Directing Actors
A sharp new dramedy series blending the workplace humor of "Abbott Elementary" with the mockumentary style of "The Office," set against the backdrop of the Bay Area's eclectic film scene.
Genre
Single-camera dramedy with mockumentary elements
Setting
Diverse Bay Area art college
Tone
Sharp, character-driven workplace comedy
Directing Actors follows Angela Harris, a charismatic yet unorthodox film professor who relocates from Chicago to the Bay Area to teach a college-level class on directing actors. Set at an eccentric, diverse art school, the series explores the chaotic, comedic, and heartfelt world of young filmmakers and performers learning to collaborate, clash, and create authentic art together.
Produced by
AOJ Productions
Independent studio founded by series creator
In Partnership with
Anchor Media Studios
Established production company
The Perfect Storm of Comedy
Logline
A passionate film professor tries to whip a ragtag class of wannabe directors and actors into shape—if she doesn't lose her mind first.
The Setup
Angela thought teaching would be easier than Hollywood. She was wrong. Dead wrong. Between students who think they're the next Scorsese after watching three YouTube tutorials and actors who confuse "method" with "melodrama," every class is a masterclass in controlled chaos.
The comedy emerges from the collision of Angela's professional standards with the unfiltered ambition of Gen Z film students who've never heard the word "no" in their creative lives.
Workplace Comedy Gold
The academic setting provides endless opportunities for bureaucratic absurdity mixed with creative passion
Generational Clash
Angela's industry experience meets Gen Z's digital-native approach to filmmaking
Authentic Voices
Each character brings their own cultural background and creative perspective to the mix
Teaching the art of film...
one meltdown at a time.
Creative Ambition
Students arrive with big dreams and bigger egos
Reality Check
Angela's real-world experience crashes into academic idealism
Comedy Chaos
Hilarious disasters and unexpected breakthroughs ensue
The Hook
This tagline captures the essence of what makes Directing Actors irresistible: the perfect balance of professional aspiration and personal catastrophe. Angela Harris isn't just teaching film technique—she's surviving the daily emotional avalanche of twenty-something creatives who think every project is their magnum opus.
The Promise
Every episode delivers the satisfying combination of workplace comedy and heartfelt character development. Audiences will recognize themselves in both the struggling students and the overwhelmed instructor trying to maintain sanity while nurturing genuine talent.
"The tagline isn't just clever wordplay—it's a mission statement. In a world of polished Hollywood comedies, Directing Actors finds humor in the authentic messiness of learning, teaching, and creating."
Meet the Ensemble
Angela Harris (30s)
The heart of the show. A driven, witty film instructor who moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Industry veteran struggling with academia's politics and Gen Z's unfiltered creativity.
Desmond Okolo (20s)
A former football player turned film student, who quietly battles imposter syndrome. Though reserved, he’s a sharp observer with untapped directorial talent.
Elijah Thomas (20s)
Rebellious, sarcastic student director who clashes with authority but hides real creative potential beneath the cynicism.
Itzel Hernandez (20s)
A determined Mexican-American student director and middle child of seven, Itzel is driven to stand out and make a name for herself.
The Creative Chaos Continues
Sarah (20s)
Sharp-tongued perfectionist director who often alienates peers with brutal honesty
SJ (20s)
Angela's calm and quietly charismatic TA from South Korea, a former almost-K-pop star now devoted to acting.
Jasmine (20s)
Eccentric actor with dark humor—confident, chaotic, surprisingly insightful
Amy (20s)
Overenthusiastic and blissfully unaware of her acting limitations
The Ensemble Magic
Brandon (tech-savvy, breaking stereotypes), Annabeth (British deadpan humor), Miah (gentle Mexican immigrant), Lex (stylish nail tech/photographer), Miguel (bitter repeat student), and Angel Gonzalez (mysterious motorcycle-riding latecomer) round out this perfectly imperfect classroom family.
Behind the Camera
Adam Okwudiafor Johnson makes his directorial debut with this series based on real events from his SFSU film class. Jude Okwudiafor Johnson produces, bringing experience from the award-winning Freshman Year.
Production Team
Adam Okwudiafor Johnson
Creator, Director, Writer & Producer
Adam Okwudiafor Johnson is a filmmaker, writer, and producer who recently graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cinema. He began telling stories as a child and discovered his passion for filmmaking after a transformative experience at his local movie theater. His industry journey began on Freshman Year (2019) and continued with producing and assistant directing Senior Year: Love Never Fails (2023). Directing Actors marks his debut as a show creator, combining his love for storytelling with his real-life experiences as a film student.
Jude Okwudiafor Johnson
Producer & Showrunner
Jude Okwudiafor Johnson is a filmmaker, writer, producer, and CPA best known for producing Freshman Year (2019), which broke into the Top 10 on Netflix, and its award-winning sequel Senior Year: Love Never Fails (2023). With over 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, he blends creative storytelling with sharp business insight. Jude is the founder of Anchor Media Studios, dedicated to inspiring, faith-driven content with global appeal.
Aaron Leong
Director of Photography
Aaron Leong brings over 15 years of filmmaking experience to this project, with 55 titles to his credit, including 16 as a cinematographer. He has worn multiple hats across narrative films, documentaries, and commercials—working as an actor, producer, director, and DP. Best known as the director of Notorious Nick (2021) and cinematographer for Freshman Year (2019) and Senior Year: Love Never Fails (2023), Aaron will serve as Director of Photography, overseeing the visual style, camera movement, and lighting to bring the story to life.
David Liang
First Assistant Director
David Liang is a recent Cinema graduate from San Francisco State University with hands-on experience as a director, producer, digital content coordinator, and video editor. His recent credits include Vengeance (2024) and Autumn Leaves (2024). Directing Actors marks his debut as First Assistant Director on a TV series, where he will support the director in managing set operations, coordinating schedules, and ensuring the production runs smoothly.