DEADLINE: Mainframe Studios Turns To Cookbook Media To Help Supercharge Slate

By Jesse Whittock

International TV Co-Editor

February 23, 2026 7:30am

DEADLINE EXCLUSIVE: Vancouver-based Mainframe Studios and global franchise management firm Cookbook Media are trying out a new recipe.

The pair has struck a strategic partnership to exploit titles such as the upcoming CGI series The Immortals & The Shadow Realm from Mainframe’s original IP bank and its work-for-hire portfolio.

This will see New York’s Cookbook and Mainframe teaming to develop new business development, secure production partnerships, expand global distribution and broaden licensing and merchandising. They will undertake “comprehensive creative and commercial reviews of original projects to ensure alignment with audience demand, platform priorities, and long-term franchise potential.”

Mainframe’s original development slate will be packaged and positioned for greenlights through commissioning, co-productions, pre-sales and other financing structures, while looking to make more cash from Mainframe’s existing content library. Brand collaborations, global consumer products programs, publishing initiatives, and live and experiential extensions are also planned, alongside digital-first strategies spanning YouTube, social platforms and narrative-driven gaming. 

The Immortals & The Shadow Realm, which we first reported on in December 2025, will be key to the pact. The animated series comes from Mainframe President and CCO Michael Hefferon, who says it blends K-Pop Demon Hunters-style energy with the visual style of Arcane and anime. Horror-comedy Ghost Town, in development with creators Josh Saltzman and Evan Thaler Hickey, is also planned for a push.

“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,” said 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.”

“Mainframe has an extraordinary legacy of creative excellence and production expertise,” added Claudia Scott-Hansen and Rob Bencal, co-founders of Cookbook, in a statement. “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.”

Thirty-three-year-old Canadian studio Mainframe is known for shows such as Unicorn Academy, SuperKitties and Octonauts, while Scott-Hansen and Benca founded Cookbook as a management agency offering turnkey solutions for intellectual property development, digital strategy, consumer products licensing, gaming, global content distribution and YouTube channel management.