Chronicles of the Sun: 6 behind-the-scene secrets to know about the France 2 TV show

17/07/2023

Launched in 2018, the TV series Chronicles of the Sun has become a must-see for millions of viewers every evening on France 2. How about a little glimpse behind the scenes of the show through six filming secrets? Let's get started!

An episode of Chronicles of the Sun is produced every day
An episode of Chronicles of the Sun is produced every day

As a daily soap opera broadcast from Monday to Friday, Chronicles of the Sun must constantly have a stock of episodes for France 2. As a result, France Télévisions produces and shoots one episode a day, five days a week, for the series.

Some sets are sometimes the result of special effects
Some sets are sometimes the result of special effects

It may not seem like it, but the TV show Chronicles of the Sun often relies on special effects. For this purpose, they collaborate with the company Les Tontons Truqueurs, which has developed a technique that allows them to create various sets using the magic of green screens. Olivier Roelens, executive producer at France TV Studio, told 20 Minutes, “This technology allows us to go further, to be more ambitious, in terms of writing. We are no longer limited to what we can find in reality. Being able to enhance reality in this way definitely boosts the creativity of writers and directors.”

Some characters' houses and apartments actually exist
Some characters' houses and apartments actually exist

According to Télé-Loisirs, the series Chronicles of the Sun is filmed 60% on outdoor sets and 40% in a studio. They have used real homes for the needs of the storyline. Thus, as explained by the French weekly, Manu and Eve’s apartments, as well as Akim and Lucile’s, actually exist in real life. They are located in Montpellier, where the show is filmed, just like the Bastide family's villa. These houses and apartments are rented by the production company to their owners for filming.

Three other actresses from the TV show auditioned for the role of Claire Estrela
Three other actresses from the TV show auditioned for the role of Claire Estrela

If there’s one role that was coveted in the series Chronicles of the Sun from the start, it’s that of Claire Estrela. Mélanie Maudran, who plays the nurse and mother, eventually got the part, but other actresses from the TV show auditioned for it too. According to Télé-Loisirs, Emma Colberti auditioned for the role of Claire but has been finally casted as Ève Prodi. Hélène Degy, known for her role as Gaëlle Lestrac in the series, was also considered for the role, as well as Maëlle Mietton (Alice Bastide).

Fabrice Deville initially refused to appear in Chronicles of the Sun
Fabrice Deville initially refused to appear in Chronicles of the Sun

Fabrice Deville, who plays Florent Graçay in Chronicles of the Sun, wasn't initially interested in joining the daily soap opera on France 2. During an appearance on the show “Ça commence aujourd'hui" in 2021, the actor confessed, "I said no three times." Fabrice Deville was actually afraid of being typecast in a TV series, which is why he initially refused. However, he now "thanks" the casting director for insisting that he accept to play in Chronicles of the Sun.

Two Sous Le Soleil stars reunited behind the scenes
Two Sous Le Soleil stars reunited behind the scenes

Since 2019, Tonya Kinzinger, who played Dr. Janet Lewis, has been part of the series Chronicles of the Sun. She has reunited with several of her former co-stars from Sous Le Soleil, such as Mélanie Maudran, who played Lucie Valanski in the '90s/2000s soap opera, and Shirley Bousquet, who portrayed Jeanne Bouvier. But Tonya Kinzinger has also reunited backstage with Bénédicte Delmas, who shared the spotlight with her in Sous Le Soleil. The actress who played Laure Olivier has now turned to directing and has worked on several episodes of the series.

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