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
New Jersey International Film Festival for Directors in 2026
From May 29 to June 7, 2026, the 31st Annual New Jersey International Film Festival will offer aspiring directors the chance to screen their work both virtually to a global audience and in-person at R
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Kelsey Jackson Leads Scripted Content at Wise Child Studios
Wise Child Studios, fresh off its feature film 'On the End' winning the Audience Award at Sarasota and Best Film at the Rome Film Festival, has just appointed Kelsey Jackson as its new Head of Scripte
May 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Ireland's 32% Tax Credit & UK/Ireland Film Studios
Netflix's 'Wednesday,' a production of significant scale, established its creative home in Ireland, marking it as the largest international project to ever film within the country's borders, according
May 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Moon Knight creator Jeremy Slater exits Marvel series over creative differences
Jeremy Slater, creator and head writer of Disney+'s 'Moon Knight,' departed the series mid-production after losing a creative battle with the director.
May 13, 2026 · 3 min read
AI's Rapid Media Automation Outpaces Ethical Oversight
In 2026, the Archival Producers Alliance (APA), a collective of over 300 documentary producers and researchers, published ethical guidelines for generative AI.
May 13, 2026 · 4 min read
Protecting Your Screenplays with IP Rights in Hollywood
Paramount and Skydance successfully defeated a copyright lawsuit filed by a writer in 2026.
May 13, 2026 · 5 min read
Jeremy Slater exits Moon Knight over creative differences
The creator and head writer of Disney+'s 'Moon Knight,' Jeremy Slater, stepped away mid-production after the director won a creative battle, leading to an entirely new writing team.
May 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Peacock Developing New Fast & Furious TV Series
At a major NBCUniversal upfront presentation in New York, Vin Diesel himself announced a new 'Fast & Furious' series, planned exclusively for Peacock.
May 12, 2026 · 2 min read
'Adolescence' Wins Best Limited Drama at BAFTA TV Awards
At just 16 years old, Owen Cooper made BAFTA history by becoming its youngest ever Supporting Actor recipient for his role in the Netflix drama 'Adolescence'.
May 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Hollywood's IP Reliance: Draining Creativity, Making Originals Rare
Nine of the top ten movies at the U.
May 11, 2026 · 3 min read
ECI Appointment Challenged, Corporate Practices Examined
DMK MP P. Wilson accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting 'beyond its constitutional mandate' in a recent appointment to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). He all
May 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Koji Suzuki's Ring series reshapes global horror landscape
Koji Suzuki, the Japanese author whose 1991 novel 'Ring' spawned a global horror phenomenon and redefined the genre, died at 68.
May 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Rhys Mannion to Star as John Lennon in Beatles Drama Hamburg Days
Rhys Mannion, Ellis Murphy, Louis Landau, Harvey Brett, and Patrick Gilmore, largely unknown actors, have been cast as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stu Sutcliffe, George Harrison, and Pete Best, respe
May 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Golden Globes Set AI Eligibility Rules for 2027 Awards Season
For the 2027 Golden Globes, a performance will be considered eligible only if it is primarily derived from a credited human performer's work.
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Netflix Announces 'Charlie vs. Chocolate Factory' at Annecy
At the Annecy Animation Film Festival, Netflix unveiled an unprecedented animation push, announcing a robust slate for 2026-2027.
May 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Talent Labs Offer £25,000 Budgets for Emerging Filmmakers
Each filmmaking team participating in the Sean Connery Talent Lab will receive a £25,000 production budget, a sum that can transform an emerging director's career.
May 7, 2026 · 5 min read
HBO renews Harry Potter series for Season 2, writing begins
Seven months before its first season even debuts, HBO has formally renewed its 'Harry Potter' series for a second season.
May 7, 2026 · 2 min read
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Star Wars Movie in 2026
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in theaters on May 22, 2026, marking a significant cinematic return for the beloved Disney+ series.
May 6, 2026 · 4 min read
New movie and TV show casting calls announced for San Francisco
A single feature film, 'The Pack Rat,' offers roles paying up to $14,388.
May 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Emerging Film Festivals Redefining Global Cinema
Last year, a small festival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, premiered a film that won 12 international awards – a feat once exclusive to Cannes or Sundance.
May 6, 2026 · 5 min read