James Franco has returned to scripted television with a new mobile-first series. Love, Lies & Frank is now streaming exclusively on Shortical. The 50-episode microdrama marks Franco’s move into the growing vertical entertainment format.
The actor plays Jimmy Frank, an eccentric advertising agency CEO who hides serious problems behind confidence and humor. Criminal and supernatural threats begin surrounding his company, while unresolved events from his past create additional pressure.
James Franco shares the screen with Eric Guilmette and Neela Jolene
James Franco shares the screen with Neela Jolene, who plays Daniella Hanson, an ambitious employee. After landing an important campaign, Daniella rekindles a secret romance with Cameron Frank. Eric Guilmette is also seen as Cameron, Jimmy’s stepbrother.
James Franco leads the cast alongside Guilmette and Jolene, two actors known for their work in vertical dramas. The format presents short episodes designed for viewers watching on mobile devices.
The project is among the first series produced under the SAG-AFTRA Verticals Agreement. It was directed by Eric Wang Schwager and written by Melissa Lynn Moore. Knockout Shorts produced the series with Peter Gold of Gold Films.
The production also confirmed that it did not use AI-generated performances or digital replicas. That detail separates the series from some emerging short-form projects that use artificial intelligence during production.
As reported by Variety, Guy Shimoni, CEO of Shortical, said, “Hollywood is beginning to embrace vertical storytelling in a meaningful way. To see a talent like James Franco headlining an original microdrama is an important milestone for the industry.”
Matthew Ko, co-founder and CEO of Knockout Shorts, called the series “a really fun collision of worlds.” He said the team wanted to explore familiar genre ideas while adding unexpected elements.
Franco’s latest project arrives as Hollywood performers and producers increasingly explore mobile-native storytelling. Shortical reports more than 20 million episode plays each month in the United States. The platform also supports live-action, celebrity, intellectual property, and creator-led projects.
Originally reported by Surya Singh on ComingSoon.net
