Mainframe Studios

{{Short description|Canadian animation studio}}

{{About|the Canadian animation studio|the Nigerian film production company|Mainframe Films and Television Productions}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}

{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2024}}

{{Infobox company

| name = Mainframe Studios

| logo = Mainframe Studios logo.webp

| logo_size = 200px

| logo_caption = Logo used since 2020

| type = Division

| industry = Animation
Motion pictures

| former_name = {{ubl|Mainframe Entertainment (1993–2007)|Rainmaker Entertainment (2007–2016)|Rainmaker Studios (2016–2020)}}

| founded = {{Start date and age|1993}}

| founders = {{ubl|Christopher Brough|Ian Pearson|Phil Mitchell|Gavin Blair|John Grace}}

| hq_location_city = Vancouver, British Columbia

| hq_location_country = Canada

| num_locations =

| num_locations_year =

| key_people = Michael Hefferon (president and CCO){{cite news|date=November 14, 2012|title=Rainmaker Entertainment Names Michael Hefferon President|url=https://deadline.com/2012/11/rainmaker-entertainment-names-michael-hefferon-president-371918/|access-date=November 15, 2012|work=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Penske Media Corporation}}

| num_employees = >650 (2021)

| products = {{ubl|Television films|Television shows|Feature films|Animation outsourcing}}

| parent = {{ubl|IDT Entertainment (2003–2006)|Rainmaker Income Fund (2006–2008)|Wow Unlimited Media (2016–present)}}

| owner =

| website = https://www.mainframe.ca

}}

Mainframe Studios is a Canadian animation studio owned by Wow Unlimited Media and based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Founded in 1993 as Mainframe Entertainment Inc. by Christopher Brough, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell, Gavin Blair and John Grace, the company established itself as a leading contributor to the introduction of computer-generated imagery (CGI) live action in animation, film and television.

The company previously operated as a subsidiary of Starz Inc. (at the time a division of IDT Corporation) between 2003 and 2007. Local post production firm, Rainmaker Income Fund, acquired a majority stake in the company, initially rebranding it in the process as Rainmaker Animation and would fold into it in 2008, permanently rebranding it as Rainmaker Entertainment. Rainmaker would revive the "Mainframe Entertainment" name for its then-newly-created division meant for television production. On October 25, 2016, the company announced a triple acquisition and merger of Frederator Networks and Ezrin-Hirsh Entertainment to create the holding company, WOW! Unlimited Media, and rebrand a second time to Rainmaker Studios. In 2020, the company would rebrand a third and final time to Mainframe Studios to return to their "Mainframe Entertainment" name roots.

The company is best known for the production of the first fully computer-animated half-hour television series ReBoot; Beast Wars, a reimagined relaunch of Transformers from Hasbro; and Barbie since 2001, in partnership with American toy company Mattelthe majority of films which later expanded into other audiovisual media to create a multimedia franchise for the flagship fashion doll property.

History

=As Mainframe Entertainment=

The company was established in 1993 as Mainframe Entertainment Inc. by Christopher Brough, a noted Los Angeles-based animation producer and a British animation team known as "The Hub" – Gavin Blair, Ian Pearson, Phil Mitchell and John Grace. They were looking to create ReBoot, the first fully computer-animated television series, after having used the technology to produce music videos like Money for Nothing and Let's Get Rocked. Due to the cost of shipping equipment back home, advantageous tax credits and proximity to Los Angeles, the company set up shop in Vancouver, Canada.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/1997/03/reboot-3/|title=Before Toy Story there was ... ReBoot|first=Rogier Van|last=Bakel|magazine=Wired|access-date=April 22, 2018|date=March 1, 1997}}

In 1994, ReBoot launched on ABC in the United States and YTV in Canada. The series intermittently ran for four seasons with production ending in 2001. The company's second project was produced for American toy company Hasbro. Beast Wars (known in Canada as Beasties), a relaunch of the Transformers brand, debuted in 1996 and concluded in 1999. A follow-up, Beast Machines was produced between 1999 and 2000. Both ReBoot and Beast Wars were produced with Alliance Communications, who had taken a 50% ownership of Mainframe. In 1996, Mainframe paid $17 million to reduce Alliance's share to 15%.{{cite web|date=September 23, 1996|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/MEDIA/index.html|url-status=dead|title=Vancouver-Based Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Reduces Alliance Communication Corporation's Interest in Firm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231424/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/MEDIA/index.html|archive-date=August 16, 2000|access-date=April 23, 2018}}

