Mainframe Studios Partners with Cookbook Media to Boost Their Creative Projects
EXCLUSIVE: Vancouver-based Mainframe Studios and global franchise management firm Cookbook Media have announced a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging Mainframe’s intellectual property and work-for-hire projects.
The collaboration will focus on developing new business opportunities, securing production partnerships, expanding global distribution, and enhancing licensing and merchandising initiatives. This partnership will include “comprehensive creative and commercial reviews of original projects to ensure alignment with audience demand, platform priorities, and long-term franchise potential.”
Through this partnership, Mainframe’s original development slate will be packaged for approval via commissioning, co-productions, pre-sales, and other financing options. The collaboration also aims to maximize revenue from Mainframe’s existing content library, alongside plans for brand collaborations, global consumer product programs, and live experience initiatives. Digital-first strategies across platforms like YouTube and social media will also be part of these efforts.
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The CGI series The Immortals & The Shadow Realm, first reported in December 2025, will play a pivotal role in this partnership. Created by Mainframe President and Chief Creative Officer Michael Hefferon, the animated series is described as combining the energy of K-Pop Demon Hunters with the visual aesthetics of Arcane and anime. Additionally, the horror-comedy Ghost Town is in development with creators Josh Saltzman and Evan Thaler Hickey.
“As we continue to invest in building and owning original IP while delivering world-class work-for-hire productions, having an integrated commercial strategy is critical, and this collaboration with Cookbook marks an incredibly important evolution in the growth of Mainframe Studios,” remarked Hefferon.
“Cookbook brings a proven track record in franchise-building, licensing, and global distribution strategy. Together, we are creating a turnkey model that strengthens our ability to grow franchises from concept through long-term, multi-platform success,” he added.
Claudia Scott-Hansen and Rob Bencal, co-founders of Cookbook, emphasized the value of the partnership, stating, “Mainframe has an extraordinary legacy of creative excellence and production expertise. This collaboration reflects our shared vision with Mainframe to build enduring franchises by aligning story development, production strategy, and commercial expansion from the earliest stages of development.”
Established 33 years ago, Mainframe is recognized for producing shows such as Unicorn Academy, SuperKitties, and Octonauts. Cookbook was founded by Scott-Hansen and Bencal as a management agency specializing in intellectual property development, digital strategy, consumer products licensing, gaming, global content distribution, and YouTube channel management.
