Ben mercer
Film editor / Drum & Colours Ltd
"My approach to the nature and method of editing can be summed up in three words:
ISOLATE * ILLUMINATE * ELUCIDATE
I hold there can be, and is, a rational and objective approach to film editing, that inspires the emergence of the unexpected.
A kind of original beauty out of structural discipline and non-partisan principles."
–Ben Mercer
DRAMATURGIC EXPERTISE
In addition to my normal role as film editor, screenwriters, producers and directors alike also employ me for dramaturgical analysis on script development and offline cuts.
LECTURES
I regularly give lectures on the dramaturgy of editing.
My practical knowledge and experience of the editorial logistics of feature films on- and off-location is also a skill much in demand. Here are some links to some recent talks I’ve given in Barcelona and Amsterdam.
AWARDS
I have received two Finnish Film Academy Award nominations for Best Editing for my work on ”Naked Harbour” and ”Unknown Soldier”. The latter film brought home the award.
In 2017 I was awarded an honorary distinction at the Voitto Awards for my life's work in commercial editing by the Association of Independent Producers in Finland (SATU ry)
POSITIONS
Currently I am vice-chair of the Finnish Cinema Editors guild (F.C.E.) and representative to the Federation of Film Editors Associations, TEMPO
Latest Work
"Lapland war"
The sister film to the hugely successful Unknown Soldier.
Director Aku Louhimies. Backmann & Hoderoff.
The film is in postproduction with a target premiere of fall 2026
"Belzebubs"
A 13-part adult animation series based on the comic strips of J-P Ahonen
Director Samppa Kukkonen, Writer J-P Ahonen
Produced by Terhi Väänänen, Inari Halme / Pyjama Films
Premiered Fall 2026
"The Elf and the Christmas Wonder"
A children's adventure feature film.
Directors Joonas Berghäll, Hannes Vartiainen. Oktober Oy and Dreamland Pictures
Released Christmas 2025
"The Drift"
A survival drama starring Thea Sofie Loch Næss.
Writer/Director Taavi Vartia. Xanaheim Original, Whatever Pictures
US release 02/2026
Previous work (the trailers are not edited by Ben)
Get in touch with me directly or through my agents.
Agent / Siân Gordon
The Lisa Richards Agency
London office
Agent / Richard Cook
Dublin office
