Mainframe Studios and Cookbook Media partner to launch a business development engine, driving franchise growth across Mainframe’s original and work-for-hire IP.
Under the partnership, Cookbook Media will work alongside Mainframe Studios to drive new business development, secure strategic production partnerships, expand global distribution, and broaden licensing & merchandising capabilities. The two companies will collaborate on comprehensive creative and commercial reviews of original projects to ensure alignment with audience demand, platform priorities, and long-term franchise potential.
Cookbook will work with Mainframe to package and pitch the studio’s development slate to secure greenlights through commissioning, co-productions, pre-sales, and innovative financing structures, while simultaneously maximizing the value of Mainframe’s existing content library by unlocking new revenue streams across linear, digital, and consumer-facing platforms. The companies will also develop strategic brand collaborations, global consumer products programs, publishing initiatives, and live and experiential extensions, alongside digital-first strategies spanning YouTube, social platforms, and narrative-driven gaming.
Among the projects Mainframe Studios and Cookbook Media will focus on include The Immortals & The Shadow Realm, the recently announced original CG-animated series created by Mainframe President and CCO Michael Hefferon that blends K-Pop Demon Hunters–style energy with the painterly richness of Arcane and a bold anime edge, as well as the horror-comedy Ghost Town, in development with creators Josh Saltzman and Evan Thaler Hickey.
Hefferon, stated:
“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. 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,” said Claudia Scott-Hansen and Rob Bencal, Co-Founders of Cookbook Media. “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.“