Mainframe became a publicly traded company with a listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange on June 17, 1997. In conjunction with the public offering, Alliance sold 700,000 shares in the company, lowering their ownership to 7.8%.{{cite web|date=June 17, 1997|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Completes Initial Public Offering|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#june17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231513/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#june17|access-date=April 23, 2018|publisher=Mainframe Entertainment|archive-date=August 16, 2000|url-status=dead}} Christopher Brough became the CEO, Pearson the president, Blair as director of operations and Mitchell as Blair's assistant/vice.{{cite web|title=Mainframe Entertainment Corporate|url=http://mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/CORPORATE/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991013130934/http://mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/CORPORATE/index.html|archive-date=October 13, 1999|access-date=April 23, 2018|website=Mainframe Entertainment|url-status=dead}} In its first year on the stock exchange, Mainframe posted an $11 million loss despite producing hit multi-award-winning computer-animated shows during this period.{{cite web|date=July 24, 1998|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Announces Fiscal 1998 Year End Results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231513/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#july24|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#july24|publisher=Mainframe Entertainment|archive-date=August 16, 2000|access-date=April 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

Mainframe opened its American division in Los Angeles on April 17, 1998, to be led by Dan DiDio and oversee content development, production and local distribution.{{cite press release|date=April 17, 1998|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Appoints L.A.-based Creative V.P.|archive-date=August 16, 2000|access-date=April 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231513/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/MEDIA/index.html#april17|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/MEDIA/index.html#april17|website=Mainframe Entertainment|url-status=dead}} DiDio previously worked with Mainframe through his stint as executive director of children's programming at ABC.

After having earlier produced two ReBoot themed rides for the company, the IMAX Corporation made a $16 million investment in the company in 1999, which gave IMAX roughly 30% ownership of Mainframe, included the creation of a new joint venture meant to facilitate the creation of animated films based on Gulliver's Travels and Pied Piper, with a third project titled Pandora’s Box.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1999/film/news/imax-in-mainframe-s-picture-1117491903/|title=Imax in Mainframe's picture|first=Eric|last=Olsen|date=March 3, 1999|access-date=June 22, 2018|work=Variety}} The films were intended to be stereoscopic, 3D feature length releases, though none of the three saw completion.{{cite web|date=September 25, 1998|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mainframe-travels-imax|title=Mainframe travels with IMAX|website=Animation World Network|access-date=June 22, 2018}}

At the end of the 1999 fiscal year, the company reported a $17 million loss.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231513/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#july26|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#july26|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Announces Fiscal 1999 Year End Results|date=July 26, 1999|publisher=Mainframe Entertainment|archive-date=August 16, 2000|access-date=April 23, 2018|url-status=live}} Thanks to episode deliveries for Beast Machines, Beast Wars, Shadow Raiders and Weird-Oh's the company posted its first profit of $1.4 million in fiscal 2000.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816231513/http://www.mainframe.ca/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#jul5|url=http://www.mainframe.ca:80/ABOUTUS/FINANCIAL/index.html#jul5|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2000 Results|date=July 5, 2000|access-date=August 19, 2018|archive-date=August 16, 2000|url-status=live}} Buoyed by Heavy Gear, Action Man and their first direct-to-video film, Casper's Haunted Christmas, Mainframe posted another profit of $2.4 million for fiscal 2001.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010720045308/http://www.mainframe.ca/aboutus/news_media/2001/jul_9.html|url=http://www.mainframe.ca/aboutus/news_media/2001/jul_9.html|title=Mainframe Entertainment, Inc. Announces Best Year Ever for Fiscal 2001|date=July 9, 2001|publisher=Mainframe Entertainment|archive-date=July 20, 2001|access-date=May 25, 2019}} Despite the success, the company faced a major management shakeup that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/mainframe-ceo-steps-down-to-take-creative-role/|title=Mainframe ceo steps down to take creative role|first=Debra|last=Johnson|work=C21 Media|date=June 6, 2001|access-date=May 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2001/11/01/mainframe-20011101/|title=Mainframe's internal shuffle explained|date=November 1, 2001|access-date=May 25, 2019|work=Kidscreen|publisher=Brunico Communications}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/news/mainframe-taps-mischel-1117881314/|title=Mainframe taps Mischel|first=Don|last=Townson|date=February 26, 2003|access-date=May 26, 2019|work=Variety|publisher=Penske Media}} Pearson had stepped down as president in June and left the company shortly after, with fellow co-founders Blair and Mitchell also leaving in 2002 and 2005, respectively.

In 2001, American toy maker Mattel partnered with Mainframe to produce Barbie in the Nutcracker. The direct-to-video feature sold more than {{formatnum:3.4}} million units in its first year.{{cite magazine |title=Indies Gain Ground In DVD Marketplace |magazine=Billboard |date=August 3, 2002 |volume=114 |issue=31 |page=63 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AwwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA63}} The success of the release led to a longstanding relationship between Mattel and the animation studio. Mainframe (and its successors) would later produce the majority of the franchise's direct-to-video films, as well as a television series.

