United Talent Agency has added filmmaker Januel Mercado to its roster for representation across all entertainment sectors. Mercado serves as writer and director of DreamWorks Animation’s forthcoming animated feature “Forgotten Island,” created in collaboration with director Joel Crawford.
The film is set during the 1990s and follows Jo and Raissa, two close friends navigating the end of their high school years. The characters, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano, discover a magical portal while spending their final night together eating junk food and singing karaoke. The production features voice talent including Lea Salonga, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto and Jenny Slate.
Mercado most recently served as co-director on DreamWorks Animation’s “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” alongside Crawford. That film achieved significant success both critically and commercially, generating approximately $500 million in worldwide box office revenue and securing nominations for Best Animated Feature from the Golden Globes, Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards.
Mercado joined DreamWorks Animation’s story department in 2008 and has contributed to numerous projects throughout his career, including work on the “Kung Fu Panda,” “Penguins of Madagascar,” “Turbo” and “Trolls” franchises. He previously held the position of head of story on “The Croods: A New Age” and has credits with Warner Bros. Animation’s LEGO franchise and a supervising director role at Nickelodeon Animation. Earlier this year, Mercado was included on Variety and Gold House’s list of 8 APIs Up Next in Entertainment. He continues to work with management representative Joann Mercado Hicks.
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