What we do

We're a movement, not a production company.

Mercian Films is an independent production company founded by Midlands filmmakers Lou Murrall and Andrew Gough. Long-time collaborators, they created the company to focus on cinema rooted in truth, consequence and character.

Born and raised in the West Midlands, Lou and Andrew bring a grounded, working-class perspective to British filmmaking. After years working across narrative, documentary and commercial projects, they formed Mercian Films to move away from safe storytelling and concentrate on films with purpose and weight.

At its core, Mercian Films believes storytelling carries responsibility. Stories should challenge, confront and illuminate what is often ignored. Our films do not shy away from discomfort. They engage with it directly. Whether exploring fractured communities, overlooked history or personal redemption, the aim is to move people and leave a lasting mark.

The company takes its name from the ancient kingdom of Mercia, which once occupied the heart of Britain. The name reflects both our geographical roots and our approach to filmmaking: grounded, resilient, and unafraid to stand its ground. Mercian Films exists to tell meaningful stories from the centre of the country, with honesty, conviction and intent.

The founders

Andrew Gough

Producer · Co-Founder · Director

Andy Gough is a Midlands-based director and producer with a strong background in brand building and audience-led storytelling. Best known as the founder of Vivid Ink Tattoo Studios, he grew the company into one of the UK's leading tattoo brands by understanding people, identity, and how stories connect at scale.

His move into filmmaking came through directing high-impact social and branded content that reached millions online. What began as marketing quickly evolved into a deeper focus on narrative, tone and character. Andy's work is driven by instinct, clarity of vision and a strong sense of audience.

At Mercian Films, Andy works as a director and producer, developing bold, grounded stories with cultural weight. He brings a decisive, practical approach to filmmaking, combining creative leadership with an understanding of how stories are made, shaped and ultimately received.

Lou Murrall

Producer · Co-Founder · Cinematographer

Lou Murrall is a Midlands-based cinematographer and producer whose work is defined by restraint, realism and emotional weight. His approach to filmmaking centres on visual storytelling that serves character and truth rather than spectacle.

Working across narrative film, documentary, music videos and branded content, Lou is known for creating images that feel grounded and lived-in. His cinematography is shaped by light, composition and movement, with a focus on authenticity and atmosphere over stylisation.

As co-founder of Mercian Films, Lou brings both technical precision and strong creative leadership to each project. He is driven by a belief that cinema has a responsibility to say something meaningful, and is committed to making films that confront, resonate and endure.