James A. Castillo

• Name — James A. Castillo • Birthplace — Madrid, Spain • Occupation — * Animation director • Designer • Years Active — 2012–present James A. Castillo is a Spanish animation director and designer. He is known for directing the virtual reality experience Madrid Noir (2021) and the animated short film The Quinta’s Ghost (2025).

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). 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. 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. 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.

• 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

• Year — Result — Award — Category — Work — Ref. • 2022 — Won — Children's and Family Emmy Awards — Outstanding Interactive Media — Madrid Noir • Won — Webby Awards — Virtual & Remote: Immersive - Best Narrative Experience • 2025 — Won — Sitges Film Festival — Méliès d'Argent: Best European Fantasy Genre Short Film — The Quinta's Ghost • Won — Molins Horror Film Festival — Best Screenplay