Beyond the CloudsEpisodes Guide

Director Justin Baldoni stumbles upon Zach Sobiech's story and sets out to find him. From their very first meeting, Justin realizes this young musician's story is special and that Zach's desire to make an impact before he leaves this world can inspire people everywhere.

Intercut with footage from their auditions, we meet Fin, Sabrina, Madison, Neve, and Tom as Justin sends the cast to meet their real-life counterparts in Minnesota and New York City. The group bonds over their love of Zach, and the actors discover inspiration to bring their roles to life.

Justin speaks to the significance of intertwining surprising elements throughout the film to create and maintain not only the sincerity of the set but also the emotional resonance through the entirety of production. From Zach's director's chair to wardrobe and set dressing, it starts to become quite clear -- Zach is here every step of the way.

When Justin tasks Fin with creating an original song to be performed in the film, Fin surprises himself and everyone else when he discovers that his new song is directly connected to one Zach had been writing but was unable to finish before he passed away. Nothing short of a miracle, the story deeply touches Justin and, especially Zach's girlfriend, Amy.

Justin discusses integrating music from Zach and Sammy's album, "A Firm Handshake," into the film. The choice is made to record the singing live on set to capture the raw emotion of the film, but the decision comes with challenges for production. Justin invites Sammy to contribute a song of her own for the final track in the film, and she looks for inspiration in her relationship with Zach.

Justin discusses the process of navigating the emotion of the film and the challenge of ensuring the tone remains true to Zach's story. Fin taps into a difficult personal struggle to reach Zach's low point, and Justin shares how the classic film, That Thing You Do, mixed with the casting of Tom Everett Scott, inspired one of the most joyful moments in Clouds.

As Justin and the crew prepare for Zach's final performance, they have difficulty finding a venue. A miracle, however, comes from the most unlikely place - Justin's daughter, Maiya. Jason Mraz, reflects on his connection with Zach's music and its impact on him and his work. When filming the final scene, Justin invites Zach's family and friends to be in the audience, and they all sing along in his honor.

Justin brings in composer Brian Tyler to score the film. Brian looks to Zach for inspiration as he creates a theme that he feels Zach himself would've written. Brian composes a beautiful suite of music for Zach, feeling as though Zach is with him every stop of the way. Stefan Sonnenfeld, the colorist, details the process of creating a uniquely grounded and raw look for Clouds. When Covid-19 closes theaters, Justin decides to meet the audience where they are – in their living rooms.

The cast and crew reunite at the annual Clouds Choir fundraiser, singing in unity to honor Zach and raise money for the Zach Sobiech osteosarcoma fund. In tearful confessionals, various cast members, crew, and important people in Zach's life share how he inspired them to live more fully and thank him for his lasting impact. Lastly, Justin proudly reveals that after the release of Clouds, Zach's song is again #1 on iTunes.