Vancouver-based animation studio Rainmaker Entertainment reboots the Mainframe Entertainment brand with the launch of a new TV division; two new series in development include an all-new version of the popular ReBoot franchise, and Tiger’s Apprentice, a CGI animated series based on the trilogy of young adult novels written by award-winning author Laurence Yep.
Vancouver-based animation studio Rainmaker Entertainment is rebooting the Mainframe Entertainment brand, a name celebrated for its pioneering achievements in computer-animated television, with the launch of a new division dedicated to the production of animated programming for television.
In conjunction with the reboot, the company has unveiled the first two series in development: an all-new version of the popular ReBoot franchise, and Tiger’s Apprentice, a CGI animated series based on the trilogy of young adult novels written by award-winning author Laurence Yep.
The reimagining of the venerable ReBoot series comes just in time for its20th anniversary. Making its debut on television screens in 1994, ReBoot was centered on the world of Mainframe, where a guardian program sprite and his friends defended the system from superviruses bent on creating havoc and destruction. Mainframe Entertainment will team with leading computer industry manufacturers to update the ReBoot universe and create a ground-breaking viewing experience for fans.
Mainframe has also partnered with Jane Startz, the multi- Emmy, Golden Globe and ACE Award-winning producer of Ella Enchanted, The Indian in the Cupboard, Tuck Everlasting and the acclaimed The Magic School B us. Tiger’s Apprentice, a coming of age story centered around 12-year-old Tom Lee and the Guardians of the Phoenix. Set in San Francisco, this modern-day fantasy is filled with classic Chinese lore, magic, comedy and action as Tom and the Guardians fight to protect the human race from ancient evil forces intent on its destruction. Mainframe has optioned the animation rights to Tiger’s Apprentice as part of its commitment towards bringing popular book-based children’s properties to television.
“We are excited to focus our television production activities under the Mainframe brand with an all-new version of ReBoot as well as engage with celebrated children’s programming producer Jane Startz on Tiger’s Apprentice. ReBoot is certain to be embraced by a new generation of fans while Tiger’s Apprentice will provide a bold and unique television experience for kids everywhere,” said Michael Hefferon, President and Executive Producer of Mainframe parent Rainmaker Entertainment.
Acquired from Starz Media in 2006 by then newly-established Rainmaker Entertainment, Mainframe Entertainment was responsible for an impressive production slate throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s, including several seasons of ReBoot, as well as the critically-acclaimed ‘Transformers’ spin-off Beast Wars. Mainframe credits also include Weird-Oh’s, Spider-Man, Action Man, Heavy Gear, Max Steel, Scary Godmother and Barbie.
Source: Rainmaker Entertainment
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