Following financial losses of $18.9 million and $7.5 million in fiscal 2002 and 2003, the American IDT Corporation announced it would purchase 56% of Mainframe for $14 million on September 16, 2003.{{cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2003/09/01/mainframe-20030901/|title=Mainframe's revenue drops 34% in '03|first=Ian|last=Edwards|date=September 1, 2003|access-date=May 25, 2019|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications}}{{cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2003/09/29/mainframe-20030929/|title=Mainframe sells majority ownership|first=Ian|last=Edwards|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications|access-date=April 22, 2018|date=September 29, 2003}} After the cancellation of Spider-Man: The New Animated Series that same year, the company moved away from producing television series. While a number of projects were announced they ultimately did not see fruition, including a pre-school oriented ReBoot spinoff called Binomes as well as Mainframe's first live-action production, an adaptation of Harriet the Spy.{{cite web|url=http://www.c21media.net/uk-pick-up-for-new-mainframe-toon/|title=UK pick-up for new Mainframe toon|date=June 13, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2018|first=Jenn|last=Kuzmyk|work=C21 Media}}{{cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2005/02/14/spin-20050214/|title=Spinning towards feature film FX|first=Mark|last=Dillon|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications|date=February 14, 2005|access-date=April 23, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mainframe-lands-natpe-two-new-properties|title=Mainframe Lands At NATPE With Two New Properties|first=Leigh|last=Godfrey|date=January 7, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2018|work=Animation World Network}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/silver-lining-mainframe-make-big-plans-for-small-and-friends/|title=Silver Lining, Mainframe Make Big Plans for Small and Friends|work=Animation Magazine|first=Ryan|last=Ball|date=August 28, 2003|access-date=April 23, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mip-tv-news-mainframe-sails-mip-tv-popeye-and-others|title= MIP-TV News: Mainframe Sails into MIP-TV with Popeye and Others|first=Rick|last=DeMott|work=Animation World Network|date=March 11, 2004|access-date=April 23, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mainframe-protocol-team-live-action-harriet-spy|title=Mainframe & Protocol Team On Live-Action Harriet The Spy|date=September 21, 2004|first=Rick|last=Demott|work=Animation World Network|access-date=April 23, 2018}} In 2005, the company acquired the distribution rights to the live-action/CGI-animated television series Zixx. Mainframe also provided animation for the show's second and third seasons in conjunction with Thunderbird Films.{{cite press release|url=http://thunderbird.tv/2005/01/09/thunderbird-films-inks-deal-with-mainframe-entertainment-on-zixx/|title=Thunderbird Films Inks Deal with Mainframe Entertainment on ZIXX|location=Vancouver|publisher=Thunderbird Films|date=January 9, 2005|access-date=April 23, 2018}} The bulk of the company's work now consisted of direct-to-video projects and television specials.

After producing the visuals for the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, Mainframe started a creative services division to produce video game animation, graphic design, motion graphics, titling, show opening sequences and branding in 2005.{{cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/mainframe-animates-mtv-movie-awards/|title=Mainframe Animates MTV Movie Awards|date=May 21, 2003|access-date=June 22, 2018|work=Animation Magazine}}{{cite web|url=http://kidscreen.com/2005/11/01/mainframe-20051101/|title=Mainframe goes after creative services work|publisher=Brunico Communications|work=Kidscreen|date=November 1, 2005|access-date=April 23, 2018}} This branch of the company worked on a number of projects, including cut-scenes for Prototype, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand and Ghostbusters: The Video Game, as well as the 2006 MTV Movie Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mainframe-ent-scores-2006-mtv-movie-awards-animation|title= Mainframe Ent. Scores 2006 MTV Movie Awards Animation|date=May 25, 2006|access-date=June 22, 2018|work=Animation World Network}}

