Category: Press Release

Preschool Series Promotes Early Literacy Skills that Empower Young Audiences to Navigate their World

Arlington, VA, January 22, 2025 – Today PBS KIDS announced PHOEBE & JAY, a new animated series for children ages 3-5. The series is designed to support early literacy skills for preschoolers by showcasing the various kinds of texts they see in their everyday lives—from signs and posters to labels and movie tickets—helping them understand, navigate, and participate in the world around them. Created by Genie Deez and Thy Than, the series is produced by Phoebe & Jay Productions and Mainframe Studios (SUPER KITTIES, COCOMELON, OCTONAUTS). PHOEBE & JAY will premiere on PBS KIDS in Fall 2025.

“PHOEBE & JAY beautifully blends fun and learning by introducing young viewers to the importance of everyday problem solving, literacy, and life skills in a way that’s relatable and engaging,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We’re excited to bring this series and its endearing stories that celebrate family, community, and the power of literacy to families across the U.S.”

PHOEBE & JAY follows the adventures of 6-year-old fraternal twins Phoebe and Jay Yarber, who live with their family in the fantastical Tobsy Towers. At the heart of PHOEBE & JAY is a foundational literacy curriculum highlighting the importance of developing preschoolers’ functional literacy and skills, empowering them to use and create functional texts in the world around them to tackle challenges and accomplish tasks in their everyday lives. From using a flyer to help a neighbor find a lost pet, to reading clothing labels to find the right size shirt, Phoebe & Jay model for young viewers how they, too, can use everyday texts to navigate their daily activities, develop important life skills, and communicate with others in their family and community.

PHOEBE & JAY depicts the experiences and learning opportunities found in Tobsy Towers, where the curiously charismatic twins, Phoebe and Jay, are being raised by their ever-optimistic dad, Pete, with the support of their no-nonsense Grandma Annie after the loss of their mom. Tobsy Towers is inspired by old grand hotels that have been converted into affordable apartment housing and serve as a unique setting for many of the literacy-based stories for the tight-knit Yarber family. For example, in one episode the twins find old reel-to-reel recordings left behind by Tobsy, the architect of Tobsy Towers, and decide to create labels to sort the records they found.

“The opportunity to help teach kids at home how to navigate life’s challenges with humor and positivity through a foundational literacy curriculum has been and continues to be an amazing adventure and gift,” says co-creator Genie Deez. “Growing up in a low-income environment, we didn’t see too many Black kids who spoke or looked like us on television, and we’re excited to feature an awesome cast of characters dealing with similar environmental influences. I was also inspired by my own Grandma Annie, who helped raise me and my brother.”

“We’re so excited to bring this series to audiences across the country with PBS KIDS.” said co-creator Thy Than. “The inspiration for our stories comes from our lived experience, and they embody the belief that ‘things don’t have to be the best, to make the best of things.’.”

Funding for PHOEBE & JAY was provided by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and a grant from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Ready To Learn Initiative, a federal program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted to preschool and early elementary school children and their families.

“PHOEBE & JAY builds young children’s essential literacy skills,” said Debra Tica Sanchez, CPB senior vice president, educational media and learning experiences. “By highlighting the importance of functional texts in everyday life, this show helps children from a very young age understand just how fundamental reading is.”

PHOEBE & JAY is created and Executive Produced by Genie Deez and Thy Than and is produced by Phoebe & Jay Productions and Mainframe Studios. Tanya Green is Supervising Producer. Thy Than is Supervising Director. Mike Alcock and Mark Sinclair are series co-directors. Aydrea Walden is Head Writer. Executive Producers for Mainframe are Michael Hefferon and Kim Dent Wilder. Additional Executive Producers are Wendy Klein and Nancy Steingard.

Advisors for the series include Lead Curriculum Advisor, Kelly Cartwright, PhD, Spangler Distinguished Professor of Early Child Literacy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Dr. Geraldine Oades-Sese, Ph.D, licensed psychologist, children’s book author, and former Adjunct Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Tim Ojetunde, MEd, educator from South LA, Culture Specialist; and Cathy Tran, PhD, Writer’s Room Curriculum Consultant.

About PBS KIDS 
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.

