M ainframe Studios has hired Elyot Waller as SVP of business affairs and general counsel.

Prior to joining the Wow! Unlimited Media-owned animation studio, Waller was senior counsel to Vancouver-based MEP Business (2017-2021), where he practised entirely in the area of entertainment and media law.

Waller, who also specializes in licensing, merchandising and trademark law, will lead the business affairs team as Mainframe Studios looks to expand the scope of its original properties.

“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,” said chief creative officer and president, Michael Hefferon, in a statement.

In previous role, Waller has served as senior counsel at WildBrain (2015-2016) and VP and general counsel at Nerd Corps Entertainment. He is an active advocate for the animation sector, both in B.C. and across Canada, and is a past executive member of the BC Branch Council of the CMPA and a past member of the board of directors of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of BC.

Recent projects worked on by Mainframe Studios include Barbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday, Octonauts & the Ring of Fire (pictured), Ratchet & Clank: Life of Pie, Madagascar: A Little Wild and Spy Kids: Mission Critical.