=As Rainmaker=

File:Rainmaker Entertainment (Flat).svg

Finding itself under new ownership, IDT sold its 62% stake in Mainframe to Vancouver-based post-production firm Rainmaker Income Fund on July 20, 2006, for $13.8 million.{{cite press release|date=July 20, 2006|title=Rainmaker to Acquire Mainframe Entertainment, a World Leader in CG Animation; Acquisition Will Create Canada's Largest Animation and Visual Effects Company|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20060720005273/en/Rainmaker-Acquire-Mainframe-Entertainment-World-Leader-CG|access-date=April 22, 2018|location=Vancouver|publisher=Rainmaker Income Fund|via=Business Wire}}{{cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2006/08/07/rainmaker-20060807/|title=Rainmaker looks to rule CG with Mainframe pickup|first=Ilona|last=Beiks|date=August 7, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2018|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications}} The next month Rainmaker announced it would acquire the remaining 38% of Mainframe.{{cite press release|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/rainmaker-mainframe-enter-into-agreement-rainmaker-acquire-balance-mainframe-shares-609985.htm|title=Rainmaker and Mainframe Enter Into Agreement for Rainmaker to Acquire Balance of Mainframe Shares|date=August 30, 2006|access-date=April 23, 2018|location=Vancouver|publisher=Rainmaker Income Fund}} On January 30, 2007, Mainframe was renamed to Rainmaker Animation.{{cite press release|url=http://mainframe.ca:80/press/4|title=Rainmaker Announces New Animation Division|date=January 30, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130032832/http://mainframe.ca/press/4|archive-date=January 30, 2009|access-date=April 23, 2018|location=Vancouver|publisher=Rainmaker Entertainment|url-status=live}} Later that year, Rainmaker sold its visual effects and post production divisions to Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, leaving only the animation business.{{cite web|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2007/11/29/rainmaker-20071129/|title=Rainmaker sells to Deluxe|date=November 29, 2007|access-date=April 23, 2018|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications}}

In June 2012, Chinese animation studio Xing Xing Digital announced its intent to purchase Rainmaker, with the company willing to pay off Rainmaker's $7 million debt.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/china-s-xing-xing-takes-on-rainmaker-1118056090/|title=China's Xing Xing takes on Rainmaker|first=Katherine|last=Brodsky|work=Variety|date=June 27, 2012|access-date=August 20, 2018}} The purchase was called off after Rainmaker and Xing Xing were unable to finalize the sale by September 14, 2012.{{cite web|last=Vlessing|first=Etan|date=September 17, 2012|title=Canadian Animation Studio Ditches Takeover by China's Xing Xing Digital|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-animation-studio-xing-xing-370742|work=The Hollywood Reporter|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|access-date=August 20, 2018}}

In 2013, Rainmaker completed its first theatrical feature film, Escape from Planet Earth. Directed by Cal Brunker, it received mixed reviews from critics but was a success at the box office, grossing around $75 million worldwide. On October 7 that same year, Rainmaker launched a television production division and revived the "Mainframe Entertainment" brand for its title, starting with a CG-animated incarnation of Bob the Builder.{{cite web|last=Wolfe|first=Jennifer|date=October 7, 2013|title=Rainmaker Launches TV Division|url=http://www.awn.com/news/rainmaker-launches-tv-division|website=Animation World Network|access-date=October 24, 2016}}{{cite web|last=McLean|first=Tom|date=April 6, 2014|title=Mainframe to Animate HIT's New 'Bob' Series|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/mainframe-to-animate-hits-new-bob-series/|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=October 24, 2016}}

Rainmaker released its second theatrical feature film, Ratchet & Clank based on the video game series of the same name by Insomniac Games, in the first quarter of 2016 to financial failure. This poor reception to the film caused Rainmaker to take a $10 million impairment charge on their investment in the production{{cite web|date=May 5, 2016|title=Rainmaker Entertainment Provides Financial Update With Respect to Ratchet & Clank Domestic Release|url=http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/rainmaker-entertainment-provides-financial-update-with-respect-ratchet-clank-domestic-tsx-venture-rnk-2122165.htm|publisher=Marketwired|access-date=May 8, 2016}} and was later cited as the reason the company abandoned plans to adapt the Sly Cooper video game franchise into a theatrical film.{{cite web|last=Amidi|first=Amid |author-link=Amid Amidi|date=May 9, 2016|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/box-office-report/ratchet-clanks-dreadful-second-weekend-raises-questions-sly-cooper-feature-139474.html|title='Ratchet & Clank"s Dreadful Second Weekend Raises Questions About 'Sly Cooper' Feature|website=Cartoon Brew|access-date=November 14, 2016}}{{cite web|last=Paul|first=Jonathan|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2016/09/21/the-indie-animated-features-battleground/|title=The indie animated features battleground|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications|date=September 21, 2016|access-date=November 14, 2016}}{{cite web|date=December 7, 2017|title=Rainmaker exits Sly Cooper movie|url=http://www.toonbarn.com/other-cartoons/rainmaker-exits-sly-cooper-movie/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229041528/http://www.toonbarn.com/other-cartoons/rainmaker-exits-sly-cooper-movie/|archive-date=December 29, 2017|website=ToonBarn|access-date=December 29, 2017}}

