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
Variety hires Corbin Bolies to cover Hollywood's AI adaptation
Variety, a century-old entertainment industry bible, appointed its first dedicated AI reporter, Corbin Bolies.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Marlon Wayans Reboots 'Scary Movie' Despite Weinstein Past
Despite once labeling the Weinsteins 'evil' and 'disrespectful,' Marlon Wayans is now rebooting the 'Scary Movie' franchise, a series deeply tied to the very company he criticized.
May 25, 2026 · 2 min read
"Mono 222" Wins North American Narrative Jury Prize
"Mono 222," a North American narrative feature, secured the jury prize at the 12th Mammoth Lakes Film Festival.
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Nika King Appears Briefly as Rue's Mom in Euphoria Season 3
In Euphoria Season 3, episode 6, actress Nika King, who plays Rue's mother Leslie Bennett, appeared for the first time since 2022.
May 24, 2026 · 3 min read
The Mandalorian & Grogu Earns $82 Million Opening Weekend
The Mandalorian and Grogu collected $82 million in its opening weekend, contributing nearly half of the entire $221 million Memorial Day box office haul.
May 24, 2026 · 3 min read
HBO Max Trailer Reveals New Harry Potter Footage, Teases Gilded Age
The new HBO Max "Coming Soon" promo features the titular boy wizard on the Quidditch field, teasing the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone" series debut on December 25, 2026, according to Varie
May 24, 2026 · 3 min read
Tânia Maria Joins Leonardo Lacca's 'Sábado Morto' Cast
Legendary jazz musician and actress Tânia Maria has joined the cast of Leonardo Lacca's 'Sábado Morto,' currently filming in Pernambuco.
May 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Valeska Grisebach's 'The Dreamed Adventure' subverts gangster genre
At Cannes, Valeska Grisebach's 'The Dreamed Adventure' opens with a gangster's return to Bulgaria, only to pivot unexpectedly to an archaeologist investigating his disappearance and taking over his il
May 22, 2026 · 4 min read
Cannes Premiere: Maverick Doc Explores David Lean's Epic Adventures
After the critical reception of 'Ryan's Daughter', legendary director David Lean did not direct a single film for 14 years, a period of silence that belied the epic scale of his earlier triumphs and t
May 22, 2026 · 4 min read
AI-Generated Vintage Erotica Collection Debuts at Cannes Film Festival
AI compute costs consumed $400,000 of the $500,000 budget for 'Hell Grind,' a 95-minute AI-generated film premiering at Cannes, The Wall Street Journal reports.
May 22, 2026 · 2 min read
The Black Ball film review explores Lorca's gay drama
In 1932, a father asked his son why he received a 'black ball' for social club membership.
May 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Los Javis' 'La Bola Negra' Debuts at Cannes
'La Bola Negra,' the debut film from Los Javis's new production division, Suma Content Films, is one of only three Spanish films selected for the Official Competition at Cannes 2026.
May 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Bill Lawrence and Warner Bros. Expand Production Slate
Bill Lawrence, the architect of 'Ted Lasso,' now commands three series—'Shrinking,' 'Rooster,' and a 'Scrubs' revival—all poised for 2026 Emmy contention.
May 21, 2026 · 3 min read
Alfonso Herrera signs TV series deal with Sony Pictures Television
Mexican actor Alfonso Herrera, known for his on-screen performances, signed a significant deal with Sony Pictures Television.
May 20, 2026 · 3 min read
What is the role of the showrunner in 2026 television production?
A top-tier showrunner commands up to $225,000 for a single episode of a one-hour series.
May 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Verve Promotes Chris Noriega, Ninth Partner Amid Industry Shifts
For the first time since its founding in 2010, Verve has promoted a former assistant, Chris Noriega, to partner, even as a key manager and her clients depart for rival Range Media Partners.
May 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Disney+ Develops Ella Enchanted TV Series With New Creative Team
Anne Hathaway, who famously starred as Ella in the 2004 film 'Ella Enchanted,' is now attached as an executive producer for a new TV series adaptation of the beloved fantasy tale for Disney+.
May 19, 2026 · 2 min read
Puffball Novel Adapted for TV; Kelly Reilly Starred in Film
Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly once embodied a young architect entangled in witchcraft and fertility rituals in the 2007 cult film 'Puffball', a story now being redeveloped for television from its orig
May 19, 2026 · 2 min read
Brazil Embratur Boosts Tourism with Film, TV, Gaming Strategy
Brazil's tourism board is offering $15,000 awards to film projects, part of an ambitious eight-pronged strategy to transform how the nation attracts visitors.
May 18, 2026 · 3 min read
Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' sequel links to alien invasion film
Before audiences even see Na Hong-jin's new sci-fi epic 'Hope' at Cannes, a full script for its sequel has already been completed.
May 18, 2026 · 2 min read