James A. Castillo
James A. Castillo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Madrid, Spain |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2012–present |
James A. Castillo is a Spanish animation director and designer.[1][2] He is known for directing the virtual reality experience Madrid Noir (2021) and the animated short film The Quinta’s Ghost (2025).[3][4]
Career
[edit]His feature film credits include character design and art department work on The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023).[5][6] He co-wrote and directed Madrid Noir (2021), an interactive virtual reality film produced by No Ghost and Atlas V that premiered at the Tribeca Festival.[7][8]
Castillo directed The Quinta's Ghost (2025), an animated short film inspired by Francisco de Goya's Black Paintings that addresses themes of grief and mental health through elements of horror.[9] The film features voice acting by Maribel Verdú, pioneered the use of virtual reality painting techniques, premiered at the Tribeca Festival, and was shortlisted for the Academy Awards.[10][11]
Selected filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Contribution | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Madrid Noir | Director | VR film |
| 2021 | The Mitchells vs. the Machines | Character designer | |
| 2023 | Ozi: Voice of the Forest | Character designer | |
| 2025 | Smurfs | Visual development artist | |
| 2025 | The Quinta's Ghost | Director, writer, and producer | Short film |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Result | Award | Category | Work | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Won | Children's and Family Emmy Awards | Outstanding Interactive Media | Madrid Noir | [12] |
| Won | Webby Awards | Virtual & Remote: Immersive - Best Narrative Experience | [13] | ||
| 2025 | Won | Sitges Film Festival | Méliès d'Argent: Best European Fantasy Genre Short Film | The Quinta's Ghost | [14] |
| Won | Molins Horror Film Festival | Best Screenplay | [15] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Emmy Winner James A. Castillo Discusses Animating Goya's Madness in Tribeca Player 'The Quinta's Ghost,' Unveils Trailer". variety.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "2026 Oscars Short Film Contenders: 'The Quinta's Ghost' Director James A. Castillo". cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Director James Castillo Previews His Innovative Annecy & Tribeca Selected VR Project 'Madrid Noir'". animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "'The Quinta's Ghost' Filmmakers Unravel "Punk Rock" Haunts Behind Goya-Inspired Animated Horror Short". deadline.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Haunted by Goya: 'The Quinta's Ghost's' Director and Producer Discuss Their Award-Winning Short". animationmagazine.net. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "TMNT: Mutant Mayhem's Alternate April O'Neil Designs Revealed". movieweb.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "'Madrid Noir' VR Adventure Now on Oculus Quest 1 & 2". awn.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Madrid Noir". tribecafilm.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "How 'The Quinta's Ghost' Used VR Tools To Revive Goya's 200-Year-Old Black Paintings Aesthetic". cartoonbrew.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "The Quinta's Ghost". tribecafilm.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "98th Oscar Shortlists In 12 Award Categories Announced". press.oscars.org. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Children's & Family Creative Arts Emmy Awards Winners Announced!" (PDF). theemmys.tv. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Madrid Noir". winners.webbyawards.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "El Fantasma de la Quinta". sitgesfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
- ^ "Gaua i Rabbit Trap s'alcen com les grans premiades del TerrorMolins 2025". molinsfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2025-12-10.
External links
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