A series created at Temple University may now be called the best in the nation after winning a College Television Award April 23.

One of the guys, Temple’s first web-based sitcom, is written and directed by senior communications major Michael Busza and produced by Jen Parmer, SMC ’13, and Jaime Sweet, a senior film and media arts major. The story of three gay friends and their straight roommate, one of the guys earned the top prize in the “Best College Series” category for its third episode, “Twenty-Somethings.”

Those three nominees were among the most promising television producers in the U.S. at the 35th annual Television Academy Foundation’s College Television Awards Gala, held in the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood, Calif. The award was presented to them by actor Matt Bomer, best known from the television series White Collar.

“Our heads are still spinning. It is a gigantic honor, and we will never forget this experience,” Busza said in an email from Hollywood the day after the event. 

Parmer also was still reeling from their victory. She recalled in an email that only a year ago, being named a College Television Award finalist was merely a dream.

“Being out here among the top collegiate film producers from some of the top schools has been incredible, and we are honored to be among them representing Temple,” Parmer said.

The series was created in a Producing and Directing class led by Kristine Weatherston, assistant professor of media studies and production.

“One of the guys is the best college series in the country because from concept to creation, the passion put forth from the entire cast and crew on the series translates directly to the audience into a comedy of heart, soul and story,” said Weatherston, also the show’s executive producer.

Beyond the excitement of their award, Busza said they were able to rub elbows with some impressive Hollywood professionals.

“It was so powerful and overwhelming to have members of the Academy approach us to share that our show was innovative, well written, well directed and well produced,” Busza said. “They told us they want to see our show on a prime-time broadcast, that we’re taking the comedy of the moment and making it our own, and that our show is as professional as anything they’ve seen.”

Sweet said that their time in Hollywood proved invaluable.

“It’s been an incredible experience to be recognized by the Academy Foundation, as well as have the opportunity to listen, learn and network with industry professionals as well as our fellow nominees,” she said. “One of the big takeaways from Tuesday’s nominee summit was that at the core of what we do as media directors and producers is storytelling. The story, and the characters within a story, are the reasons we follow a series.”

Scott Gratson, director of communication studies, has been a mentor to Busza throughout his time at Temple.

“I know that Mike’s goal has always been to create a better sense of inclusion for the LGBTQ community,” he said. “Through his directing, he has combined creative work with advocacy. The result has been fantastic.” 

The series’ first four episodes can be viewed online at oneoftheguysTV.com. Episode 5 will debut April 29 and episode 6 will be added in May.

—Jeff Cronin