Later that year on October 25, Rainmaker announced their intent to acquire and merge Erzin-Hirsh Entertainment and American-based Frederator Networks (and its main division, Frederator Studios) and consolidate them under its then-new holding company, WOW! Unlimited Media Inc.{{cite web|last=Wolfe|first=Jennifer|date=October 26, 2016|title=Rainmaker Entertainment Acquires Frederator, Rebranding As WOW!|url=http://www.awn.com/news/rainmaker-entertainment-acquires-frederator-rebranding-wow|website=Animation World Network|access-date=August 20, 2018}}(TSX:WOW.A)[https://web.tmxmoney.com/quote.php?qm_symbol=WOW.A WOW.A] At that time, the company changed the names of its home-base divisions to Rainmaker Studios and Mainframe Studios. Since the reorganization, the company has been heavily involved in television production animating ReBoot: The Guardian Code, a live-action/CGI-animated re-imagining of the ReBoot brand, Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures, the first-ever full-length TV series in the "Barbie" media franchise and Spy Kids: Mission Critical, the animated reboot/spin-off of the Spy Kids (franchise) in 2018. In 2019, the studio released its first traditionally-animated production, a pilot based on Knowledge Network mascots made in Toon Boom Harmony.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=September 11, 2019|title=Knowledge Network's 'Luna, Chip & Inkie' Star in Musical Special|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/knowledge-networks-luna-chip-inkie-star-in-musical-special/|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=September 21, 2019}}

=As Mainframe Studios=

On March 16, 2020, the studio announced it would be rebranding as Mainframe Studios and consolidate Rainmaker Studios under the "Mainframe" branding and fully returning the studio to their original "Mainframe" name.{{cite press release|date=March 16, 2020|title=Mainframe Studios: Returning to Our Roots|url=https://www.mainframe.ca/a-return-to-our-roots/|publisher=Mainframe Studios|access-date=March 20, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=April 28, 2020|title=WOW!'s Rainmaker Consolidates Under Mainframe Studios Banner|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/wows-rainmaker-consolidates-under-mainframe-studios-banner/|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=June 11, 2020}} Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mainframe Studios initiated remote work measures for its employees.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=April 8, 2020|title=How Future-Proof Planning Enabled Mainframe Studios Pivot to WFH|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/technology/how-future-proof-planning-enabled-mainframe-studios-pivot-to-wfh/|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=April 23, 2021}}

On June 24, 2021, the company confirmed that it would develop a 2D-animation pipeline in support of its first production in the medium, an animated series inspired by YouTube personality Guava Juice.{{cite press release|date=June 24, 2021|title=Mainframe Expands into 2D Series Production|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/06/24/2252945/0/en/Mainframe-Expands-into-2D-Series-Production.html|publisher=Wow Unlimited Media|location=Vancouver|agency=GlobeNewswire|access-date=August 17, 2021}} The following August, Mainframe announced that it would open a virtual studio in Toronto in the east of the country, building upon its earlier remote work experience.{{cite press release|date=August 16, 2021|title=WOW!'S Mainframe Studios Establishes Eastern Canadian Presence with New Toronto-Based Virtual Studio|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2021/08/16/2281555/0/en/WOW-S-Mainframe-Studios-Establishes-Eastern-Canadian-Presence-with-New-Toronto-Based-Virtual-Studio.html|publisher=Wow Unlimited Media|location=Vancouver|agency=GlobeNewswire|access-date=August 16, 2022}}

