3/15/25 Festival Updates

The Pinto Variety Hour pilot has screened in the following festivals recently:

Barcelona Indie Awards – WINNER -BEST TV PILOT, 2/8/25, Barcelona, Spain.

All That Moves International Film Festival – WINNER – BEST TV PILOT, WINNER – BEST DIRECTOR FOR A TV PILOT, 3/15/25, São Paulo, Brazil.

McMinneville Short Film Festival – NOMINEE – BEST ANIMATED SHORT, 2/27 – 3/2/25, McMinneville, OR.

Hollywood Storytellers Film Festival – FINALIST – TV PILOT, TCL Chinese Theatres, Hollywood, CA.

Anatolia Film Festival, 2/7/25, Istanbul, Turkey

1/27/25 Pinto Variety hour clips

I have been uploading new clips of The Pinto Variety Hour pilot episode to the Catch and Hatch Youtube channel. The pilot in its entirety is still not available to watch online though since it is still touring the festival circuit. Subscribe to my Youtube channel to see new clips like these:

1/16/25 McMinnville Short Film Festival

I’m honored that The Pinto Variety Hour has been nominated for the Will Vinton Award for Best Animation in the McMinnville Short Film Festival. This festival was named one of MovieMakers Magazine’s Top 20 Great Film Festivals in Vacation Destinations. It will be taking place in McMinnville, Oregon, from February 27 – March 2, 2025 at McMinnville Cinema. Tickets and festival passes may be purchased through the festival website.

1/1/25 hello 2025

2024 was a year of learning for me. I was honored to have The Pinto Variety Hour selected for 22 international film festivals and win many awards in various categories including Best Animation, Best Screenplay -Animation, Best Animated Series, Best TV Pilot, Best TV Show, Best Web Series, and Special Jury Award -Animation. The pilot episode was also nominated for many other categories in 2024. I was honored to attend some of these festivals in person and participate in Q and A’s at the screenings. Some highlights were attending Dances With Films in New York City, Breaking TV Film Festival in London, Birmingham Film Festival in Birmingham, UK, and The Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology in Portland, OR, where The Pinto Variety Hour had its World Premiere. The Pinto Variety Hour also screened at the Hollywood Theatre @ PDX Airport in the Fall 2024 Shorts Program which showed in Concourse C from September through December 2024. Thank you to all of the festivals judges, juries, attendees, fellow filmmakers, and my incredible talented team for making this year so incredible for Catch and Hatch.

12/27/24 Pinto – North Carolina Premiere

The Pinto Variety Hour has been selected to show in Asheboro, North Carolina at the Mightier Than The Sword Film Awards at Sunset Film Festival. The festival will take place 1/8-1/11 at the historic Sunset Theatre in Asheboro. There are Q&A panels scheduled, meet and greet sessions and an opening night reception, concert and networking event. The Pinto Variety Hour is screening on Saturday, 1/11.

RICHARD ELFMAN @richardelfman , the director of the cult classic, FORBIDDEN ZONE (and brother of Danny Elfman), will be a guest of honor. FORBIDDEN ZONE turns 45 in 2025 and the festival will be screening a special director’s cut version of the film. Richard’s most recent film, “Bloody Bridget” will also be shown on Saturday, January 11.

12/11/24 Istanbul – Pinto Variety Hour Wins Animation Short Film Special Jury Award

The Pinto Variety Hour won the Animation Short Film -Special Jury Award at its Turkish Premiere in Istanbul at the Halic Goldenhorn International Film Festival. The festival took place December 2 -11 and was presented by the Fotofilm Culture Art and Ansam Culture Association at IBB Beyoglu Cinema and Istanbul Ariel University.

11/15/24 Dances With Films: New York

I’m absolutely thrilled that Dances With Films: New York has selected The Pinto Variety Hour to screen in Pilot Series Block 2 on 12/6 at 12:45pm. The festival is happening 12/5-12/8 at Regal Union Square in Manhattan. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

In 2024, the festival was named one of the world’s TOP 25 COOLEST FILM FESTIVALS by Movie Maker. Also, in 2023, USA TODAY readers recognized Dances With Films as a TOP 10 North American film festival.

