The Paparazzo missions in GTA 5 are part of the Strangers & Freaks side content, centered around Franklin and a loud, obsessive paparazzo named Beverly Felton. The first mission, simply called “Paparazzo,” is required for 100% completion and also unlocks the rest of the chain.
Even if you usually skip side missions, this one is worth doing-it’s short, chaotic, and very “Los Santos” in the best way.
How to Unlock Paparazzo (Franklin Mission)
This is a Franklin-only Strangers & Freaks mission, marked by a green “?” icon in West Vinewood.
To unlock it:
Progress the main story until you finish “Complications”
Switch to Franklin and roam around West Vinewood
Look for the green question mark on the map
Walk into the marker to trigger the cutscene with Beverly
Once it appears, you’re good to go.
Meeting Beverly – What’s Going On?
Franklin runs into Beverly while he’s stalking celebrity gossip around Vinewood. Beverly immediately mistakes him for a sports star, snaps a few photos, then quickly shifts focus when he realizes Franklin can actually help him.
His target is actress Miranda Cowan, who’s leaving in a limo. Beverly wants exclusive shots, and Franklin ends up driving the getaway bike while Beverly handles the camera.
As soon as the cutscene ends, you’re thrown straight into a chase.
Walkthrough
1. Catch the Limo
You’ll be on a motorcycle with Beverly riding behind you. The limo is already moving, so you need to close the gap fast.
A few things make this easier:
Stick to main roads unless you know shortcuts well
Use Franklin’s special driving ability in traffic-heavy sections
Don’t crash-you just need to stay close, not ram the limo
Once you’re alongside the limo’s rear or side windows, Beverly will start taking photos automatically.
2. Take the Photos (Gold Objective: “Picture Perfect”)
For the Gold Medal, Beverly needs to successfully take and review three good shots while you stay in position.
The key here is consistency:
Hold a steady line next to the limo (don’t weave in and out)
Stay level with the rear side windows
Use Franklin’s ability to smooth out sharp turns and traffic gaps
Don’t worry when Beverly pauses to check photos-that still counts toward progress. Just keep pace and stay close.
After a while, things escalate.
3. Rival Paparazzo Chase (Gold Objective: “Smack Down”)
Another paparazzo shows up on a bike and tries to steal the story.
Now your focus shifts.
To get the Gold Medal:
Immediately break off from the limo
Chase down the rival biker
Pull up alongside him at close range
Keep your speed steady so Beverly can line up the hit
The important part is stability. If you’re swerving or colliding with traffic, Beverly is more likely to miss his swing.
If done cleanly, he’ll knock the rival off the bike in one hit.
4. Deliver Beverly
Once the rival is taken out, the tension drops and you just need to drive Beverly to his next location.
Follow the GPS route
Don’t rush-there are no more Gold requirements here
Avoid unnecessary crashes so you don’t lose time or control
At the destination, a short cutscene plays and the mission wraps up.
Gold Medal Requirements Summary
To make it simple:
1. Picture Perfect
Stay close to the limo’s rear/side windows
Help Beverly capture and review 3 photos
Use Franklin’s driving ability to maintain control
2. Smack Down
Chase the rival paparazzo immediately
Ride alongside him steadily
Let Beverly knock him off in one clean attempt
If you miss one objective, you can replay the mission later and focus on just that requirement.
Why This Mission Stands Out
The Paparazzo missions are a great example of what GTA 5 does well: mixing satire with gameplay that actually feels dynamic.
You’re not just driving from point A to B-you’re:
Chasing celebrity gossip through Vinewood traffic
Acting as the driver in a chaotic photo hunt
Watching Beverly spiral deeper into absurd “journalism”
It’s fast, funny, and oddly memorable. And if you’re going for 100% completion, it’s one of those missions that’s simple on paper but more entertaining than you’d expect.
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