Productions list

=Television series/shows=

class="wikitable sortable"
Title

! Years

! Network

! Co-production with

! Notes

colspan="5"| as Mainframe Entertainment
ReBoot1994–2001{{ubl|YTV|ABC|Syndication|Cartoon Network (Toonami)}}{{ubl|Alliance Communications (seasons 1–3)|Shaw Communications (season 3)|BLT Productions|ReBoot Productions|Claster Television|Zondag Productions}}
Beast Wars: Transformers1996–1999{{ubl|Syndication|YTV}}{{ubl|Hasbro|Alliance Communications (seasons 1–2)|Alliance Atlantis (season 3)Claster Television|BLT Productions}}Based on the Hasbro toyline and the sequel to The Transformers.
Shadow Raiders1998–1999{{ubl|YTV|Syndication}}Alliance AtlantisBased on the Trendmasters toyline War Planets.
Weird-Ohsrowspan="2" | 1999–2000{{ubl|Fox Family|YTV}}{{ubl|Decode Entertainment|EM.TV & Merchandising AG|Testors Corporation}}Based on the Hawk Company toyline.
Beast Machines: Transformersrowspan="2" | {{ubl|Fox Kids|YTV}}HasbroBased on the Hasbro toyline and the sequel to Beast Wars: Transformers.
Action Man2000–2001{{ubl|Hasbro|Saban Entertainment}}Based on the Hasbro toyline.
Heavy Gear: The Animated Seriesrowspan="2" | 2001–2002Syndication{{ubl|Paradox Entertainment|Dream Pod 9|Adelaide Productions|Columbia TriStar Television}}Based on the video game published by Dream Pod 9 and licensed by Paradox Entertainment.
Max SteelCartoon Network{{ubl|Adelaide Productions|Columbia TriStar Television}}Season 3 only. Based on the Mattel toyline.
Spider-Man: The New Animated Series2003MTV{{ubl|Marvel Enterprises|Adelaide Productions|Sony Pictures Television}}Based on the characters by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Zixx2005–2009YTV{{ubl|The Nightingale Company|Thunderbird Entertainment}}Seasons 2–3 only. Originally produced as Mainframe Entertainment in season 2, then Rainmaker Animation/Entertainment in season 3.
colspan="5"| as Mainframe Studios
Bob the Builder (2015)2015–2017Channel 5{{ubl|HiT Entertainment (series 1–2)|Mattel Creations (series 2–3)}}Series 1–2 only. DHX Media took over for the final series.
ReBoot: The Guardian Coderowspan="2" | 2018{{ubl|Netflix|YTV}}{{ubl|ReBoot Productions|Corus Entertainment}}Reimagined series based on ReBoot.
Spy Kids: Mission Criticalrowspan="2" | NetflixDimension TelevisionBased on the Spy Kids franchise.{{cite news|first=Jordan|last=Pinto|date=March 24, 2017|title=Wow! Unlimited inks deal with Weinstein Co, Netflix|url=http://playbackonline.ca/2017/03/24/wow-unlimited-inks-deal-with-weinstein-co-netflix/|access-date=April 17, 2017|work=Playback|publisher=Brunico Communications}}
Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures2018–2020Mattel TelevisionBased on the Mattel toyline.
Octonauts2019–2021CBeebiesSilvergate MediaBased on the books by Meomi. Season 5 only.
Madagascar: A Little Wild2020–2022{{ubl|Hulu|Peacock}}DreamWorks Animation TelevisionBased on the Madagascar franchise. Animation services.{{cite web|title=Madagascar: A Little Wild|url=https://www.mainframe.ca/madagascar-a-little-wild/|website=Mainframe Studios|access-date=March 23, 2021}}
The Guava Juice Showrowspan="2" | 2021–presentYouTubeStudio71First 2D animated series produced by the studio.{{cite web|last=Morgan|first=Stephanie|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-guava-juice-show|title=The Guava Juice Show Review|website=Common Sense Media|date=February 14, 2022|access-date=April 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429002220/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-guava-juice-show|archive-date=April 29, 2022|url-status=live}}
Octonauts: Above & Beyondrowspan="5" | NetflixSilvergate MediaBased on the books by Meomi and sequel to Octonauts.
Barbie: It Takes Tworowspan="2" | 2022Mattel TelevisionBased on the Mattel toyline and the TV series follow-up to the 2021 film Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams.{{cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=April 5, 2022|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/drumroll-please-bright-lights-big-city-dreams-await-in-barbie-it-takes-two/|title=Drumroll Please: Bright Lights & Big City Dreams Await in 'Barbie: It Takes Two'|website=Animation Magazine|access-date=April 8, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Treese|first=Tyler|date=April 6, 2022|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/family/news/1217067-barbie-it-takes-two-clip|title=Barbie: It Takes Two Clip Previews Netflix Series|website=ComingSoon.net|access-date=April 14, 2022}}
Team Zenko GoDreamWorks Animation TelevisionBased on the books by Chris Tougas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/trailer-dreamworks-team-zenko-go-takes-good-deeds-to-the-extreme-on-netflix/|title=Trailer: DreamWorks' 'Team Zenko Go' Takes Good Deeds to the Extreme on Netflix|website=Animation Magazine|first=Mercedes|last=Milligan|date=February 17, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2022}}
Barbie: A Touch of Magicrowspan="2" | 2023–presentMattel TelevisionBased on the Mattel toyline.{{cite web|last=Grossman|first=Samantha|date=August 25, 2023|title=New Series 'Barbie: A Touch of Magic' Coming to Netflix in September|url=https://television.mxdwn.com/news/new-series-barbie-a-touch-of-magic-coming-to-netflix-in-september/|website=mxdwn Television|access-date=September 1, 2023}}
Unicorn AcademySpin Master EntertainmentAnimation services. Based on the books by Julia Sykes.
SuperKittiesrowspan="1" | 2024–presentDisney JuniorSony Pictures Television KidsAnimation production; Season 2–present.
JumpScareTBATBA{{ubl|Scholastic Entertainment|Man of Action Entertainment}}{{Cite web|last=Milligan|first=Mercedes|date=September 29, 2020|title=Scholastic Ent. & Mainframe Team for Chilling Animated Series 'JumpScare'|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/scholastic-ent-mainframe-team-for-chilling-animated-series-jumpscare/|access-date=March 23, 2021}}
Made by MaddieUnaired{{cite magazine |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=September 4, 2020 |title='Made By Maddie' Pulled By Nickelodeon Amid 'Hair Love' Controversy |url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/made-by-maddie-pulled-nickelodeon-hair-love-controversy-1234571148/ |magazine=Deadline |location=|publisher=Deadline Publications Ltd. |access-date=April 25, 2023}}NickelodeonSilvergate Media{{cite press release|date=May 28, 2020|title=WOW Unlimited Media Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2020|url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/05/28/2040594/0/en/WOW-Unlimited-Media-Announces-Financial-Results-for-the-First-Quarter-of-2020.html|access-date=June 12, 2020|publisher=Wow Unlimited Media|location=Vancouver|agency=GlobeNewswire}}

