In an ever-mutating and cross-referencing career, James Franco is a student, author, artist and, oh yes, actor. Among his projects is an intermittent story arc on “General Hospital.” While in Los Angeles to prepare for his Oscar co-hosting gig, he again visited the ABC daytime drama. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
“General Hospital” executive producer Jill Farren Phelps checks in with James Franco early in his day on the set. The scenes filmed were scheduled to air Feb. 25 and 28, sandwiching Franco’s gig co-hosting a little ceremony known as the Oscars. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco spends some time in a makeup chair as he gets ready to shoot scenes for the ABC daytime drama “General Hospital.” (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
When James Franco drops into “General Hospital,” he portrays an artist who’s also a sociopath. His nemesis is portrayed by Steve Burton. They look through the script before shooting begins. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco has a mirthful moment on the set. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco confers with episode director Owen Renfroe, far left, production coordinator Samantha Barrows and actor Steve Burton. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
The Franco smile emerges as the actor prepares for the shoot. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Between takes, James Franco gets a makeup touch-up from Tamara Paprain, left and Anzhela Adzhiyan. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
On the set, James Franco studies a photo portrait of himself as his artist character Franco. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco’s image appears on a monitor as the “General Hospital” scenes are shot. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Costume change! James Franco gets ready for the next take. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A now-tuxedoed James Franco reviews lines with production coordinator Samantha Barrows. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco looks up at episode director Owen Renfroe as they prepare for a take. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Random prop and wardrobe items off-camera: a fake arm and dress shoes. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A wardrobe touch-up by Alice Volonino. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
James Franco collects himself while awaiting a call to the set. His “General Hospital” scenes as artist-sociopath Franco were scheduled to be shown Feb. 25 and 28, on each side of his Feb. 27 Oscar co-hosting gig. He’s also a best-actor nominee for his performance in “127 Hours.” (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