About Phoebe & Jay Productions
Phoebe & Jay Productions is a Los Angeles based media company that specializes in authentic, educational, and story-driven media. Formed in 2021, the founders Genie Deez and Thy Than bring a breadth of experience from various fields including music production, live-action, animation, television, feature film, interactive and education. Their mission is to create characters and stories that celebrate the lived experiences of underrepresented groups and to advance diversity both on-screen and behind the scenes as well.

About Mainframe Studios
Since 1993, Vancouver based Mainframe Studios has been a leader in animation, producing creative, ground-breaking animated content. Mainframe has produced 1,000+ television episodes and 70+ long form projects, including two original theatrical feature films. The studio harnesses the creative power of its global talent base along with the latest innovative technology in CG, 2D and Unreal, to create top-tier animated productions for broadcasters, clients, and partners.

About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation authorized by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,500 locally managed and operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit cpb.org, follow us on Twitter @CPBmedia, Facebook and LinkedIn and subscribe for other updates.

About The Ready To Learn Initiative
The Ready To Learn Initiative is a cooperative agreement funded and managed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). It supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted to preschool and early elementary school children and their families. Its general goal is to promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching children living in low-income households. In addition to creating television and other media products, the program supports activities intended to promote national distribution of the programming, effective educational uses of the programming, community-based outreach and research on educational effectiveness.

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Contacts:
Lubna Abuulbah, PBS; 703-739-8463; pbskidspr@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Gabrielle Torello, Grand Communications; 917-312-2832; gab@grandcommunications.com

The contents of this document were developed under grants from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education and/or the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. The project is funded by a Ready To Learn grant [PR/Award No. S295A200004, CFDA No. 84.295A] provided by the Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DRL-2005975) to WGBH Educational Foundation.

Vancouver, Canada (July 22, 2021) – Mainframe Studios, (a division of WOW! Unlimited Media Inc.), welcomes Elyot Waller as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs & General Counsel.  His appointment is a hallmark of the studio’s exceptional growth and scope of projects and original properties. With an extensive career in entertainment and media law, Elyot Waller joins the award-winning animation studio to lead the outstanding business affairs team.  

As an expert in entertainment and media law,  licensing, merchandising and trade-mark law, Waller has been recognized on multiple occasions as among the leading entertainment lawyers in Canada by Lexpert. 

“From Mainframe’s storied past pioneering 3D animation, to its ground-breaking projects for some of the biggest names in media today, Mainframe has always been an industry leader. I’m drawn to their commitment to excellence, whether in storytelling and design, production and technology,” says Elyot Waller. 

Chief Creative Officer and President, Michael Hefferon says, “With Mainframe’s four major original properties in the last four years and a growing pipeline, Elyot’s strong grounding in intellectual property, media and entertainment law will help drive the Company to the next level, expanding our spheres of influence in animation and scope of projects. We’re thrilled to have Elyot on the team.”
Prior to joining Mainframe, Elyot Waller held positions with leading companies and law firms, including, executive positions with animation studios and most recently as Senior Counsel to MEP Business Counsel.  He has been active over the last ten years as an advocate on behalf of the animation industry in British Columbia and across Canada. Waller is a past executive member of the BC Branch Council of the CMPA, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC, and a former member of the Board of Directors of DigiBC. Elyot Waller was called to the bar of Ontario in 2002 and to the bar of BC in 2006.

About Mainframe Studios

Since 1993, Mainframe Studios has been a leader in the field of animation, producing creative, ground-breaking content for some of the world’s biggest branded properties and studios. Mainframe has produced 1,200+ episodes, 70+ movies and three feature films. The studio harnesses the creative power of its global talent base, along with the latest innovative technology, to create top-tier animated productions for broadcasters, clients and partners. Recent projects include Madagascar: A Little Wild for DreamWorks Animation, Octonauts specials, along with Knowledge Network special Luna, Chip & Inkie: The Festival of Wishes, Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and the Netflix Original Series Spy Kids: Mission Critical.

Media Contact: 
Colleen Kirk 
1-310-251-0030
colleen@kirkgroupmedia.com 
Kirk Group Media

Vancouver, Canada (March 24th, 2021) – Mainframe Studios, a division of WOW! Unlimited Media expands the diversity of its content with a dedicated 2D Pipeline. The award-winning CG animation studio is elevating its creative roster with a newly appointed team of 2D animation storytellers.