=Films/movies=

Features/cinematic/theatrical:

class="wikitable sortable"
Title

! Release Date

! Director

! Writer(s)

! Producer(s)

! Composer(s)

! Distribution/Co-production with

! Note

Escape from Planet EarthFebruary 15, 2013

| Cal Brunker

| Bob Barlen

Cal Brunker

| Catherine Winder

Luke Carroll

Brian Inerfeld

| Aaron Zigman

| GRF Productions

The Weinstein Company (United States)

Entertainment One (Canada)

Ratchet & ClankApril 29, 2016 |April 29, 2016

| Kevin Munroe

| T.J. Fixman

Kevin Munroe

Gerry Swallow

| Kylie Ellis

Brad Foxhoven

Kim Dent Wilder

David Wohl

Cal Brunker

| Evan Wise

| Blockade Entertainment

PlayStation Originals

Focus Features (through Gramercy Pictures, United States

Universal Pictures (Canada)

Cinema Management Group (international)

|Based on the eponymous video game series by Insomniac Games.

Heroes at Large2027 |2027

|Chris Jenkins

| Chris Jenkins

| TBA

| TBA

| GFM Animation

Kartoon Studios

|{{cite web |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=GFM Animation & Kartoon Studios Unmask First Animated Features in Stan Lee Universe Slate |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/02/gfm-animation-kartoon-studios-unmask-first-animated-features-in-stan-lee-universe-slate/ |website=Animation Magazine |access-date=February 11, 2025}}

Silver Sentinel

|2027

|Todd Edwards

Timothy Hooten

|Todd Edwards

Timothy Hooten

| TBA

| TBA

| GFM Animation

Kartoon Studios

| {{cite web |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=GFM Animation & Kartoon Studios Unmask First Animated Features in Stan Lee Universe Slate |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/02/gfm-animation-kartoon-studios-unmask-first-animated-features-in-stan-lee-universe-slate/ |website=Animation Magazine |access-date=February 11, 2025}}

Television:

class="wikitable sortable"
Title

! Release Date

! Notes

colspan="3" | as Mainframe Entertainment
Scary Godmother: Halloween SpooktakularOctober 26, 2003
Hot Wheels: AcceleRacers – IgnitionJanuary 8, 2005
Hot Wheels: AcceleRacers – The Speed of SilenceMarch 19, 2005
Hot Wheels: AcceleRacers – Breaking PointJune 25, 2005
Hot Wheels: AcceleRacers – The Ultimate RaceOctober 1, 2005
Scary Godmother: The Revenge of JimmyOctober 25, 2005
colspan="3" | as Rainmaker Studios
Barbie: Dolphin MagicSeptember 17, 2017Debuted on YTV in Canada before its release in the United States on Netflix a day later. The only "Barbie" film under the Rainmaker Studios banner.
Elliot the Littlest ReindeerNovember 30, 2018Produced in collaboration with Awesometown Entertainment.
colspan="3"| as Mainframe Studios
Barbie: Princess AdventureSeptember 1, 2020Released on Netflix
The first film under the unified Mainframe Studios name.
Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost BirthdayApril 16, 2021rowspan="3" | Released on Netflix
Barbie: Big City, Big DreamsSeptember 1, 2021
Barbie: Mermaid PowerSeptember 1, 2022
Barbie: Epic Road TripOctober 25, 2022Released on Netflix
Interactive film
Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting AdventureMarch 16, 2023Released on Netflix