11/12/24 Film Focus review

Film Focus Online reviewed The Pinto Variety Hour. The critic called it, “whimsical and fun. With episodes being under half an hour, this easy-to-watch adult animation is the comic relief we all need in our lives.” He also wrote, “I really enjoyed the animation in this series, the characters are well-crafted crafted, very zany and the voice-over acting is fantastic. There’s not just beans, we have rodents, lizards, sea creatures, and more as they’ve created a realistic, yet wacky world. How Pinto walks/runs is hilarious, and this type of over-the-top ridiculousness is what gives shows like this an edge.” Check it out.

11/10/24 interview with rj

Film Fugitives interviewed me about The Pinto Variety Hour. I was asked about the show’s conception, future, influences, animation style, working with voice actors, how I come up with ideas for the show, and what I hope audiences will take away from it.

https://fugitives.com/interview-the-pinto-variety-hour-r-j-sullivan-2024

10/24/24 november UPDATES

Check out this wonderful write-up for The Pinto Variety Hour by the Breaking TV Film Festival where it’s nominated for Best Animation. The festival is happening 11/2-11/3 in London at Curzon Bloomsbury. https://www.breakingtvfilmfestival.com/post/the-highly-anticipated-uk-premiere-of-the-pinto-variety-hour

Nomination updates:

Birmingham Film Festival, Birmingham, UK, Millennium Point, 11/8 – 11/17. Nominations: Best TV Show, Best Animation, and the Bull Award (Best Film in Festival),

Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival, Los Angeles, CA, 11/6. Nomination: Best Animated Series

Oregon Short Film Festival, Portland, OR, Clinton St. Theatre 11/10. Nomination: Best Comedy Series Episode

10/4/24 FESTIVAL UPDATES

In addition to screening at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland International Airport from now until January 2025. The Pinto Variety Hour pilot episode will be showing at the following festivals:

Breaking TV Film Festival, London, 11/1 – 11/3. Nominated for Best Animation

Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival, Los Angeles, 11/5 – 11/10

Oregon Short Film Festival, Portland, OR, Clinton St. Theatre 11/10

Birmingham Film Festival, Birmingham, UK, Millennium Point, 11/8 – 11/17. Nominated for Bull Award (Best Film in Festival)

Festival de Cine Antigua, Guatemala, 12/5. Nominated for Best 2D Animation

T.I.F.A – Tietê International Film Awards, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 12/10. Nominated for Best Screenplay – Animated Film

7/15/24 portland premiere

I’m very excited to announce that The Pinto Variety Hour pilot episode will be premiering at The Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology in Portland OR on Saturday, August 25. It will be showing in The Portland Filmmakers Block at 6:15pm. This incredible festival will be happening at OMSI from 8/21 – 8/25. It is absolutely worth checking out! Last year far exceeded my expectations. It’s a top notch festival experience. Tickets will be available soon.

4/10/24 The Pinto Variety Hour

Production for The Pinto Variety Hour pilot episode, “Time Waits for No Bean”, has completed. It took longer than expected (naturally) but after more than a year in the making, it is ready for film festival submission. Visit thepintovarietyhour.com for detailed information about the show, artwork, clips, and episode ideas. Check out the theatrical trailer and the musical trailer on Vimeo.

1/15/24 Pinto at pdx airport!

Pinto the Mean Bean is now showing at the Portland International Airport as part of the Winter 2024 shorts program at the Hollywood Theatre mini-cinema located in Concourse C. The (roughly) 1 hour long program plays on loop continuously at the theatre and features NW filmmakers of all types. Also, it’s also FREE!!! It will be running January through March.

12/30/23 what a year!

In 2023, Catch and Hatch Studios short films were shown in 44 film festivals internationally. “Arlo Sings the Blues” was an Official Selection for 23 festivals and won some awards. “Pinto the Mean Bean” was ALSO an Official Selection for 23 festivals and ALSO won some awards.  Both shorts were selected by the Chicago-based International Children’s Media Center to be curated for future children’s festivals.