Already a leader in the 3D animation space, Mainframe’s constant drive to innovate has resulted in shows that incorporate live action and Epic’s real-time Unreal engine. Branching into 2D production furthers the studio’s range of creative approach for both original IP and service projects.

Mainframe’s original IP The Guava Juice Show, a YouTube Originals, is the studio’s first 2D animation series out of the gate and is slated to be released in late 2021.

Chief Creative Officer Michael Hefferon says, “Creativity is the key driver in everything we do and our ability to expand our storytelling with our 2D animation pipeline allows Mainframe Studios to push new creative and technical boundaries to produce outstanding content.”

Mainframe has appointed a new Director of 2D Production, Jennifer Bradley, to oversee the studio’s 2D portfolio. Bradley was formerly the Director of Production at Brown Bag Films (a 9 Story Media Company), and will report to VP of Production Greg De Winter.

Jennifer Bradley says, “I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for animation to expand the studio’s 2D opportunities in both IP and service productions. It’s an amazing time to join Mainframe and be part of the studio’s evolution.”

About Mainframe Studios

Since 1993, Mainframe Studios has been a leader in the field of animation, producing creative, ground-breaking content for some of the world’s biggest branded properties and studios. Mainframe has produced 1,200+ episodes, 70+ movies and three feature films. The studio harnesses the creative power of its global talent base, along with the latest innovative technology, to create top-tier animated productions for broadcasters, clients and partners. Recent projects include Madagascar: A Little Wild for DreamWorks Animation, Octonauts specials, along with Knowledge Network special Luna, Chip & Inkie: The Festival of Wishes, Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and the Netflix Original Series Spy Kids: Mission Critical.

About WOW! Unlimited Media

WOW! is a leading animation-focused entertainment company producing top-end content and building brands and audiences on engaging media platforms. The Company produces animation in its two established studios: Mainframe Studios in Vancouver and Frederator Studios in Los Angeles. The Company’s media offerings include Channel Frederator Network on YouTube, as well as WOW! branded programming on Crave, Canada’s premier streaming entertainment platform, owned by Bell Media. The Voting Shares are listed on the TSXV (TSXV: WOW) and the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: WOWMF).

Kim Dent Wilder Promoted to Executive Vice President

Vancouver, Canada (March 2^nd 2021) – Mainframe Studios, a division of WOW! Unlimited Media, is thrilled to announce the promotion of Kim Dent Wilder to Executive Vice President. The newly created position recognizes Kim’s role in the continued growth of the studio and her role overseeing all of Mainframe’s productions.

“Kim and I have an incredible partnership, she is the yin to my yang when it comes to leadership and mentorship,” says Michael Hefferon, President and CCO of Mainframe Studios. “Kim and I both came on board around the same time, sharing the same vision for Mainframe’s expansion and diversification across Canada.”

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Dent Wilder has played a key role in the substantial growth of Mainframe’s film and television operations while nurturing the company’s creative artistry. She excels at identifying new talent and building teams.

Dent Wilder says, “I’m so proud to be a part of this progressive and innovative team who recognize that great art comes from taking care of the people who make it.  My objective is to see and hear our artists and work with our leaders to build diverse and talented teams to create exciting new content.  We think of ourselves as a startup with a 20+ year history – we continue to evolve each and every day.”

Kim Dent Wilder’s high-profile animation series and movies at Mainframe include Madagascar: A Little Wild (Dreamworks), which recently won a Kidscreen Award for Best New Series, The Octonauts Specials and series (Silvergate), Barbie Dreamhouse series (Mattel), Spy Kids (TWC/Netflix), Bob the Builder (Mattel), ReBoot: The Guardian Code (Netflix), more than twenty DVD features in the direct-to-DVD Barbie series (Mattel) and two internationally released feature films, Escape from Planet Earth and Ratchet and Clank. Prior to her recent promotion, Kim Dent Wilder served as Senior Vice President of Production and Operations of Mainframe Studios.

About Mainframe Studios

Since 1993, Mainframe Studios has been a leader in the field of animation, producing creative, ground-breaking content for some of the world’s biggest branded properties and studios. Mainframe has produced 1,200+ episodes, 70+ movies and three feature films. The studio harnesses the creative power of its global talent base, along with the latest innovative technology, to create top-tier animated productions for broadcasters, clients and partners. Recent projects include Madagascar: A Little Wild for DreamWorks Animation, Octonauts specials, along with Knowledge Network special Luna, Chip & Inkie: The Festival of Wishes, Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and the Netflix Original Series Spy Kids: Mission Critical.

