ANCHORS AWEIGH: THE 250th
Documenting the largest veteran celebration in US history.
Once a relic of the past, the military parade returns to the modern stage.
In 1898, Broad Street was awash in bunting and flags as Philadelphians lined the route of its most recent military parade to cheer returning soldiers, the marching bands in patriotic unison with the sentiment of the nation. In 1976, Philadelphia’s Bicentennial celebrations drew the world’s gaze to its storied streets, uniting Americans in a moment of shared pride. Today, as the nation prepares for its 250th birthday, Philadelphia once again takes center stage—not with quiet reflection, but with the thunder of engines, the precision of marching Marines and Navy, and the soaring spectacle of the Blue Angels overhead. The Homecoming 250 Military Parade and veteran celebrations hope to honor those who have served, blending tradition and pageantry in a city that has recently wrestled with its own identity.
Yet, beneath the surface of this grand display, a different story unfolds. For some, the parade is a long-overdue tribute to veterans’ sacrifice—a chance for gratitude, unity, and remembrance. For others, the spectacle feels like a throwback to a different era, a show of force that risks overshadowing the solemnity of service with political bravado. As Philadelphia prepares to welcome the world once more, the city stands at a crossroads: Can it celebrate its heroes without losing sight of the values they fought to defend? This is the story of 250 years of honor and sacrifice—a celebration as complex, vibrant, and contested as the city itself.
In 2025, the US Military is returning to its hometown—Philadelphia—and inviting the world to join the celebration.
ANCHORS AWEIGH: THE 250TH is an exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary following the planning and execution of the historic Navy & Marine Corps 250th birthday celebration in Philadelphia, exploring the honor of service while navigating the complex political landscape surrounding military commemorations in America's birthplace.
In the months and weeks preceding the events, we will provide an inside look of all that it takes, logistically, politically, and culturally, to celebrate our nation’s veterans in such a profound way. We will walk alongside the families making the emotional and physical journeys to their military’s birthplace, and experience the grand scale of the commemoration through the eyes of those who have served so well. We’ll witness multiple generations experience this truly once-in-a-generation moment, as veterans, children, and grandchildren share one of the biggest sources of their families’ pride.
This documentary will honor our service members while honestly exploring the complexities of military celebration in modern America - exactly the kind of nuanced, patriotic storytelling Fox Nation audiences expect and deserve.
The Story
The Organizers
Philadelphia Mayor's office officials
Philly250 leadership team
Military liaisons and event coordinators
ACT I - Planning the Celebration
Inside the Mayor's office strategy sessions
Philly250 organization coordination meetings
Veteran groups and military families preparing
Forming corporate and community partnerships
ACT II - Building to the Event
Logistics challenges of a major celebration
Security considerations and crowd management
Community outreach and educational programs
Protests and opposition groups organizing
ACT III - The Celebration and Impact
The event itself in all its patriotic glory
Counter-protests and peaceful demonstrations
Veteran interviews and personal stories
Community reaction and lasting legacy
Compelling Characters
The Veterans
WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan veterans
Active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel
Military families with multi-generational service
The Community
Supporters celebrating American military heritage
Critics questioning military glorification
Local businesses and residents navigating the divide
Activists or military family members with complex perspectives of armed forces
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 the US Military’s biggest year yet, it too deserves to be recorded for the history books.
Production Approach
Balanced Perspective
Honor military service and sacrifice
Acknowledge legitimate concerns about war and militarization
Present multiple viewpoints without false equivalence
Focus on human stories rather than political rhetoric
Cinematic Style
Intimate behind-the-scenes access
Emotional veteran interviews
Dynamic event coverage
Historical context through archival footage
Fox Nation Values
Patriotism and respect for service
American exceptionalism
Support for military families
Celebration of national heritage
Production Timeline
Pre-Production (3 months)
Character development and story mapping
Additional access negotiations
Historical research and archival acquisition
Principal Photography (9 months)
Planning meetings and preparations
Community events and protests
Main celebration weekend
Post-event reflection and impact
Post-Production (4 months)
Editorial and sound design
Color correction and finishing
Fox Nation delivery requirements
Total Timeline: 16 months from greenlight to delivery
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 exciting new visions for Philly’s Semiquincentennial initiatives.