid moments, and breathtaking visuals, this documentary captures the essence of Philadelphia as it gears up to host a celebration that honors America's past while looking ahead to its future. Join us as we journey through the heart of Philadelphia, where history and innovation converge in a monumental tribute to 250 years of American independence.
Over the next 18 months, we'll uncover the untold stories behind Philly’s preparations for the historic events of 2026. From the nonstop hustle inside the Mayor’s office as they manage logistics for an unprecedented influx of visitors, to artists and entertainers gearing up to captivate massive crowds, to the visionaries at Philadelphia 250 working to ensure these celebrations uplift every Philadelphian and American—this documentary will capture the real-life challenges, triumphs, and spirit leading up to this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
The Making of PHILLY 2026 is a sprawling documentary mini-series that highlights the logistical feats and creative collaborations involved in throwing the biggest birthday party the world has ever seen. It also delves into the personal stories of Philadelphians whose lives and legacies are intertwined with the city’s identity. Through intimate interviews, candid moments, and breathtaking visuals, this documentary captures the essence of Philadelphia as it gears up to host a celebration that honors America's past while looking ahead to its future. Join us as we journey through the heart of Philadelphia, where history and innovation converge in a monumental tribute to 250 years of American independence.
Over the next 18 months, stories will naturally emerge, focusing on the behind-the-scenes buildup to the historic events Philly will host in 2026. From the daily hustle of the Mayor’s office managing logistics and preparing the city for an unprecedented influx of visitors, to artists and entertainers getting ready to captivate massive crowds, to community organizers ensuring this celebration benefits every Philadelphian and American, this documentary will capture the real-life challenges and victories leading up to this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Inspiration
La Grande Siene
Peacock
La Grande Siene, a two-part doc about the making of the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, follows its creative head Thomas Jolly, its choreographers, composers, event coordinators, and even President Macron as France gears up to host the most ambitious ceremony in history.
But bringing the torch down the Seine won’t come with out challenges- Can the medieval river quays support the weight of the event? Can the city rally all the Seine’s boat operators to ferry the olympians? And the biggest question of all, will rain ruin two years of work?
THE MAKING OF Super Bowl LVIII
NFL
In 2024, it was the most watched broadcast in history, shattering records with 124 million viewers. Super Bowl LVIII didn’t need the hype, and yet in the days leading up to it a short documentary was released about the making of the event. Beyond a marketing piece, this will serve forever as the memory of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into creating the event
For Philly’s biggest year yet, it too deserves to be recorded for the history books. But besides a legacy piece, the Philadelphia250 events themselves could benefit from the local hype built up by a documentary/series like this.
Our Team
Who are we? We’re Philamedia—a North Philly-based production company with a deep love for this city, so much so that we named our company after it. We’re here to stay, with no plans of leaving. Our creative leadership includes:
Brandon
Gulish
Brandon is an Emmy Award-winning director renowned for his visionary storytelling and innovative approach to filmmaking. With a career spanning over two decades, Brandon has captivated audiences with his exceptional ability to weave compelling narratives across a diverse range of genres. His work is characterized by its emotional depth, stunning visual style, and meticulous attention to detail. Brandon's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the industry. His portfolio showcases a wide array of successful projects, from gripping documentaries to critically acclaimed television series, all of which highlight his unparalleled talent and passion for storytelling.
Beau Rosario
Beau is an award-winning director and cinematographer celebrated for his artistic vision and technical expertise. His unique blend of creativity and precision started at Temple University and has now taken him all over the world as a visual storyteller. Beau's work is distinguished by its striking visual compositions and evocative cinematography, as well as his tenacious pursuit of story and truth. Having spent 6 years as the Co-Director, Cinematographer, and lead editor of the award winning film The Elephants and the Grass, Beau established himself as a filmmaker that can capture breathtaking moments in real time, and then edit people’s story with the highest level of compassion and humanity.
CLINT Rosario
Clint is a Producer with Philamedia, managing projects from the company’s larger commercial work, to unscripted content. He enjoys the relational and strategic elements of producing in the field, as well as seeing how our teams translate stories to the big screen. Serving the kids of the local Philly community and exploring the world are some of Clint's biggest inspirations and favorite ways to spend his time. In preparation for Philly 2026, Clint is working with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the US Soccer Federation, community organizers, and the Fairmount Park Conservancy to craft an exciting new vision for Parkside Evans.
R. ERIC THOMAS
R. Eric Thomas is a national bestselling author, playwright, and television writer known for his sharp wit and insightful commentary on politics, culture, and identity. With his award-winning playwriting background and his ability to seamlessly blend humor with social critique, he has a unique talent for telling complex stories that resonate with diverse audiences. His experience in crafting Philadelphia-centric narratives, such as in Time Is On Our Side, showcases his deep connection to the city’s rich history and community. Thomas’ voice and storytelling are a perfect fit to collaborate with Philamedia for America's 250th celebration, where past, present, and future will converge
Philamedia freelance collective
Philamedia's Freelance Collective is a vibrant and diverse community of accomplished filmmakers rooted in the heart of Philadelphia. Our collective is a melting pot of talents and backgrounds, including directors, cinematographers, producers, writers, editors, and other industry professionals who bring a wealth of experience and varied perspectives to every project. United by our passion for storytelling and our commitment to the region, we collaborate on a wide range of projects, from independent films and documentaries to commercial productions and multimedia campaigns. Embedded deeply in Philadelphia's rich cultural tapestry, our members draw inspiration from the city's dynamic history, eclectic neighborhoods, and vibrant arts scene. We pride ourselves on our ability to capture the essence of Philadelphia, bringing its unique stories to life with authenticity and artistry.
