WELCOME TO MY WORLD
DIRECTOR & CREATOR
Let's work together
LOVE TO WORK IN:
Animation, Documentary and Film
WHAT I DO
Hello! I’m Daniel, a multidisciplinary director passionate about crafting compelling narratives that awakens our senses across media platforms. I love keeping my personal projects in motion while also working regularly in advertising and consulting.
My work is represented in animation and filmmaking, but I enjoy pushing the boundaries of storytelling by blending these two techniques. Together, they create a visual dynamic that resonates with emotion and distinctive aesthetics.
Currently, I’m developing “Out of the Dark”, my opera prima—a feature film that explores the clash between individualism and authoritarianism in Guayaquil, where a war hero turned cab driver and his daughter, a ruthless state prosecutor, are forced to confront their fractured bond within a corrupt system. And a new documentary TV show for kids “En el Centro del Tercer Planeta”, a 10-episode series where two extraterrestrials discover Ecuador’s unique heritage of knowledge passed down through generations.
My work encompasses branded content, short films, and documentaries as well as commercial projects. My projects have been selected for numerous international festivals, and I’ve been fortunate to receive several awards along the way
AWARDS
LATEST WORK
WHERE I COME FROM
Born and raised in Quito-Ecuador, I have over 15 years of experience as a film creator, director, and media entrepreneur. I had co-founded two animation studios: El Hombre Invisible Visual Arts (2010–2015) and Alicia Animation House (2017–2020) I had also supported the creation of the Ecuadorian Animators’ Guild in 2016.Internationally,
I had the honor of competing at the Annecy Film Festival in 2017, often considered the “Cannes of animation.” I’ve also been fortunate to win at Ventana Sur in Argentina in 2016 and receive a special mention in 2022 at the same festival, one of South America’s most prestigious film events. Additionally, my work was selected for the Academy Award-qualifying category at the Chilemonos Animation Festival. In 2018, I served as the creative director for the development of Flow People for Water, an anthology of 10 short films from around the world, collaborating with a California-based producer who had previously worked at Disney. The project was also in conversation with Netflix.
Beyond my own creative work, I collaborate with Bolivia Lab, one of the most important platforms dedicated to fostering the development of the Ibero-American film industry. Since 2016, I work and supported this platform as a pitch coach, helping projects across the region refine their ideas and strengthen their storytelling.
After the COVID pandemic, I chose to pursue an independent path. While I continue developing my own creative work, cinematic film projects have become my primary focus.
LEARNING & GROWTH
I’ve had the privilege of being selected for several international programs that have shaped my craft as a director. At Bridging the Gap in Valencia, Spain, I participated in intensive workshops led by industry experts, focusing on storytelling and production.
At the inspiring TIFA in Cusco, Peru, I strengthened my directing skills, exploring concepts like Camera & Staging and visual storytelling, mentored by Jericca Cleland, a distinguished cinematographer who worked on Pixar’s Finding Nemo as the DOP. I also explored my acting abilities with American-French actress and clown teacher Lee Delong, who taught us clown performance.
In the impactful MAI! Mercado Animación Industria in Santiago, Chile, I was mentored by prominent figures like Leah Hoyer, producer of Phineas and Ferb and Kim Possible. The program focused on equipping emerging talents with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the animation industry.
In addition, I was part of TalentDOC in La Paz, Bolivia, an international initiative focused on supporting and promoting documentary filmmaking in the Andean region. Through intensive workshops and mentorship from international experts, I honed my storytelling techniques while learning how to strengthen and refine projects for a global audience.
Finally, I participated in the prestigious Mifa Talent program in Annecy, France, held within the renowned Annecy International Animation Film Market (Mifa). This initiative is designed to nurture emerging talent in the animation industry through talent panels, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.
It offered me invaluable exposure and the chance to connect with leading professionals from around the world. Each of these experiences has not only honed my technical skills but also shaped my perspective as a storyteller, enriching my ability to craft narratives that resonate on both personal and universal levels.
PROJECTS SHOWCASE
Most of my short films are animated—that’s where I started as a director. To me, animation feels like pure creative freedom.
To me, ads are a blend of craft and creativity, packed into powerful short formats. They challenge me to tell compelling stories with precision and style.
Documentaries are where I discover the story as I live it—that’s the magic for me. I love the raw, guerrilla style they allow, capturing truth in the moment.
This animated character for the Chevrolet truck campaign was designed to travel across countries, adapting different dialects and connecting with local cultures in a relatable, playful way.
Animation isn’t just for kids—it has incredible potential for adult storytelling too. This Work in Progress explores that through a bold, funny series where sex toys run a fantastical sex shop.
Timbatu is the first episode of a South American kids’ series, featuring a lovable character in a living, vibrant neighborhood. It’s a sweet, imaginative world where community and magic come to life.
TEDx TALKS
Animation creates a world where anything is possible | Daniel Jácome | TEDxQuito
Here is my TEDx Talk, I shared how making animation in Ecuador felt almost impossible—but also how a tiny studio from a small country managed to gain international recognition and collaborations, proving that with passion and creativity, the “impossible” is just a starting point.
NEWS
