From the Nominator

Bill Hicks has a genetic condition that makes it difficult for him to walk, so he travels three hours round trip every week to Virginia Commonwealth University's Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Center to exercise with an exoskeleton. He affirms this physical therapy keeps him out of a wheelchair and provides him the ability to do what he loves most—be out in the woods with his family. Bill never gives up and neither does his care team. When approached by our partners at VCU Medical Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, they initially asked us to make a one-minute companion video to a story they were writing about Bill with the goal of extending their viewer engagement via YouTube and social media. Yet, upon hearing about Bill's optimistic determination and his passion for family and the outdoors, we saw an opportunity to expand the scope. Inspired by the story's inherent visual opportunities and the emotional access that Bill provided, we took a risk by adding shoot days and extending the deadline to create what became a six-minute documentary that emotionally captures why the care that Bill receives from VCU Health is so important to him and his family. The final video received over 75,000 views online and inspired a 30-second cut for an advertising campaign that extended the reach even farther by garnering more than 300,000 views. Not only was the finished product a success, but the process and care with which it was made strengthened partnerships around campus.

From the Judges

"This Machine was Made for Walking" delivers an emotionally powerful story that personalizes the impact of cutting-edge technology in a profound and accessible way. We praise its compelling narrative, strong technical execution, and outstanding return on investment, with more than 300,000 views across formats and an average viewer watch time of 97% on the 30-second version. This heartfelt and visually cohesive entry powerfully demonstrates the human side of research and innovation.