Forward Rhythm

Jason Barnes, a drummer and composer from Atlanta, lost his lower right arm after an electrical accident in 2012. This short documentary for Google follows Jason as he teams with a group of Georgia Tech researchers to create a groundbreaking, AI-powered drumming arm that enables him to drum almost as naturally as if he was playing with his own arm. 

Forward Rhythm premiered during Google’s annual I/O event followed by a full film and editorial launch for Global Accessibility Awareness Day. 

Two core tenets that informed every aspect of the project were accessibility for all audiences, and meaningful inclusion of the disability community. In addition to nuanced representation of disability in front of the camera, we ensured substantial inclusion of disabled creatives and engineers throughout the filmmaking process and its accompanying editorial and social campaigns. 

Distribution included collaborating with Pop-Up Magazine on outdoor storytelling events featuring Jason’s story in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York, and a panel at SXSW Interactive. 

Selected Press & Honors:  Nominee - 2022 Webbys, Branded Documentary; Winner, 2 Gold Awards, 2022 Anthem Awards; Shortlisted - 2022 One Show Awards; Nominee- 2022 Shots Award, Cinematography; Shortlisted in 6 Categories-  2022 Art Directors Club Awards; Shortlisted in 4 categories - 2022 Brand Film Awards; Pop-Up Magazine; MusicRadar

Credits:

Google Brand Studio

Creative Leads: April Hayes and Kristen Lewis Directors: April Hayes and Kristen Lewis

DP: David Bolen

Created in collaboration with the in-house Google Brand Studio team