Julian Mercer
Film Editor
Julian Mercer is a Film Editor at Film and Pen, specializing in film and television analysis, with a keen focus on the art of storytelling. Before joining Film and Pen, Julian contributed to several independent film journals, where he honed his skills in dissecting complex narratives and appreciating the nuances of cinematic language. He is particularly known for his series of essays on the use of color in neo-noir films and his deep dives into the works of groundbreaking television auteurs. Julian approaches every piece with a blend of scholarly rigor and a deep love for the medium, making his insights both informative and engaging.
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Latest Articles

Top Movies and TV Shows Leaving Netflix in July 2026
Netflix will remove titles from its streaming service in July 2026, including fan-favorite horror franchises like Saw and Hostel.
Jun 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Mārama Director's Māori Ancestors Inspire Colonial Critique
In the upcoming Māori gothic film 'Mārama', a character's moko koa tattoo, drawn with lipstick at another's demand, subtly reveals the film's deep dive into colonial power dynamics.
Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read

The Bear Season 3 Finale Hints at Carmy's Restaurant Future
After earning two coveted Michelin stars, The Bear restaurant's future hangs by a thread.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Film Grants for Emerging Filmmakers: The Competitive Landscape
The Norwegian Film Institute received 53 applications for its Sørfond, yet only 10 international co-productions will receive funding.
Jun 26, 2026 · 6 min read

Ella Bruccoleri Brings Mary Bennet to Life in New Adaptation
The March release of 'The Other Bennet Sister' on the BBC became the biggest launch of a new drama in the U.
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Bose Studios Launches New Film Production Arm
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is collaborating with Bose Studios on an original documentary series.
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

LMGI Awards Announce Nominees Amid Record Submissions
The 13th annual Location Managers Guild Awards received a record number of submissions from around the world, signaling a surge in global demand for unique filming locations.
Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

What is IP Protection and Why Does It Matter for Film Creators?
Digital piracy alone costs the TV and film industry around $30 billion annually.
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read

American Dollhouse's Nosy Neighbor Embodies Modern Anxieties
In John Valley's 'American Dollhouse', the villain Sandy isn't just a nosy neighbor; she's described as a manifestation of the panopticon and the terror of polite society itself, according to...
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Ballerina Animated Movie Sequel and TV Series In Development
Nearly a decade after its original release, the animated film 'Ballerina', known as 'Leap!
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Top 5 Most Influential Independent Films of the 21st Century
In 2020, 'Parasite,' a South Korean independent film, made history, becoming the first non-English language movie to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
Jun 22, 2026 · 5 min read

Camden Film Quarter approval boosts UK film industry growth
By a razor-thin margin of 6 to 5, Camden councillors approved a £1 billion film quarter in Kentish Town on June 17, 2026.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read

Iconic UK Film & TV Locations Boosting Tourism
Visitor expenditure on screen tourism activities in Scotland surged to £161.
Jun 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Transilvania HBO Award: 'Fear's Artist,' 'Won't Get Old Together' Win
Cristi Iftime's 'The Fear's Artist' and Marius Olteanu's 'We Won't Get Old Together' each secured a share of the €30,000 inaugural Transilvania HBO Award.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Lionel Film Captures Top Prize at Transilvania Film Festival
Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saiz, a first-time director, secured the Transilvania Trophy, the top prize at the Transilvania International Film Festival, marking a significant debut on the global stage, a
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Hybrid Streaming Models Outpace SVOD Growth Amidst Consumer Value Search
By early 2026, the majority of entry-level streaming plans are projected to exceed $10/month, significantly altering consumer expectations for content access, according to spglobal .
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read

Aidan Gillen critiques British drama's changing landscape
The actor Aidan Gillen, whose first major role in 1993 won a BAFTA for best single drama, now contends that even high-end television is being 'dumbed down' by sheer volume.
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Tony Leung on 'Silent Friend' & Cinema at Shanghai Masterclass
To prepare for his neuroscientist role in 'Silent Friend', Tony Leung spent six months immersed in research, reading books and visiting laboratories.
Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Top 7 Movies and Shows to Stream This Week
This week, viewers can choose between Glen Powell's new inheritance thriller 'How to Make a Killing' on HBO Max and the entire 'Bill & Ted' trilogy newly available on Prime Video.
Jun 20, 2026 · 7 min read

Industry Awards Face Uncertain Future in 2026
After briefly returning to an in-person ceremony in 2024, the Television Critics Association Awards will announce its 2026 winners via prerecorded social media videos, highlighting the precarious fina
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read