BROADCASTING 101
Series
Project Type: Series
Project Status: Pre-Production
Co-Writer, Showrunner, Director, and Executive Producer: Preston Bowman
Co-Writer and Executive Producer: Ava Frommell
Director of Photography: Andrew Weir
1st Assistant Director: Nate Allen
LOGLINE
In this mockumentary-style workplace comedy, Preston, a naively optimistic teen filmmaker, struggles to lead the members of his chaotic, misfit high school broadcasting program through technical disasters, school rivalries, and the uphill battle of proving that a group of amateur students can create something great, even while balancing catastrophic production mishaps and the drama that comes with adolescence.
SYNOPSIS
Broadcasting 101 is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows Preston Weissman, an ambitious high school student who believes deeply in the power of storytelling to make a difference. When his newly formed broadcasting club is tasked with livestreaming the school’s biggest event, “Jam the Gym,” Preston leads his team with passion and high expectations—not out of ego, but because he genuinely believes in their potential and the impact their work can have.
As technical failures mount and high school dynamics complicate the production, Preston pushes his crew to rise to the occasion, even when they don’t yet see in themselves what he sees in them. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes chaos, the episode reveals both the disconnect and the growing bonds between a group of students who might not otherwise find each other.
What begins as a stressful attempt to pull off a perfect livestream evolves into something far more meaningful. The broadcasting program becomes a space where differences are embraced, trust is built, and an unlikely group of students forms a genuine, chosen family.
At its core, Broadcasting 101 is an underdog story about believing in others, embracing imperfection, and finding purpose through collaboration. As Preston learns to balance his drive for excellence with the realities of teamwork, he and his crew discover that the true impact of their work lies not in perfection, but in the community they create together.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
This series explores the significance of found family, the beauty of imperfection, and the belief that the creative process holds more weight than the final product. Driven by the emotional evolution of an eclectic group of misfits, Broadcasting 101 is a classic underdog story where success is found in the resilience created when everything goes hilariously wrong. At its core, the show asserts that imperfection is not a liability, it’s the essence of what makes a community special.
Broadcasting 101 is a love letter to the hometown and the people who shaped its director, Preston. The opening scene instantly resonated with the project’s Executive Producer, Ava, reflecting the very people she grew up with. This project has become a vehicle for Ava’s own experiences and connected her to a community that now feels like a second home. Together, Preston and Ava built a partnership that is uniquely suited to this pilot: Preston provides the personal history, while Ava translates lived experiences into an actionable production process.
This series is thematically impactful because it celebrates genuine, unpolished humanity. By highlighting the messiness of adolescence, it shifts focus to the importance of growing alongside people we love. Beyond the screen, we are committed to real-world impact: our production is entirely student-led, providing professional experience for emerging artists. We prioritize sustainability, disability inclusion, and a deep commitment to community partnerships. In the story and on set, the project fosters an environment where belonging is found in our shared, never-ending struggle to grow up.
Meet The Filmmakers
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Preston Bowman
Co- Writer, Showrunner, Director, and Executive Producer
Preston Bowman is an award-winning New York-native filmmaker currently based at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). A proven director with a track record of success, Preston has already won multiple film festivals for his previous works, establishing a reputation for sharp storytelling and professional execution.
This summer, Preston returns to his roots to helm the professional New York production of his most ambitious project to date: Broadcasting 101. This scripted comedy series follows the chaotic, high-stakes world of a high school broadcast journalism club—a concept that established television comedy veterans have already vetted as a "phenomenal and distinct" property that fills a glaring void in the current market.
Kicking off what promises to be a long and influential career, Preston is currently mobilizing a massive scale operation of over 120 collaborators to shoot the official pilot and proof-of-concept. This production is designed specifically for a national film festival run and high-level pitching to major studios and networks.
Key Credits:
Co-Producer, Queen Taylor (2026)
Co-Director, SCRAP (2026)
Director, Just a Friend (2025) -
Ava Frommell
Co-Writer and Executive Producer
Ava Frommell is a multifaceted filmmaker and producer based in Denver, Colorado, and Savannah, Georgia. Currently a Film and Television major at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Ava has contributed to dozens of productions, drawing on a lifelong background in music and technical theater to bring a meticulous craft to every project.
Specializing in producing and assistant directing, Ava is a highly organizational collaborator who prioritizes adaptability and creative problem solving. She is passionate about character-driven stories with grounded, complex personalities. Leveraging a diverse technical foundation in production design, costume design, lighting design, camera, and G&E, Ava aims to use her skills in project management and creative storytelling to craft narratives that inspire deeper thought and genuine emotion.
Key Credits:
Unit Production Manager, Queen Taylor (2026)
1st Assistant Director, SCRAP (2026)
2nd Assistant Director, Angler (2025)
Ava Frommell Portfolio -
Andrew Weir
Director of Photography
Andrew Weir is a cinematographer focused on intimate, human-centered storytelling. His work blends natural light, warm tone, and quiet emotional clarity to create images that feel grounded, nostalgic, and sincere.
Key Credits:
Director of Photography, Queen Taylor (2026)
Director of Photography, Souls of Savannah (2026)
Director of Photography, SCRAP (2026) -
Nate Allen
1st Assistant Director
Nate Allen is a filmmaker from Boston, MA, currently studying and working at the Savannah College of Art and Design. As a director and first assistant director, I specialize in creating safe, efficient, and collaborative sets where creativity thrives under pressure. With experience on over 30 productions, including award-winning narrative shorts and independent studio projects, I have honed my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to ensure every production runs smoothly and achieves its creative vision. My approach blends strategic planning with adaptability, allowing me to navigate the challenges of filmmaking while fostering a supportive and productive environment for cast and crew.
I am driven by the belief that the stories we tell can shift perspectives and inspire empathy. My work focuses on human growth, acceptance, and the ability to change and adapt, using narrative to connect deeply with audiences. Over the years, I have directed multiple large-scale short films and continue to develop ambitious projects that reflect this commitment. My journey as a filmmaker is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and a dedication to crafting meaningful stories, and I am eager to continue building a body of work that resonates both creatively and emotionally.
Key Credits:
1st Assistant Director, Souls of Savannah (2026)
Co-Director, SCRAP (2026)
1st Assistant Director, Angler (2025)
Your Help
BROADCASTING 101 is a fiscally sponsored project of Cinematography for Actors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation will be tax-deductible!