Some 2023 Arlo highlights were:

1. Winning “Best Animated Short Film” at the BAMkids Film Festival in New York.

2. Showing at St Kilda Film Festival (Australia’s largest and longest running Oscar qualifying short film festival).

Some 2023 Pinto highlights were:

1. Showing at Dances with Films at a sold-out screening at the famed TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Wowowow.

2. Showing on an IMAX screen for The Portland International Festival of Cinema and Technology and being nominated for “Best Oregon Short”

11/25/23 Arlo at BAM!!

Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing in New York at The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) again on Saturday, 12/2/23 as part of The Best of BAMkids Film Festival. Arlo won “Best Animation Short Film” by audience vote back in February 2023 at The 25th Annual BAMkids Film Festival and is now showing in The Best of BAMkids Film Festival on Saturday.

The international program will be screening 9 animated short films for children (ages 6-8). The showing starts at 11am and tickets are available through bam.org

11/10/23 Pinto in Dubai!!

Pinto the Mean Bean has been selected to be shown in Dubai at the The Great Indian Film Festival! The film will be screened on November 22nd and November 23rd at Reel Cinemas in the Dubai Mall. This is one of the largest malls in the world and even has a huge indoor aquarium! . I am thrilled and honored to have Pinto selected.

10/28/23 arlo in china!!

Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing in GuangZhou, China, at the International Short Film Festival Canton . The festival is happening 11/3 – 11/5. This will be Arlo’s Chinese Premiere!

10/16/23 SKiptown playhouse!

Pinto the Mean Bean has been selected to be shown in Los Angeles at the Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival. The festival is happening 11/8 – 11/12. The schedule has yet to be announced but I am very honored to have Pinto selected. More details to come.

10/7/23 Linoleum Festival!

The Linoleum Festival is underway in Kyiv, Ukraine, and Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing today at UNIT.City in the Kids (ages 3-6) program. The entire festival runs from 10/4 – 10/8. This is the biggest animation festival in Ukraine and Arlo is featured in a program of 12 international shorts. I am honored that Arlo was selected.

8/15Chaniartoon in Greece!

Arlo Sings the Blues has been selected for the Chaniartoon International Comic and Animation Festival taking place 9/11 – 9/24 in Chania-Crete in Greece! More details to come.

8/15Linoleum Festival!

I am very excited that Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing in the Linoleum Festival in Kyiv, Ukraine! My short will be closing the Kids (ages 3-6) program on October 7 in Kyiv. The entire festival runs from 10/4 – 10/8. This is the biggest animation festival in Ukraine and Arlo is featured in a program of 12 international shorts. I am honored that Arlo was selected. The festival will be taking place at a very intriguing venue called UNIT.City.

8/15San Diego!

Pinto the Mean Bean will be showing in the San Diego International Kids’ Film Festival in San Diego, CA, which is happening 8/25 – 8/27. Pinto is showing on 8/25 in Animation Block 1 which starts at 11am.

8/12Flickers’ RIFF

Today!! Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing in the Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival in Providence, RI at The Vets Cinematheque. It is showing in the Kids Eye Film Festival program which is 95 minutes and starts at 12pm. I’m especially psyched to be in this festival (the largest on the east coast) because Errol Morris’ new film, “Tune Out the Noise”, premiered at the festival yesterday. Errol Morris is my favorite documentarian and his first film, “Gates of Heaven”, is my favorite film… I almost have it memorized., haha.

8/6Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology

I had an amazing time at the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology over the last 4 days. It was incredible to see Pinto the Mean Bean on an IMAX screen and be part of the Q and A afterwards for the “Finding You” program of animated shorts at OMSI in Portland, OR. Also, the red carpet awards ceremony was a lot of fun.

7/31 Flickers’ RIFF

I’m thrilled that Arlo Sings the Blues has been selected to screen at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival in Providence, RI! Pinto the Mean Bean was also a semi-finalist in the selection process. Arlo was officially selected from a submission pool of 7,050 entries from over 98 countries. The festival will take place August 7 -13. The Festival is also New England’s largest film festival and is Oscar and BAFTA qualifying. To read more about the festival click here.

7/28The Hollywood Times

I did an interview with The Hollywood Times via zoom while I walked my dog on the Oregon Coast. The article and video were released this afternoon.