About WOW!

WOW! is creating a leading animation-focused entertainment company by producing top-end content and building brands and audiences on engaging media platforms. The Company produces animation in its two established studios: Mainframe Studios in Vancouver and Frederator Studios in Los Angeles. The Company’s media offerings include Channel Frederator Network on YouTube, as well as WOW! branded programming on Crave, Canada’s premier streaming entertainment platform, owned by Bell Media. The Voting Shares are listed on the TSXV (TSXV: WOW) and the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: WOWMF).

Industry Leader Tanya Green Joins the Team as Head of Preschool

(Vancouver, BC, July 22, 2020) – Mainframe Studios (A Division of Wow! Unlimited Media) is thrilled to announce the hire of industry leader Tanya Green for the newly created role of Head of Preschool. Tanya will oversee all new preschool content, including new IP, co-productions, and partnerships with creators globally to build out the studio’s preschool slate. “Bringing on Tanya as the Head of Preschool marks an exciting push in building Mainframe’s preschool slate as part of our overall expansion of original IP productions,” said Michael Hefferon, President and CCO of Mainframe Studios. “Tanya’s unmatched experience, creative spirit, and collaborative nature with talent is key for the studio’s drive to produce extraordinary and innovative preschool content for kids.” Tanya will work alongside Gregory Little, Mainframe’s SVP, Content who oversees the company’s content slate for non-preschool kids and family audiences. Tanya Green is an Emmy and CSA Award winning producer with over fifteen years of animation production experience. She joins Mainframe Studios from Sinking Ship Entertainment, where she served as the company’s first-ever Head of Animation. Before Sinking Ship, Tanya established her career with 9 Story’s Brown Bag Films, where as VP of Production, she oversaw, managed, and produced hundreds of hours of Emmy award-winning animated television, including; Emmy Award winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Emmy Award winning Peg + Cat, Luna Around the World, Magic School Bus Rides Again and Wild Kratts.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Tanya join our team!” said Kim Dent Wilder, SVP, Production and Operations of Mainframe Studios. “Tanya is the perfect complement to our leadership team, bringing with her years of creative and production experience in both 2d and 3d animation.”

“I am so thrilled to be part of the talented team at Mainframe,” said Tanya Green. “I’ve
built my career on creating and maintaining strong relationships and working with
incredible partners to bring their stories to life. I can’t wait for the preschool adventures to start!” Tanya will be based in Toronto working closely with Mainframe’s Vancouver team.

About Mainframe Studios

Founded in 1993, Mainframe created the first fully-CG TV series, ReBoot, and has since produced more than 1,000 half-hours of TV, over 60 feature-length projects and two feature films.
Recent projects include the upcoming Madagascar: A Little Wild for DreamWorks Animation, Octonauts specials, and Made By Maddie series for Silvergate Media, along with Knowledge Network special Luna, Chip & Inkie: The Festival of Wishes, Mattel’s Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures, and the Netflix Original Series Spy Kids: Mission Critical and ReBoot: The Guardian Code. Learn more at www.mainframe.ca

Media Contact:
Colleen Kirk, Kirk Group Media
310 251 0030
colleen@kirkgroupmedia.com

Vancouver, March 16, 2020 – As a return to their roots, MAINFRAME STUDIOS (A Division of Wow! Unlimited Media) announces Rainmaker Studios will be consolidated under the Mainframe Studio header going forward. Originally founded as Mainframe Entertainment, the studio operated as Rainmaker Entertainment for over a decade.

Brief History

Founded in 1993, Mainframe created the very first fully-CG TV series, ReBoot. Since then, they’ve produced more than 1000 half-hours of TV, over 60 feature-length projects, and two theatrical feature films. Since 2014, the company produced television series under the Mainframe brand and long-form projects under the Rainmaker brand. The consolidation under the Mainframe Studios name adds clarity to their core business and pays tribute to the legacy brand Mainframe Entertainment created.

Looking to the Future

“This rebrand allows us to really solidify the shift that we’ve had in the last few years from being a mostly service-oriented company to one that is heavily involved in all aspects of the creative process”, said Mainframe President and CCO Michael Hefferon. “We’ve been pushing the boundaries both creatively and technologically, and this is evident in the diverse, innovative projects we’re producing with our amazing partners.”