Direct-to-video (DTV):

class="wikitable sortable"
Title

! Release Date

! Notes

colspan="3" | as Mainframe Entertainment
Casper's Haunted ChristmasOctober 31, 2000
Barbie in the NutcrackerOctober 23, 2001
Barbie as RapunzelOctober 1, 2002
Hot Wheels: World Race2003
Barbie of Swan LakeSeptember 30, 2003
Max Steel: Endangered Species2004
Barbie as the Princess and the PauperSeptember 28, 2004
Popeye's Voyage: The Quest for PappyNovember 9, 2004
Max Steel: Forces of Nature2005
Barbie: FairytopiaMarch 8, 2005
Inspector Gadget's Biggest Caper EverJune 17, 2005
Barbie and the Magic of PegasusSeptember 20, 2005
Max Steel: Countdown2006
Arthur's Missing Pal2006
Barbie: MermaidiaMarch 14, 2006
Tony Hawk in Boom Boom SabotageSeptember 12, 2006
Barbie in the 12 Dancing PrincessesSeptember 19, 2006
Barbie Fairytopia: Magic of the RainbowMarch 13, 2007The last film under the name of Mainframe Entertainment.
colspan="3"| as Rainmaker Animation
Barbie as the Island PrincessSeptember 18, 2007The only "Barbie" film under the name of Rainmaker Animation.
Max Steel: Dark RivalOctober 2007
colspan="3"| as Rainmaker Entertainment
Barbie: Mariposa & Her Butterfly Fairy FriendsFebruary 26, 2008First production under the "Rainmaker Entertainment" name following the merger with and the fold-up of Rainmaker Digital Effects.
Barbie & the Diamond CastleSeptember 9, 2008
Max Steel: Bio CrisisOctober 2008
Barbie in A Christmas CarolNovember 4, 2008
The Nutty ProfessorNovember 25, 2008Co-production with The Weinstein Company[https://web.archive.org/web/20070928032009/http://www.mainframe.ca/news/articles/news/060808N0.pdf Mainframe Entertainment and the Weinstein Company Team Up for CG Animated The Nutty Professor]
Max Steel vs. The Mutant Menace2009
Barbie: ThumbelinaMarch 17, 2009
Barbie and the Three MusketeersSeptember 15, 2009
Barbie in A Mermaid TaleMarch 2, 2010
Barbie: A Fashion FairytaleSeptember 14, 2010
Max Steel vs. The Toxic Legion2010
Barbie: A Fairy SecretMarch 15, 2011
Max Steel: Makino's Revenge2011
Barbie: Princess Charm SchoolSeptember 13, 2011
Barbie in A Mermaid Tale 2February 27, 2012
Barbie: The Princess and the PopstarSeptember 11, 2012
Max Steel: Monstrous Alliance2012
Barbie: Mariposa & The Fairy PrincessAugust 27, 2013
Barbie: The Pearl PrincessFebruary 15, 2014
Barbie and the Secret DoorAugust 7, 2014
Barbie in Princess PowerFebruary 26, 2015
Barbie in Rock 'N RoyalsAugust 13, 2015
Barbie: Spy SquadJanuary 15, 2016The last production under the "Mattel Playground Productions" division of Mattel before its fold-up into Mattel Creations.
Barbie and Her Sisters In A Puppy ChaseOctober 18, 2016Additional animation and post-production.
Barbie: Video Game HeroJanuary 31, 2017The last film under the "Rainmaker Entertainment" banner.

=Other credits=

  • 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (video game trailer)
  • Ghostbusters: The Video Game{{cite web|title=Work - Ghostbusters|url=http://www.rainmaker.com/work/25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208011613/http://rainmaker.com/work/25|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 8, 2009|publisher=Rainmaker|access-date=April 20, 2014}} (Pre-rendered cut scenes)
  • Ghost Hunter Dax{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • Good Boy! (CG effects){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • Harriet the Spy{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • Legion of 5[http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2b4fcee0-e3dd-4b37-8939-538776798a2e&k=38756 Vancouver Sun - Vancouver-based Rainmaker Animation strikes movie deal] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315014349/http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2b4fcee0-e3dd-4b37-8939-538776798a2e&k=38756 |date=March 15, 2009 }}
  • Luna, Chip & Inkie in The Festival of Wishes
  • The Outer Limits (1995-2001) (CG effects){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • 2003 MTV Movie Awards{{Cite web|title=Mainframe Adds Superhero Feel to 2003 MTV Movie Awards|url=https://www.awn.com/news/mainframe-adds-superhero-feel-2003-mtv-movie-awards|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Animation World Network|language=en}}
  • 2006 MTV Movie Awards{{Cite web|last=Ball|first=Ryan|date=May 24, 2006|title=Mainframe Animates MTV Movie Awards|url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/mainframe-animates-mtv-movie-awards-2/|access-date=September 29, 2020|website=Animation Magazine|language=en-US}}
  • Prototype (video game trailer){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • WET (video game trailer){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • Ratchet & Clank: Life of Pie (2021){{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-ratchet-and-clank-animated-short-is-unrelated-to-ps5s-rift-apart|title=New Ratchet and Clank Animated Short Is Unrelated to PS5's Rift Apart|first=Matt|last=Kim|date=February 12, 2021|accessdate=February 13, 2021|work=IGN}}
  • Ready2Robot (web-series){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
  • Stargate SG-1 (1997-2007) (CG effects){{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

See also

References

{{Reflist}}