Exclusive: Matt Barnes and Joslyn Rose Lyons talk docuseries (R)evolution
Hitting VOD on Amazon and Apple is the new anthology series, ‘(R)evolution,’ a docuseries profiling NBA Champion and multi-media personality Matt Barnes.
Produced by 1091 Pictures, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, the docuseries will debut in the U.S. on all major VOD platforms beginning December 13. (R)evolution is directed by award-winning filmmaker Joslyn Rose Lyons and is executive produced by Barnes, Lyons, Greg Maurice, Ray Young, and Jelani McCoy.
Through interviews with his father, colleagues, and friends, including Stephen Jackson and Ice Cube, (R)evolution will allow viewers to see Barnes from a new perspective. The documentary highlights Barnes’ personal journey from NBA bad boy to entrepreneur, content creator and community activist in the hopes of inspiring others to persevere. (R)evolution will offer viewers insight and context into the parts of Barnes’ life beyond speculation and the headlines.
Since retiring from the league in 2017, Barnes has remained a prominent figure in sports, appearing on ESPN’s The Jump and Get Up and co-hosting the popular Showtime Sports’ podcast All the Smoke with Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson. His career arc behind the scenes has been even more impressive.
Among his many business ventures and investments, the serial entrepreneur owns a cannabis brand, SWISH, which aims to create economic opportunities for marginalized communities while educating the world about CBD and THC’s health and wellness benefits. Barnes also founded and helmed Athletes Vs. Cancer, which provides resources for the families of cancer patients while raising awareness about innovative treatments.
Joslyn Rose Lyons, who most recently served as a producer on Speaking Truth to Power – winner of this year’s 53rd NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Documentary (Film), previously worked with Barnes on the limited serie Same Energy for LeBron James’ digital platform UNINTERRUPTED.
“(R)evolution is not only a look back, or look ahead, it’s a look within,” said director Joslyn Rose Lyons. “My approach is to focus on the inner struggles of athletes’ stories and to reframe how we see their external strengths by shining a light on their inner journey so that we can ultimately see that evolution is possible.”
Blackfilmandtv.com correspondent Sidnee Michelle talks to Matt Barnes and Joslyn Rose Lyons about (R)evolution docuseries