7/7 ArLo in the airport!

I found out today the my short, Arlo Sings the Blues, has been selected to be included in a shorts program showing at the Hollywood Theatre mini cinema in the Portland International Airport. If More info to come!

7/6Interview!!!

An interview I did with We Are Moving Stories came out today!!! I discuss why I wanted to make Pinto the Mean Bean, a little about the creation process, and my future plans. I was honored to be interviewed by We Are Moving Stories and love their approach to film and the filmmaking community.

7/2Pinto in PDX

Incredibly excited that Pinto the Mean Bean has officially been nominated for Best Oregon Short for the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology Pinto will be showing on August 6th, at 2pm as part of the “Finding You” program of animated shorts at OMSI in Portland, OR. Also, there will be a red carpet awards ceremony on August 6th at 8pm.

6/12Pinto at Dances with films

So honored to have Pinto the Mean Bean showing at Dances With Films in Hollywood on 6/25/23 as part of the Kidz by Pros Block 1. The showing starts at 2pm. This will be a red carpet event at the iconic TLC Chinese Theatres!! Whoa. There will be Q and A session after the screening. The festival is happening June 22 – July 2.

Check out this press from Deadline about the 26th Annual Dances With Films festival.

6/1 Pinto at Farm to Film Fest

Pinto the Mean Bean won Best Animation Film at Farm to Film Fest in Washington, Iowa on 5/20/23!

5/23Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology

Very excited to announce that Pinto the Mean Bean is an official selection for the Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation, and Technology! The festival is happening August 3 – 6, 2023 at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The festival will feature over 100 films and animations with special guests, speakers, networking events, and panel presentations. The red-carpet award ceremony and party will take place Sunday August 6^th starting at 8pm at Theory, located at OMSI. More info to come!

5/17/23 Dances With Films

Pinto the Mean Bean is an official selection for Dances With Films in Hollywood!! This will be a red carpet event at the iconic TLC Chinese Theatres!! Whoa. There will be Q and A session after the screening. Pinto will be part of the Dances With Kidz! program. The festival is happening June 22 – July 2. More info to come!

5/10/23 We Like ’em Short Fest

Looking forward to Pinto the Mean Bean screening at We Like ‘Em Short in Baker City, OR! The event takes place 8/24 -8/27. My Pinto short will be showing opening night in a drive-in screening experience which will be super fun!

4/18/23 Arlo in australia!!!

Beyond excited that Arlo Sings the Blues will be showing in the St. Kilda Film Festival in Melbourne! This is Australia’s largest and longest running short film festival and is an Academy Awards qualifying event. The festival will be happening in cinema from June 1 – June 12.

Arlo Sings the Blues will be also be showing in the Revelation Film Festival in Perth! This festival has developed a reputation as Australia’s leading independent screen event. The festival will be happening in cinema from July 12 – July 16.

My Arlo short will be screening in Family Film programs for each of these festivals.

4/15 Pintoin istanbul!!!

Pinto the Mean Bean was selected to show in the Golden Bridge Instanbul Short Film Festival in Istanbul, Turkey happening 4/17/23.

3/28/23 Pinto won at indie short fest in la!

Pinto the Mean Bean won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Indie Short Fest in LA for March 2023! Very honored to receive this recognition.

Festival Updates: I received notices one or both of my short children’s films, Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues will also be in the following festivals in addition to some festivals previously listed:

Austin Lift-Off Festival, Austin, TX, 4/2 – 5/2 – -Streaming through Vimeo On-Demand, Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues.

Farm to Film Fest, Washington, Iowa 5/20 – 5/21 – Official Selection – Pinto the Mean Bean

Skiptown Playhouse International Film Festival, LA, 11/20 – Official Selection – Pinto the Mean Bean

3/13/23 Festival Updates

Here are some of the upcoming festivals that will showing both one or both of my short children’s films, Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues.

Athens Animfest, Athens, Greece 3/16/ – 3/19 –Official Selections – Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues

Manchester Lift-Off Festival, Manchester, UK 3/13/ – 4/10 –Trendsetter Shorts Selections -Streaming through Vimeo On-Demand, Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues.

