EXCLUSIVE: Cloud9 Studios has finished filming Love Meets in the Sunshine, the elevated, character-driven comedy starring Academy Award nominee James Franco (127 Hours, The Disaster Artist), Cloud 9 co-founder Nick Antonyan and KISS rocker Gene Simmons (Runaway). 

Love Meets in the Sunshine was written and directed by Christian Guiton and based on a story by Antonyan and Guiton. After a chance encounter, a terminally ill ball of sunshine (Franco) talks a grumpy drifter (Antonyan) into driving him across the desert to meet a maybe-real doctor (Forrie J. Smith). What should be a quick trip becomes a wild, chaotic and heartwarming ride that changes them in ways neither saw coming.

Nicky Whelan (The Wedding Ringer), Forrie J. Smith (Yellowstone,) and Quinton Aaron (The Blind Side) also star, with a special appearance by comedian Aries Spears (Jerry Maguire).

The film is financed by Cloud9 Studios and produced by co-founders Noli Molla and Jacques Abrahamian.

The film is in post-production after shooting across Socorro and Truth or Consequences, NM.

“James delivers nuance, soul and sharp comedic instincts, and the level of his craft lifts every scene,” said 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.”

He added, “Nick brings both heart and hilarity.”

“Working with James was a privilege,” said producer 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.” 

Added producer Abrahamian: “Gene’s presence added electricity to the set,. He’s 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’s a filmmaker with a powerful new voice.”

Said Cloud9 CEO Molla, “By financing the film internally we retain complete creative control, it lets us move fast and protect the film’s creative identity.” Cloud9 CFO Abrahamian added: “Cloud9 is building something powerful. Our independence allows bold creative swings, and this film proves what we can achieve.”

Franco is represented by CAA and Anonymous Content.  Simmons is represented by CAA. Antonyan and Guiton are represented by Cloud9 Studios.