For more information contact us:

info@mainframe.ca
200-2025 West Broadway
Canada, BC  V6J 1Z6
Phone: (604) 714-2600

NELVANA AND WOW! UNLIMITED MEDIA’S MAINFRAME STUDIOS REIMAGINE 90’S CULT CLASSIC WITH NEW SERIES REBOOT: THE GUARDIAN CODE

Series Set to Debut Worldwide March 30

Toronto, February 21, 2018 – Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana is excited to announce that the hybrid live-action/CG animated hybrid ReBoot: The Guardian Code will premiere as a Netflix original series worldwide excluding Canada on March 30 and exclusively on YTV in Canada in June. Created by Michael Hefferon, the reimagined version of the 1994 animated classic ReBoot is the first television series to feature awe-inspiring animation built in the Unreal game engine with 4K resolution. The engaging series is distributed by Nelvana and produced by Mainframe Studios, a division of WOW! Unlimited Media. Nelvana will also represent the series for global licensing and merchandising.  

“We’re proud to work with the talented team at Mainframe on the distribution of this cutting-edge new series,” said Pam Westman, Head, Nelvana Enterprises. “The contemporary storylines and state-of-the-art technologies of Reboot: The Guardian Code will create an awe-inspiring experience for a new generation of viewers all over the world.”  “The innovative approach used in creating ReBoot: The Guardian Code utilizing the Unreal game engine delivers a truly unique and engaging 360-degree experience for kids,” said creator Michael Hefferon. “We are delighted to work with Nelvana to bring the show to audiences everywhere”.  

Netflix’s ReBoot: The Guardian Code is a thrilling hybrid live-action/CG-animated original series following the journey of four teenagers, Austin, Parker, Tamra, and Trey. On their first day at Alan Turing High, these unsuspecting teens discover they’ve been preselected to become the Next-Generation Guardians of Cyberspace with a mission to save the world – by defending it in cyberspace. With the help of VERA, ReBoot’s heroes digitize into cyberspace where they use their code-based powers to combat viruses unleashed by a merciless hacker. Known only as ‘Sourcerer’, this devious hacker seeks to rule the world by controlling cyberspace, and it’s up to the Guardians to stop him.  

ReBoot: The Guardian Code was inspired by the original ReBoot series that premiered on Corus’ kids channel YTV in 1994 and aired until 2001.  

About Nelvana  

Nelvana is Canada’s premier animation company and a world-leading producer and distributor of children’s content. Nelvana has delighted audiences around the globe for more than 40 years like Babar and Franklin. Nelvana’s content is distributed in more than 160 countries worldwide and broadcast across Corus Entertainment’s suite of leading kids networks. Nelvana Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of Nelvana, manages the organization’s portfolio of in-house and third-party brands with offices in Toronto and Paris. Nelvana Studio, with offices in Toronto and Montreal, employs more than 300 Canadian artists working with local and international producers to create premium children’s content for a global stage. For more information, visit www.nelvana.com.   

Follow Nelvana Enterprises on Twitter @NelvanaEnt 

About Mainframe Studios  

Mainframe Studios produced the first-ever CG animated series ReBoot in 1994. The studio, along with the company’s feature division, Rainmaker Studios, has produced over 700 half hours of television and 60 + movies, working with global partners in helping to realize some of the biggest branded entertainment. Working with top global talent, the studio utilizes the latest technology in driving innovation to the creative content it produces for key broadcasters, home entertainment, and interactive companies from around the world. Based in Vancouver, Mainframe Studios is a division of WOW! Unlimited Media, a publicly-traded entertainment company with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, New York, and Los Angeles.