Palm Springs International Animation Festival, Palm Springs, CA 4/30 –Official Selections, Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues.

Indie Shorts Fest, Los Angeles, CA 3/17 –Official Selection, Pinto the Mean Bean

2/17/23 Athens animfest 2023- official selections!

Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues were both officially selected for the 18th annual Athens Animfest in Athens, Greece! Festival dates: 3/16-3/19. Excited about this!

2/17/23 ARLO SINGS THE BLUES- 2023 bam winner!!

Arlo Sings the Blues received the most audience votes at the 2023 BAMkids Film Festival and won Best Animated Short Film for the whole festival! I am incredibly honored. The Arlo short will be showing in theater again in the Fall in New York and will be streaming On Demand for a week at that time.

Sadly, the REAL Arlo passed away last Friday, 2/10/23. RIP, buddy…. He was a special cat and his song lives on in film.

2/13/23 berlin lift-off Film festival

Pinto the Mean Bean and Arlo Sings the Blues were both selected for the Judges’ Select Shorts Showcase for the 2023 Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival! The festival activities will be taking place in Berlin and the films will also be streaming through Vimeo On-Demand from 2/13/23 -3/13/23. You can vote for Pinto and Arlo if you sign up to view the Judges’ Select Shorts Showcase.

1/26/23 Awards updates

Pinto the Mean Bean has won the following awards this season so far:

Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles 1/17/23 – Best Children’s Short- Silver

Kollywood International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu, India 1/17/23 – Best Children’s Short

Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, Athens, Greece 1/5/23 – Honorable Mention

1/5/23 Arlo at Bam

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) announced the 25th Annual Family Film Festival is happening on Feb 4 -5, 2023. Arlo Sings the Blues is one of 13 films being shown in theater. “Any star is within reach in these stellar films where kids, cats, and even candles stretch themselves to achieve the impossible.” The festival is in partnership with the Melbourne International Animation Festival and features films from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Singapore, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Tickets are not yet on sale but click here for more information.

12/29/22 Watch Pinto on Youtube!

Also, Pinto the Mean Bean has a home page on Shortverse.

12/17/22 – New animation!!! Pinto the mean bean

New animated short called Pinto the Mean Bean is officially done!! Watch the trailer!

Pinto is a bean who lives in a crowded, noisy place called Legumeopolis (AKA Bean City). The way Pinto sees it, there’s a lot to be upset about. By helping his fellow beans, Pinto learns that he’s not alone.

12/15/22 – aRLO SCREENING AT bROOKLYN aCADEMY OF mUSIC (bam)

Arlo Sings the Blues (In the Middle of the Night) has been selected for the annual Family Film Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) on 2/4/23 and 2/5/23. Very honored and excited about this!!!

9/5/22 – *Awards Updates* –

Arlo Sings the Blues (In the Middle of the Night) won the following awards this season:

Athvikvaruni International Film Festival, Tamil Nadu, India, 8/15/22 – Best Children’s Short Film

Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles 8/14/22 – Best Children’s Short Film -Silver

Independent Shorts Awards, Los Angeles 8/14/22 – Best Music Video -Bronze

Serbest International Film Festival, Kishinev, Republic of Moldova, 9/5/22 – Animation Film– Semi-Finalist

Indie Short Fest, Los Angeles, 7/24/22 – Children Short -Outstanding Achievement Award

7/24/22 – ArLo Sings the Blues – indie short fest award winner!!!

Arlo Sings the Blues (In the Middle of the Night) won the Outstanding Achievement Award in the Children Short category for the July 2022 Indie Short Fest in Hollywood! I’m very honored to be have been part of this festival.

Also check out the Arlo festival poster

7/8/22- arlo sings the blues- children’s book release

Read Arlo’s take on why he “sings” in the middle of the night in this children’s book designed to accompany the animated video.

11″ by 8.5″. Full color and hardbound with glossy front and back covers. Purchase it here.

6/26/22- New Animated video

Arlo Sings the Blues (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT)

Arlo is a cat who likes to sing all night long. Is he practicing or is he annoying?

Hmmm… I guess that depends on who you ask.

But this is Arlo’s story.