Pixar Animation Studios will release its new SparkShorts short film program next week with their first three shorts debuting at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theater. From Jan. 18-24, guests can purchase a ticket to a feature film presentation of The Little Mermaid (1, 4, and 7 p.m. showtimes), which will be immediately followed by the three shorts, Purl, Smash and Grab, and Kitbull.
Purl, directed by Kristen Lester and produced by Gillian Libbert-Duncan, stars a ball of yarn named Purl who gets a job at a fast-paced, high energy, male-centric start-up. Things start to unravel as she tries to fit in with the close-knit group. Purl struggles with how far is she willing to go to get the acceptance she yearns for and whether it is worth it in the end.
Smash and Grab, directed by Brian Larsen and produced by David Lally, is about two antiquated robots who risk everything for freedom and each other after years of toiling away inside the engine room of a locomotive.
Kitbull, directed by Rosana Sullivan and produced by Kathryn Hendrickson, focuses on an unlikely connection between two creatures: an independent stray kitten and a pit bull. Together, they experience friendship for the first time.
The shorts will run for one week, followed by Pixar’s first YouTube-exclusive launch in the following weeks. They will later be available on the Disney•Pixar YouTube channel and Disney+.
Purl hits YouTube on Feb. 4, followed by Smash and Grab on Feb. 11, and Kitbull on Feb. 18. Future SparkShorts will be available on Disney+, which is set to launch in the U.S. later this year.
