Januel Mercado Signs With UTA Ahead of DreamWorks Film
DreamWorks Filmmaker Januel Mercado Inks Representation Deal With UTA
JANUEL MERCADO SIGNS WITH UTA
Illustration concept: A modern, artistic illustration of an animation director's workspace, featuring storyboards, film reels, digital stylus pens, and subtle movie concept sketches, rendered in warm lighting.
AI summary
Filmmaker Januel Mercado has officially joined United Talent Agency for representation across all professional areas. Mercado is currently writer and co-director for DreamWorks Animation's upcoming feature 'Forgotten Island' alongside Joel Crawford.
Why this matters
The talent signing reflects rising industry demand for creative leads in major studio animation. Full-service agency representation will help Mercado expand his creative portfolio into broader feature film and television projects beyond his current studio slate.
Key takeaways
- United Talent Agency (UTA) signed writer-director Januel Mercado for all-area representation.
- Mercado is co-directing and writing DreamWorks Animation's upcoming feature 'Forgotten Island.'
- Joel Crawford is co-directing the project alongside Mercado.
- The 1990s-set film stars H.E.R. and Liza Soberano as lead voice talent.
United Talent Agency has added filmmaker Januel Mercado to its client roster for representation across all professional areas, according to reports from Variety. The agency deal comes as Mercado continues work on his upcoming animated feature with DreamWorks Animation.
Mercado is serving as writer and director on the project, titled "Forgotten Island," co-directing alongside Joel Crawford. The film represents another collaboration between Mercado and the studio on a high-profile animated project.
Set in the 1990s, the narrative centers on two best friends, Jo and Raissa, who navigate the emotional reality of moving in different directions following their high school graduation. Grammy Award-winning recording artist H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano provide the main voice roles for the project.
Mercado's representation agreement with UTA is expected to open broader narrative development opportunities across multiple entertainment platforms as DreamWorks advances production on the feature.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Januel Mercado?
- Januel Mercado is an animation writer and director known for his upcoming work with DreamWorks Animation.
- What is Forgotten Island?
- Forgotten Island is an upcoming animated movie from DreamWorks set in the 1990s about two high school best friends.
- Which agency now represents Januel Mercado?
- Januel Mercado is represented in all areas by United Talent Agency (UTA).
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Variety
- Original publication:
- Aug 10, 2026, 6:45 PM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 10, 2026, 6:45 PM
- Updated:
- Aug 10, 2026, 7:01 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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