2021 – YEAR IN REVIEW

A Look Back at 2021 and What’s Next for Sunray: Fallen Soldier

As we bid farewell to 2021 and usher in the new year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our backers and supporters. Your encouragement and patience have been the backbone of Sunray: Fallen Soldier throughout this exciting journey. From our Kickstarter launch just before 2021 to nearly wrapping up filming, it’s been an incredible year. Despite navigating the challenges posed by ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve made tremendous progress thanks to your unwavering support.

We understand we’ve been less active on social media recently, but rest assured, that’s only because we’ve been deeply immersed in bringing Sunray to life. To make up for it, here’s a comprehensive look back at our 2021 milestones and a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2022.

Sunray: Fallen Soldier — 2021 Highlights

Q1: Setting the Stage

The year began with pre-production in full swing. Finalizing scripts, budgets, schedules, and casting were our primary focuses. The casting process introduced us to the incredible talent who bring Sunray’s Royal Marines and supporting characters to life.

As restrictions eased, we organized a table read where the cast brought the script to life for the first time. This invaluable session also allowed for costume fittings and weapons training for actors portraying military personnel. With pre-production complete, we moved into location scouting, securing diverse settings vital to the story.

Q2: Lights, Camera, Action!

Filming kicked off on May 20th with our first scene shot at a yoga studio in Portsmouth, transformed into a therapist’s office through creative set design. Over four days, we captured scenes in unique locations like a DIY store, a brewery’s back office, and a caravan in an open field.

In June, we embarked on another intense weekend shoot, filming critical action sequences with the ECHO team in an abandoned warehouse. These scenes were pivotal in capturing the military essence of Sunray: Fallen Soldier.

Q3: Major Filming Milestones

Summer saw the largest filming block, a two-week marathon where we completed the majority of the series. Our locations were as diverse as the story itself: a takeaway shop, a local pub, a hotel, a church, a manor house, and even a house party. These shoots brought the world of Sunray closer to completion.

Q4: Refinement and Partnership

By the year’s end, we had filmed 80% of the series. Scheduling conflicts delayed the final shooting block to early 2022, but this pause gave us time to review and edit existing footage.

We’re thrilled to announce that Gareth Jones, known for his work on Boiling Point, Acres & Acres, and Renegades, has joined the team as executive producer. His expertise will ensure Sunray achieves the highest production quality and reaches a wide audience.

Lastly, we are very pleased to announce that in the past few weeks we have joined forces with executive producer Gareth Jones (Boiling Point, Acres & Acres, Renegades) who will be helping us finish the series to the best quality possible and distribute to the biggest audience we can.

What’s Ahead for Sunray: Fallen Soldier in 2022

Filming and Post-Production

Our goal is to wrap up filming in Q1 2022. Editing is already underway, and we aim for a final edit, or “picture lock,” by mid-year. From there, our composer will begin scoring the series to elevate its emotional and cinematic impact. While we can’t confirm a release date yet, we’ll keep you informed as we finalize distribution plans.

Kickstarter Rewards and Updates

For backers awaiting posters or rewards, another shipment is planned for Q1 2022. If your shipping address has changed, please email us at info@sunrayseries.com or message us on social media.

Thank You for Supporting Sunray

Creating Sunray: Fallen Soldier has been a labor of love, with the team balancing production alongside full-time jobs. We’re committed to delivering a high-quality film that honors the story of the Royal Marines and the sacrifices made by military personnel.

For updates, behind-the-scenes previews, and more, follow us on social media @sunrayseries or visit www.sunrayseries.com.

Thank you once again for being part of this journey. Here’s to a successful 2022 and the exciting road ahead for Sunray: Fallen Soldier!

The Sunray Team