United Talent Agency has signed rising filmmaker Januel Mercado for representation in all areas.
Mercado is the writer and director of DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming “Forgotten Island,” along with Joel Crawford.
Set in the 1990s, H.E.R. and Liza Soberano voice Jo and Raissa, two best friends who, post high-school, are about to go their separate ways. As they celebrate their last night together by eating junk food and singing karaoke, the pair stumble on a magical portal. The film also stars Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto and Jenny Slate.
Most recently, Mercado served as co-director of DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish alongside longtime creative collaborator Joel Crawford. The film became both a critical and commercial triumph, grossing nearly $500 million at the global box office while earning Golden Globe, Oscar and BAFTA Award nominations for Best Animated Feature.
Mercado joined the studio’s story department in 2008 and contributed to beloved franchises including “Kung Fu Panda,” “Penguins of Madagascar,” “Turbo” and “Trolls,” before serving as head of story on “The Croods: A New Age.” His additional credits include Warner Bros. Animation’s LEGO franchise and a leadership role as supervising director at Nickelodeon Animation.
Recognized as one of the industry’s rising creative voices, Mercado was among this year’s Variety and Gold House’s 8 APIs Up Next in Entertainment list. He told Variety that he roots himself in a nebula of core values: “Let love and passion lead the way. There is magic in hope and positivity. Also, you can’t do great things alone. It takes a village. Build community and inspire with art and authenticity.”
On making “Forgotten Island,” Mercado hoped inspire with art and authenticity. “After working on many sequels and franchises together, we wanted to tell a story that not only celebrated the meaningful connections and memories that shape us, but also a film that honored our families and Filipino culture.”
Mercado continues to be represented by Joann Mercado Hicks for management.
