Cloud9 Studios has completed principal photography on “Love Meets in the Sunshine,” a character-driven comedy featuring Academy Award nominee James Franco, Cloud9 co-founder Nick Antonyan, and iconic KISS frontman Gene Simmons (Runaway, Miami Vice). Written and directed by Christian Guiton from a story by Antonyan and Guiton, the film was shot on location across New Mexico in October and now enters post-production. The project is financed in-house and produced by Cloud9 Studios, led by producers Noli Molla and Jacques Abrahamian, with co-executive producer Vahe Tchaghlassian, reports Zartonk Media.
Cloud9 Studios describes the project as an elevated comedy powered by a leading cast that includes Franco, known for major works such as 127 Hours, The Disaster Artist, Spider-Man, Milk and Pineapple Express, and Antonyan, who rose to prominence as part of David Dobrik’s Vlog Squad and built a significant digital following through his comedy work.
The film is written and directed by breakout filmmaker Christian Guiton, with David Dobrik serving as executive producer. The supporting cast includes Nicky Whelan (The Wedding Ringer, Hall Pass, Halloween II), Forrie J. Smith (Yellowstone, Hell or High Water, Transamerica), and Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side, Mothers and Daughters, Halfway), with a special appearance by comedian Aries Spears (Jerry Maguire, Why Do Fools Fall in Love?).
The production filmed across Socorro and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, using the region’s landscapes and expanding cinema infrastructure. Jim Burleson served as line producer.
The story follows a terminally ill ball of sunshine (Franco) who, after a chance encounter, convinces a grumpy drifter (Antonyan) to drive him across the desert to meet a possibly real doctor (Forrie J. Smith). What begins as a quick trip becomes a chaotic and heartwarming journey that changes them both.
Nick Antonyan said: “Being part of this film has been a truly meaningful experience. There’s so much heart in what we created, and I felt that spirit shine every single day on set. I hope that same warmth shines through for everyone who watches.”
“James delivers nuance, soul, and sharp comedic instincts and the level of his craft lifts every scene,” says director Christian Guiton. “Nick and I have worked together for almost a decade on various web projects, but films have always been our goal. To finally make it happen is beyond words,” Guiton shares. “Nick brings both heart and hilarity.”
“Working with James was a privilege,” adds producer Noli Molla. “His commitment and artistry set the tone for the entire production and Christian is a filmmaker with a powerful voice and the ability to blend sharp comedic instincts with grounded emotional storytelling.”
Noli Molla, CEO of Cloud9 and Producer, said: “Sunshine is a story that blends humor and heart with an authentic sense of place. As a producer, it’s been an honor to watch this film grow into something warm, human, and full of life.”
“Gene’s presence added electricity to the set,” states producer Jacques Abrahamian. “He is larger than life, and audiences are going to love what he brings to the screen. And Christian brought vision, discipline and truth to the film. He is a filmmaker with a powerful new voice.”
“By financing the film internally we retain complete creative control, it lets us move fast and protect the film’s creative identity,” said Cloud9 CEO Noli Molla. “Cloud9 is building something powerful,” added Cloud9 CFO and Producer Jacques Abrahamian. “Our independence allows bold creative swings, and this film proves what we can achieve.”
With a slate of elevated, creator-led commercial films accelerating into production, Cloud9 Studios positions “Love Meets in the Sunshine” as one of its flagship releases, driven by the performances of James Franco, Nick Antonyan and Gene Simmons, and the distinct vision of Christian Guiton.
Franco is represented by CAA. Simmons is represented by CAA. Antonyan and Guiton are represented by Cloud9 Studios.
