LINK TO ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT

 FILM FUGITIVES INTERVIEW:

FILM NEWS (UK):

FILM FOCUS (UKJ) REVIEW OF EPISODE 1:  

UK PREMIERE AT BREAKING TV FILM FESTIVAL:

GRAPEVINE BIRMINGHAM -  The Pinto Variety Hour will have its UK premiere at Breaking TV Film Festival

WATCH INTERVIEW:  HOLLYWOOD TIMES - INTERVIEW WITH ANIMATION FILMMAKER R.J. SULLIVAN 

READ INTERVIEW:  WE ARE MOVING STORIES - INTERVIEW WITH R.J. SULLIVAN

About R.J. Sullivan

................................................................................................

CREATOR STATEMENT

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. This combination would create a dynamic and engaging show that balances wild scenarios with emotional connections.

I wanted to create a show that satirizes contemporary culture in a way that’s both bizarre enough to grab attention and heartfelt enough to foster investment and learning. The blend of irreverence and endearment creates a unique tone that resonates with viewers. 

BIO

Originally inspired to create an animated music video as a Christmas present for his niece, R.J. is an award-winning animated filmmaker, composer, and screenwriter. Through Catch and Hatch Studios, he produces hand drawn 2D animated films for children and adults. 

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 the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in New York.

R.J. hand-painted watercolor backgrounds for his children’s short Pinto the Mean Bean, which had its West Coast premiere at the 26th Annual Dances With Films festival in June 2023 at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles.

In 2024, he produced The Pinto Variety Hour, an adult animated comedy series pilot, which had its world premiere at the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology in August 2024. Since then, the pilot has screened at numerous international festivals, earning multiple awards including Best TV Show, Best TV Pilot, Best Animation, Best Screenplay, Best Web Series, Special Jury Award for Animation, and Best Director for a TV Pilot.

Both of his children’s shorts and The Pinto Variety Hour have been featured in showcases at the Hollywood Theatre in the Portland, OR, Airport. Arlo Sings the Blues was part of the Fall 2023 program (September - December), while Pinto the Mean Bean was showcased in the Winter 2024 program (January - March). An abridged 10-minute version of The Pinto Variety Hour pilot was also included in the Fall 2025 shorts program.

Originally from Ventura, CA, R.J. now lives in Portland, OR, with his wife, baby daughter, and their orange dog, Lucy. He earned a B.A. in Arts and Letters from Portland State University in 2004 and founded Catch and Hatch Studios in 2022. 

Currently, R.J. is seeking a production company to help complete season one of The Pinto Variety Hour. 

Pinto's Backstory