United Talent Agency has signed rising filmmaker Januel Mercado for representation in all areas.<\/p>\n
Mercado is the writer and director of DreamWorks Animation\u2019s upcoming \u201cForgotten Island,\u201d along with Joel Crawford.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Most recently, Mercado served as co-director of DreamWorks Animation\u2019s \u201cPuss 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.<\/p>\n
Mercado joined the studio\u2019s story department in 2008 and contributed to beloved franchises including \u201cKung Fu Panda,\u201d \u201cPenguins of Madagascar,\u201d \u201cTurbo\u201d and \u201cTrolls,\u201d before serving as head of story on \u201cThe Croods: A New Age.\u201d His additional credits include Warner Bros. Animation\u2019s LEGO franchise and a leadership role as supervising director at Nickelodeon Animation.<\/p>\n
Recognized as one of the industry\u2019s rising creative voices, Mercado was among this year\u2019s Variety and Gold House\u2019s 8 APIs Up Next in Entertainment list. He told Variety that he roots himself in a nebula of core values: \u201cLet love and passion lead the way. There is magic in hope and positivity. Also, you can\u2019t do great things alone. It takes a village. Build community and inspire with art and authenticity.\u201d<\/p>\n
On making \u201cForgotten Island,\u201d Mercado hoped inspire with art and authenticity. \u201cAfter 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mercado continues to be represented by Joann Mercado Hicks for management.<\/p>\n