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
Veteran actor Peter Van Norden dies at 75
Peter Van Norden, the actor who brought memorable characters to life in 'Police Academy 2' and 'The Naked Gun 2½', died peacefully on Thursday morning in a Southern California hospice facility at 75,
Jul 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Lenders Initiate Forced Sale of Television City Over Debt
Lenders led by Deutsche Bank have initiated the forced sale of Hollywood's iconic Television City, just five years after Hackman Capital Partners acquired it for $750 million.
Jul 11, 2026 · 2 min read
What is AI's role in filmmaking and why does it matter?
Two Oscar-honored films, Emilia Perez and The Brutalist , already leveraged AI technology for subtle yet impactful elements: voice alteration and accent fine-tuning, as reported by BBC .
Jul 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Films and TV Shows Coming to Streaming in July 2026
On July 1 alone, Netflix is unleashing a staggering array of over 40 films and television shows being added, a content deluge that could take a single viewer months to navigate, according to TheWrap.
Jul 11, 2026 · 6 min read
Netflix's 2026 Vertical Pivot: Adapting to New Visual Language
By April 2026, Netflix will have fully deployed a mobile app redesign, replacing its iconic horizontal content rows with a full-screen vertical video feed.
Jul 11, 2026 · 2 min read
How Film Festival Submission Strategies for Independent Filmmakers Work in 2026
Submitting a short film to Sundance can cost up to $95, a fee that multiplies quickly across multiple festivals and categories for independent filmmakers.
Jul 10, 2026 · 5 min read
Artists Equity Taps Griffin Zucosky to Lead New Scripted TV Division
Artists Equity, co-founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, is launching a new division for scripted television, according to TheWrap .
Jul 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Edinburgh International Film Festival for Emerging Filmmakers in 2026
The Edinburgh International Film Festival's Sean Connery Prize alone offers a staggering £50,000 to a winning filmmaker, a sum that could transform an independent production.
Jul 9, 2026 · 3 min read
New York City Film and TV Productions Seek Talent Amid Surge
Currently, 2,652 active roles are listed for film and TV productions in New York City, from stand-ins for a new Netflix series starring Oscar Isaac to promo shoots for NCIS.
Jul 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 5 TV Series Mastering Virtual Production
In 2019, The Mandalorian cut location shoots by 50% using a massive LED volume, fundamentally changing how high-budget television series are made, according to Nola .
Jul 8, 2026 · 3 min read
California Film Tax Credit Program Expands
In its first year, California's expanded film tax credit program allocated $21.
Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read
AI Actors Are Here: Hollywood Faces Ethical Dilemmas In 2026
Particle 6 is developing its first feature-length film, Misaligned , with the AI creation Tilly Norwood in the lead role, sparking an urgent debate over what it means to be a 'performer' in Hollywood.
Jul 8, 2026 · 4 min read
AI Actor Tilly Norwood Stars in Upcoming Film 'Misaligned'
An AI-generated 'actress' named Tilly Norwood is not merely making her feature film debut; she is poised to lead a coming-of-age comedy-drama.
Jul 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Orbital Studios opens new virtual production hub at Television City
Orbital Studios, currently bringing FX's 'The Drop: A Snowfall Saga' to life, has moved its entire LED wall infrastructure and headquarters from the L.
Jul 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Veteran actor Joby Baker dies at 92 from natural causes
Veteran actor Joby Baker, a familiar face from 'Good Morning World' and 'Gidget,' passed away at 92, with initial reports noting his death occurred on June 22 of natural causes, according to Entertain
Jul 5, 2026 · 2 min read
What is the role of the showrunner in television production?
In television production, a showrunner holds more creative authority than the directors of individual episodes, overseeing every aspect from script to screen.
Jul 4, 2026 · 2 min read
NewFilmmakers LA Names Winners of 2026 Best of NFMLA Awards
Nani Sahra Walker, the recipient of the 2026 Best New Filmmaker Award, received a $2,500 grant, a significant boost among the 84 projects recognized by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles.
Jul 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Sony revokes access to hundreds of purchased digital titles
On September 1, 2026, 551 movies and TV series previously purchased by UK PlayStation customers will vanish from their digital libraries, a stark reminder that 'buying' digital often means merely rent
Jul 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 6 New Streaming Releases Australia July 2026: Little House Returns
In July 2026, Netflix launches a 'Little House on the Prairie' remake on July 9, the same day Prime Video debuts 'Elle', a 'Legally Blonde' prequel.
Jul 2, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Visual Storytelling Principles in Film and TV?
The "empty shot"—a scene devoid of characters—appears simple, yet its definition and application remain contentious in academic research.
Jul 1, 2026 · 5 min read