Visit Mainframe at www.mainframe.ca   

Media Contact:
ChizComm Ltd. | www.chizcomm.com on behalf of Nelvana.
Kelly French | 416.551.0822 x 346 | kfrench@chizcomm.com 

Laura Berkenblit, Senior Publicist, Nelvana
416.860.4225; laura.berkenblit@corusent.com

Michelle McTeague, Publicity Manager, Nelvana
416.966.7724; michelle.mcteague@corusent.com 

Media Contact for Mainframe Studios: The Kirk Group
Colleen Kirk / 310.251.0030 / colleen@thekirkgroup.net

Rainmaker Announces Closing of $11 Million Underwritten Private Placement Offering and Provides Update on Previously Announced Business Combination with Frederator Networks and Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment

Vancouver, British Columbia, November 16, 2016 – Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. (“Rainmaker” or the “Company”) (TSX Venture: RNK) announces that today it closed its previously announced underwritten private placement offering (the “Offering”) of subscription receipts (the “Subscription Receipts”) through a syndicate of underwriters led by Cormark Securities Inc. (the “Lead Underwriter”) and including Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively, the “Underwriters”). The Offering was completed in connection with the previously announced business combination (the “Transaction”) with Broadway Frederator Networks, Inc., Frederator Allied Media, Inc. and Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment Inc.

Pursuant to the Offering, the Company issued 61,112,000 Subscription Receipts at a price of $0.18 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds of $11,000,160.  The gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts less a portion of the Underwriters’ cash commission (the “Escrowed Proceeds”) have been deposited with Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in its capacity as escrow agent, pending satisfaction of all escrow release conditions, which include the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to completing the Transaction (the “Release Conditions”).  The Offering remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, for no additional consideration and without further action, one common share of the Company (a “Common Share”) (prior to completing the Consolidation (defined below)) upon satisfaction of the Release Conditions. If (i) the Release Conditions are not satisfied on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver Time) on February 16, 2017 (the “Release Deadline”), or (ii) the Company advises the Underwriters and the subscription receipt agent, or announces to the public by way of a news release, that it does not intend to proceed with the Transaction, holders of Subscription Receipts will be entitled to receive the gross amount of the purchase price of their Subscription Receipts.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for growth initiatives including future acquisitions as well as general working capital purposes.

The Underwriters are entitled to a commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds, which may be partially satisfied by the issue of Subscription Receipts, and are entitled to compensation options equal to 6.0% of the number of securities issued pursuant to the Offering at the issue price. A reduced commission of 3.0% and compensation options of 3.0% will be payable to the Underwriters with respect to any securities issued and sold to persons identified on the Company’s President’s List.

Transaction Update

As previously announced, in conjunction with the completion of the Transaction, the Company intends to change its name to WOW! Unlimited Media Inc., reconstitute its board of directors, implement a 10:1 share consolidation (the “Consolidation”), reorganize its capital structure to meet Broadcasting Act (Canada) requirements regarding Canadian control and restructure its outstanding convertible debentures.  The Company has scheduled its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the “AGM”) for December 12, 2016, to approve, among other things, the matters associated with the Transaction.

In addition, the Company has also scheduled a meeting for December 12, 2016 of the holders of its 8% convertible subordinated debentures to vote on certain amendments to the convertible debentures that are conditions precedent to completion of the Transaction.  It is proposed that the convertible debentures will be amended (i) to provide that they will mature on the business day immediately preceding the closing date of the Transaction and (ii) the principal amount and all accrued interest owing pursuant to each outstanding convertible debenture shall be repaid by the Company immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction through the payment to each holder thereof of a cash payment equal to not more than twenty percent (20%) of the principal amount of the convertible debentures held by such holder and the conversion of the remainder of the principal amount and accrued interest owing to such holder into pre-consolidation Common Shares at a conversion price of $0.18 per share. Such cash redemptions will be funded with existing cash and excess working capital.

In respect of the foregoing approvals being sought by the Company, a management information circular has been mailed to the Company’s shareholders and the holders of the convertible debentures.

Each of the directors and executive officers of the Corporation together with certain other security holders have entered into binding agreements to vote approximately sixty-three percent (63%) of the outstanding Common Shares FOR each of the matters to be approved by shareholders and to vote approximately eighty percent (80%) of the principal amount of the outstanding convertible debentures FOR the proposed amendments to the convertible debenture.

Board Nominations

The Company has nominated six individuals to be elected to the board of directors at the AGM.  In addition to the previously announced nominees, being Michael Hirsh, Bob Ezrin, Craig Graham and Fred Seibert, the Company has also nominated Marc Bertrand and Kirstine Stewart, two individuals with broad entertainment industry experience.

