Work at Kaboom: Head of Industry

Kaboom Animation Festival
Kaboom Animation Festival annually presents an international program of daring, creative and innovative animation in various competitions, themed programs and Expanded Animation (games, a VR exhibition, installations). Kaboom is a qualifying festival for the Oscars®, BAFTAs and Annie Awards. By offering previously unheard voices and untold stories a stage within the program and entering into conversation with the makers and visitors, we want to facilitate encounters, stimulate creativity and nurture exchange. The next festival edition is scheduled for 13-22 March 2026. 

Kaboom Industry Days is a platform for networking, inspiration and knowledge exchange for Dutch and international animation professionals to kickstart the development of animation in the Netherlands. In 2026, the Kaboom Industry Days will take place on 17 and 18 March at the HKU in Utrecht. The first day, Kaboom Camp, offers newcomers a hands-on introduction to the industry. It highlights emerging talent and new voices and connects them with exciting opportunities, mentors and financiers, for instance during the Best Showreel competition and the Debutants Ball. The second day, Kaboom Pro, is a gathering of established professionals to share successes, discuss challenges and explore future paths, for instance during the Animation Sector Meeting and the Benelux Animation Pitch.  

Head of Industry 
After three years, the current Head of Industry is spreading their wings, and we are looking for a new colleague. As Head of Industry, you will not only create the program for the Kaboom Industry Days, but you will also take care of the execution of the event. You will oversee communication, production and technical production and work closely with the other heads to ensure that the event runs successfully. In addition, you are involved in developing the future strategy for Kaboom Industry Days. 

Team & Tasks 
You will work in a team of professionals who support each other. The Industry department is responsible for the production of the Kaboom Industry Days, with assistance on ticketing, location production, technical production, volunteer coordination and guest services. The artistic director is closely involved in the development of the program and the business director in the development of industry partnerships. As Head of Industry, you will manage an Industry Producer and supervise an intern. During the Kaboom Industry Days you will work with a location manager, a technical team and a team of volunteers.  

  

The Head of Industry: 

• Ensures the realization of innovative and varied programs and activities in the context of Kaboom Industry Days (including the Benelux Animation Pitch, the Debutant Ball and the Animation Sector Meeting); 

• Ensures the development of programs, the preparation of applications, reporting for funders and is in contact with partners, schools, festivals and organizations about the implementation of agreements made; 

• Provides input for communication and marketing from the program; 

• Is responsible for workflows around the creation and publication of the industry program; 

• Invites speakers and moderators to the programs, works closely with the Guest Manager and occasionally participates in selection committees for other parts of the organization; 

• Ensures that the agreed KPIs are achieved; 

• Acts as host on behalf of Kaboom Animation Festival; 

• Maintains a relevant network; 

• Monitors the budget and makes adjustments where necessary; 

• Reports about results and progress. 

Who suits us? 
Everyone! The working atmosphere is open, welcoming and inclusive. We are convinced that anyone who loves animation can help us organize an appealing festival that connects with what is going on within the animation community. We are an organization in which employees can be themselves and feel safe. In order to be able to perform the tasks as Head of Industry properly, it is important that you:  

• Have knowledge of the Dutch animation and/or film industry; 

• Are experienced in organizing (film) festivals or other events; 

• Are eager to take on (budget) responsibility; 

• Work in a structured way, keep an overview, keep an eye on internal deadlines; 

• Are communicative, both to inform internally and to coordinate externally; 

• Speak and write English (mastery of Dutch is a bonus); 

• Are willing to familiarize yourself with working with our database (knowledge of Filmchief is a bonus); 

• Are enthusiastic about joining and contributing to a festival and an industry in development. 

Practical information
This position will be filled part-time based on an assignment from October 2025 to April 2026. There is an opening to make this a multiple-year collaboration. We assume an assignment for a self-employed person, but remuneration is also an option. In terms of time investment, we assume about 50 days for the total job: building up from 1 day a week in October and November, to 2 days a week in December, 3 days a week from January to March and 2 completion and evaluation days in April.  

In order to comply with the Fair Practice code, we work with the standard basic scheme, salary table and guideline for rates for self-employed persons for Film Festivals as developed by Platform ACCT. This position is classified in scale 7. More information can be found here: Ketentafel Filmfestivals | fairPACCT  

We have an office in Amsterdam and a desk in Utrecht where you can work. Of course, you are also free to work elsewhere, provided there are enough contact moments to streamline things. The weekly heads meeting takes place on Mondays. 

Contact
If you are interested in working as Head of Industry, we would like to receive an application letter and CV by e-mail no later than 17 September (preferably as PDF attachments). You can send your application to business director Annabet Langkamp, [email protected]. If you have any questions about the position, you can also contact Annabet. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 24 September.