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Franco Stars in New Mobile-First Microdrama
12 Aug
Summary
- James Franco leads 'Love, Lies & Frank' on Shortical.
- Series is produced under SAG-AFTRA's Verticals Agreement.
- Microdrama marks Hollywood's embrace of vertical storytelling.

James Franco leads the cast of "Love, Lies & Frank," a new microdrama exclusively available on Shortical. This series marks a significant production under the SAG-AFTRA Verticals Agreement, signaling a shift in content creation.
Franco portrays Jimmy Frank, an ad agency CEO balancing confidence with hidden vulnerabilities and external dangers. Concurrently, ambitious employee Daniella Hanson, played by Neela Jolene, navigates a forbidden romance with her boss's stepbrother, Cameron Frank (Eric Guilmette), while advancing her career.
This venture into microdrama aligns with a broader trend as Hollywood talent, including Issa Rae and Taye Diggs, explore vertical video. Guy Shimoni, CEO of Shortical, views Franco's involvement as a milestone, asserting that premium entertainment can thrive in a mobile-first format.
Directed by Eric Wang Schwager and written by Melissa Lynn Moore, "Love, Lies & Frank" was produced by Knockout Shorts and Gold Films, confirming no AI was used in performances. The studio specializes in pairing established talent with short-form creators for mobile-native series.