We Spoke to Franklin From GTA V: Shawn Fonteno Interview | LIF #21

This week on Love it Film, we’re beyond excited to welcome actor and GTA V icon Shawn D. 'Solo' Fonteno to the show!

Best known as the voice and performance capture behind Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V, Solo takes us inside the world of Rockstar Games—from the top-secret audition process to the emotional reality of bringing a character like Franklin to life.

In this episode, Solo shares what it was really like working on GTA V, how his own life experiences shaped the performance, and why the game’s authenticity continues to resonate with fans over a decade later. We dive into the challenges of voice acting, Rockstar’s unique creative process, and the legacy of GTA V as a cultural phenomenon.

Solo also opens up about his personal journey through the entertainment industry, his excitement for the future of the franchise, and how storytelling—whether in games or real life—has the power to connect us all. Plus, we talk about his inspiring book Game Changer, and what’s next on his journey.

Whether you're a gamer, an actor, or just curious about what goes into creating unforgettable characters—this one’s for you.

Thanks so much for joining us, Solo!

📕 Want more from Solo? Grab a copy of his book Game Changer and follow him on Instagram @solo118 for updates on what’s next.

⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction to Shawn Fonteno and GTA V
03:03 - The Audition Process and Rockstar's Secrecy
05:48 - Script Challenges and Performance Capture
08:39 - Personal Experiences and Life Story
11:39 - Navigating the Entertainment Industry
14:50 - The Authenticity of Rockstar's Characters
17:49 - The Impact of Franklin and Fan Interactions
20:52 - Anticipation for GTA VI
23:57 - Reflections on Legacy and Future Projects
31:00 - Post Interview Brief


We now have a Patreon!
If you enjoyed the episode and want to see more like this, you can support us directly by becoming a Patreon member:

👉 ⁠patreon.com/LoveitFilm⁠

The perks:
🔹 Shoutouts at the end of every podcast
🔹 Early access to new episodes
🔹 Exclusive subscriber-only content (coming soon!)

Host: Jamie Lovett
Producers: Chris Lovett & Jamie Lovett
Founder: Chris Lovett
Camera Operator: Carl Lovett
Video Editor: Carl Lovett
Sound: Carl Lovett
Lighting & Grip: Carl Lovett

All content in this video, including but not limited to audio, video, graphics, logos, and text, is the intellectual property of Love it Film and is protected by applicable copyright and trademark laws.
Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without express written permission is strictly prohibited.

© 2025 Love it Film. All rights reserved.