Marc Bertrand– Mr. Bertrand previously served as President and CEO of MEGA Brands, a worldwide industry leader in construction toys and arts and craft brands. MEGA Brands was recognized worldwide for its organizational innovation complemented by strategic licenses with many iconic entertainment franchises, including Disney, Nickelodeon, and Marvel.  In 2014, with sales in 100 international markets and a presence in 15 countries, MEGA Brands was sold to Mattel for over $500 million.  

Kirstine Stewart– Ms. Stewart joined Diply, a lifestyle and entertainment media company launched in 2013, in September 2016 as the Chief Strategy Officer.  Previously, as VP Media for Twitter North America, Ms. Stewart oversaw the social network’s media activities across the United States and Canada and its partnerships in television, sports, gaming, talent, music, fashion, news, and government.  Prior to that role, Ms. Stewart held a senior role within the Canadian television industry, serving as an Executive Vice President with the CBC.  Ms. Stewart was also a member of the 2016 NBA All-Star Game Steering Committee and an Ambassador for the 2015 Women’s World Cup.  In addition, Ms. Stewart serves as a board member for The DMZ Ryerson University and a board member for theScore Inc., listed on the TSX Venture.

About Rainmaker

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. is a multifaceted animation studio and one of Canada’s largest producers of CG animation. Rainmaker’s first feature film, Escape From Planet Earth (distributed by The Weinstein Company), opened on 3,200 screens across North America. Originally established as Mainframe Entertainment, the company produced the first-ever CG animation series, ReBoot, and over the course of its 15+ years of innovative history, Rainmaker has continued to break new ground in animation, telling engaging stories and creating compelling characters for all media. In addition to projects Rainmaker has produced with partners and clients including Mattel, The Weinstein Company, Hasbro, Lionsgate, and Sony, Rainmaker also develops proprietary projects. In Fall 2013, the company announced its plans to develop a new version of its iconic CG-animated ReBoot series and in April 2014, the company began production for HIT Entertainment of 104 10-minute episodes of the new CG-animated Bob the Builder series.

About Frederator Networks

Frederator operates Frederator Studios and Frederator Networks. Frederator Studios makes cartoons for television, movies and the internet and was founded by serial media entrepreneur and former Hanna-Barbera president Fred Seibert in 1998 as a unique incubator for big animation ideas by producing original cartoons. More than 250 short films have resulted in 16 hit series, including Butch Hartman’s The Fairly OddParents on Nickelodeon and Pendleton Ward’s Adventure Time on Cartoon Network. Frederator Networks manages the Channel Frederator Network, the world’s largest animation-only multi-channel network on YouTube; has a joint venture (with Anima Estudios, Mexico) in Atomo Networks, the world’s first Hispanic animation multi-channel network; and programs online channels such as Channel Frederator and Cartoon Hangover. The channels feature the hit series Bravest Warriors created by Pendleton Ward, Natasha Allegri’s Bee and PuppyCat, (second most funded animationonKickstarter), the factual series 107 Facts, as well as many new shorts from the world’s future animation superstars. Frederator has offices in Burbank, CA and New York, NY. 

About Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment

Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment is a developer of global entertainment and media properties. The company was founded by Michael Hirsh and Bob Ezrin, internationally renowned and award-winning producers and entrepreneurs. Subsequent partners include seasoned media executives Neil Chakravarti and Christian Davin. The Ezrin Hirsh Entertainment team are united by a common vision to develop the next-generation global kids and youth entertainment company based out of Canada.

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This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may any securities referred to herein be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder.  The securities referred to herein have not been registered pursuant to the Securities Act and there is no intention to register any of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking statements”, and “forward-looking information” under applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, (i) statements regarding the anticipated closing of the Transaction, and (ii) the proposed use of proceeds from the Offering. The words “may”, “would”, “could”, “will”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, and similar expressions are often used to identify forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific. In evaluating these statements, readers should specifically consider risks which may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the possibility that the Transaction may not be completed. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based upon certain assumptions considered reasonable at the time they were prepared. Such assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding: (i) general economic conditions, (ii) Rainmaker’s future business prospects and opportunities, (iii) Rainmaker’s ability to complete any or all of its proposed production work, and (iv) the completion of the Transaction. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties identified herein materialize, or should the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove to be incorrect, then actual results may vary materially from those described herein. In respect of Rainmaker’s business generally, readers should also refer to Forward-looking Statements in the Management Discussion & Analysis for the second quarter of 2015. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable securities laws, Rainmaker does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein.

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