We were lucky to catch up with Roberto Dominguez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Roberto, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
From an early age, I was captivated by the power of storytelling—both in movies and video games. That passion led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media, where I directed three award-winning short films. Eager to learn from the best, I began my career as a Production Assistant on major Hollywood productions, including Che: Guerrilla (Steven Soderbergh), Green Zone and The Bourne Ultimatum (Paul Greengrass), Goya’s Ghosts (Milos Forman), Asterix at the Olympic Games, and Broken Embraces (Pedro Almodóvar).
Working on these films gave me invaluable firsthand experience in high-level filmmaking, but it also made me realize that building a sustainable career as a director required a strategic approach. I recognized that commercial filmmaking was a powerful avenue—not only as a creative discipline but also as a viable way to make a full-time living. Brands, products, and services across the world constantly need compelling narratives, and storytelling is at the heart of that.
With that in mind, I took my first steps into commercial directing. I produced and directed a few spec commercial films, which helped me land a position at a production company willing to bet on me as a junior commercial director. It was there that I met David Rachadell, and after collaborating on multiple projects, we decided to create Space Monkeys—our own brand as a film and creative director duo, where we develop and produce our own projects.
From that experience, I learned the realities of the industry—the importance of consistency, pitching, winning and losing projects, and adapting my directing style to a variety of brands, products, and narratives. One day I’d be directing comedy, the next drama, then action-packed car commercials, animation, or projects with extensive VFX. This versatility became an essential skill set that continues to shape my career today.With that in mind, I took my first steps into commercial directing. I produced and directed a few spec commercial films, which helped me land a position at a production company willing to bet on me as a junior commercial director. From there, I learned the realities of the industry—the importance of consistency, pitching, winning and losing projects, and adapting my directing style to a variety of brands, products, and narratives. One day I’d be directing comedy, the next drama, then action-packed car commercials, animation, or projects with extensive VFX. This versatility became an essential skill set.
After 14 years directing and creating marketing campaigns, I found myself seeking a new challenge—one that aligned even more closely with my lifelong passion for video games. That realization led me to the world of game trailers, where my background in cinematic storytelling and commercial filmmaking became a perfect fit. In trailers, the product and the story live together, and the challenge is to craft an emotional, engaging experience that resonates with players.
So, that’s where I am today—directing commercial films and producing game trailers, blending my experience across both industries. And through it all, I remain just as captivated by the power of storytelling as I was on day one.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Creative Director | Game Trailer Producer | Film & Cinematic Director | Performance Capture & Voice Over Director
I’m a passionate and award-winning Creative Director with a strong focus on storytelling in the gaming and the film/TV industry, specializing in cinematics, writing, performance capture and voice-over direction.
My expertise spans from 10+ years creating immersive game trailers and marketing campaigns for top brands to directing actors during live-action shoots and voice-over sessions, bringing complex narratives and characters to life.
With a versatile background across gaming and film, I help bring cinematic storytelling to the forefront, whether it’s crafting engaging trailers, designing compelling cutscenes or overseeing top-tier performance capture.
Award-Winning Filmmaker.
Recognized with industry awards, including accolades from Cannes YDA, Effie Awards, El Sol and El Ojo de Iberoamérica.
Core Specialties:
– Cinematic Direction: Creating visually striking, narrative-driven scenes that elevate the emotional impact of video games and films/TV shows.
– Performance Capture & Motion Capture Direction: Directing actors to capture authentic, powerful performances in both performance capture and mocap shoots.
– Voice Direction: Leading voice-over sessions to ensure high-quality vocal performances that align with character and story.
– Game Trailer Production: Developing and directing cinematic trailers and marketing promos, from concept to completion.
– Creative Oversight managing the entire process: writing, casting, storyboarding, animatics, editing, animation, cinematography, color grading and sound.
– Directed marketing campaigns and cinematic trailers for leading companies like Playstation, Netflix, Teravision Games, Toyota, Nimble Giant Entertainment, MINI, Burger King, Outright Games, VISA, Amnesty International and more.
– Recognized with industry awards, including accolades from Cannes YDA, Effie Awards, El Sol and El Ojo de Iberoamérica.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the power and magic of turning ideas into reality. The ability to visualize images and stories in my mind and bring them to life through collaboration and teamwork is truly fulfilling. Film and game production are collective art forms, and working alongside talented professionals—each bringing their own expertise and vision—makes the creative process even more exciting.
Another incredible aspect is the opportunity to learn from the best and collaborate with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and creative styles. Every project introduces me to new perspectives and techniques, constantly expanding my artistic approach and storytelling abilities.
Lastly, being a director has given me the privilege of immersing myself in unique locations and environments that would be difficult to access otherwise. Whether it’s shooting in remote landscapes, historic sites, or cutting-edge studios, each project takes me to places—both physically and creatively—that I might never have experienced otherwise.
Ultimately, the ability to bring stories to life, connect with people through visual storytelling, and continuously grow as an artist is what makes this journey so incredibly rewarding.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
For me, the driving force behind my creative journey is embracing the process—enjoying every step, every challenge, and every collaboration along the way. I believe that the true reward in this industry isn’t just about reaching a specific destination, but about learning, growing, and evolving through each experience.
Every project brings new stories to tell, people to meet, and lessons to learn, and I find great fulfillment in that continuous evolution. Working with talented individuals from different backgrounds, adapting to unexpected creative challenges, and discovering new ways to bring ideas to life is what makes this journey so meaningful.
I’ve learned that staying present and open to every opportunity is just as valuable. By focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, I not only refine my craft but also create work that feels genuine, inspired, and fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spacemonkeys.es
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2spacemonkeys/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertodominguez80/
- Twitter: https://x.com/2spacemonkeys