What Does Mainframe Studios Do?

Total employees350
HeadquartersVancouver
Founded1993

Mainframe Studios is a renowned Canadian animation studio based in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating as a key division of Kartoon Studios (following its acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media Inc.). Originally founded as Mainframe Entertainment in 1993, it has a rich history in producing pioneering computer-animated television series, such as ReBoot, Beast Wars, and numerous Barbie features. Today, Mainframe Studios continues to be a significant player in the animation industry, creating high-quality content for major streaming platforms (like Netflix, Disney+), broadcasters, and toy companies worldwide, leveraging decades of experience in CGI production and compelling storytelling.

Where Is Mainframe Studios's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Primary animation production facility, housing creative and technical teams, advanced technology infrastructure, and studio management for developing and producing a wide range of animated content, from TV series to movies.

Notable Features:

State-of-the-art animation and CGI production pipelines, potentially including motion capture capabilities (a hallmark of its early innovation), and collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and technical excellence among its artists and production staff.

Work Culture:

A dynamic, creative, and collaborative environment focused on innovation in animation and storytelling. The culture emphasizes teamwork, artistic and technical skill, and adapting to new technologies within the fast-paced global entertainment industry. It draws talent passionate about creating engaging animated content for diverse audiences.

HQ Significance:

Vancouver's status as a major center for animation provides Mainframe Studios with access to a deep talent pool, robust industry networks, supportive government tax incentives, and a strong technological infrastructure. This location is crucial for its production capabilities and international competitiveness.

Values Reflected in HQ: Creativity, technological leadership in animation, commitment to quality, collaborative production processes, and a legacy of innovation in digital entertainment.

Location:

While its primary animation production is centralized in Vancouver, Canada, Mainframe Studios' impact is global. Its animated content, including series and films, is distributed internationally via major streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+), traditional broadcasters, and other entertainment platforms. The studio frequently collaborates with international clients, intellectual property holders, and creative talent from around the world. Its productions reach audiences in numerous countries and languages, supported by the global distribution networks of its partners and parent company, Kartoon Studios.

Street Address:

50 W 2nd Ave

City:

Vancouver

State/Province:

British Columbia

Country:

Canada

Where Else Does Mainframe Studios Operate Around the World?

Toronto, Ontario/Canada

Address: WOW! Unlimited Media Inc. (Parent Company pre-Kartoon Studios), 207 Adelaide St E Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5A 1M8, Canada (Note: Kartoon Studios, the current ultimate parent, is US-based)

Previously, it was the central hub for WOW! Unlimited Media's group operations, investor relations, and content strategy. Post-acquisition by Kartoon Studios, strategic oversight is now primarily from Kartoon Studios' US headquarters.

Buying Intent Signals for Mainframe Studios

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Mainframe Studios? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Mainframe Studios' leadership includes:

Michael Hefferon - President and Chief Creative Officer
Kimberly Dennison - SVP, Production

Who's Investing in Mainframe Studios?

Mainframe Studios has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Kartoon Studios (NASDAQ: TOON) (formerly Genius Brands International) - Current Parent Company

What Leadership Changes Has Mainframe Studios Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Specific public announcements detailing executive hires or exits exclusively for Mainframe Studios in the immediate last 12 months are limited. Key leadership roles within Mainframe appear stable. Significant changes at this level would typically be communicated by the parent company, Kartoon Studios, as part of broader corporate updates.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byMainframe Studios?

Discover the tools Mainframe Studios uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Mainframe Studios Email Formats and Examples

Mainframe Studios, as part of Kartoon Studios (formerly WOW! Unlimited Media), likely uses email formats consistent with its parent company's structure or maintains its own established format. Common professional email patterns include combinations of first name, last name, and initials.

Likely formats include [first_initial][last]@mainframestudios.com (e.g., jdoe@mainframestudios.com) or [first].[last]@mainframestudios.com (e.g., jane.doe@mainframestudios.com). The domain may also align with the parent company, @kartoonstudios.com, for some communications.

Format

mhefferon@mainframestudios.com

Example

75%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Mainframe Studios?

Animation MagazineOctober 26, 2023

Mainframe Studios' 'Octonauts: Above & Beyond' S3 and 'The Case-Files of Agent 203' Launch on Netflix

Netflix released the third season of 'Octonauts: Above & Beyond' and the new series 'The Case-Files of Agent 203,' both animated by Mainframe Studios. This highlights their ongoing production relationship with global streaming giants and their capability to deliver popular children's programming....more

Animation MagazineJune 13, 2023

Mainframe Studios Animates Spin Master's 'Unicorn Academy' Series for Netflix

Spin Master announced its new fantasy-adventure CGI animated series 'Unicorn Academy,' animated by Mainframe Studios, set for a fall premiere on Netflix. This project further solidifies Mainframe's reputation for handling major IP-driven animated productions....more

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