The Pinto Variety Hour
Director: R.J. Sullivan
Cast:Coulter Rail, Anna Simpson, Cara Swift, Alfred Smith, Brianna Lawrence, Matt Simpson
Crew:Writer: R.J. Sullivan. Producer: R.J. Sullivan.
Email:r.j.sullivan@catchandhatch.com
Synopsis
The Pinto Variety Hour is the pilot episode for a half hour animated adult comedy featuring Pinto, a recovering rageaholic bean who hosts a surreal variety show. As Pinto juggles eccentric guests, like a time-traveling beret inventor, and navigates his tumultuous relationship with his show’s sponsor, the mysterious Big Powerful Nobody, he also deals with everyday family dynamics. Balancing his quirky work life with his role as a father to teenagers Lucy and Max and husband to Flo, Pinto’s world is a whimsical mix of surreal comedy and heartfelt moments in the charming town of Hazelwood.
-Synopsis by The Anthology Institute
Trailer
About the director
R.J. Sullivan is an award-winning animation filmmaker, composer, and screenwriter. He produces hand drawn 2D animated films for adults as well as children. Originally from Ventura, CA, R.J. currently lives in Portland, OR. He earned a B.A. in Arts and Letters from Portland State University in 2004 and founded Catch and Hatch Studios in 2022.
His short films have been shown in film festivals internationally including Australia's biggest Oscar qualifying short film festival, St. Kilda Film Festival, the Oscar-qualifying Flicker's Rhode Island International Film Festival, Dances With Films (in LA and New York), Breaking TV Film Festival in London, and Birmingham Film Festival in Birmingham, England. Notably, his short animated film, Arlo Sings the Blues (In the Middle of the Night) received the most audience votes to win Best Animation Film for the 2023 BAMkids Film Festival at BAM in Brooklyn.
Filmmaker's note
I envisioned an animated sitcom that embraces a flexible framework, allowing for anything to happen to utilize the creative possibilities of animation. At the same time, I wanted to develop relatable characters grappling with real relationship issues.